Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Overwatch Mission Critical

Location: West Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Mission Critical Infrastructure

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied from responsibilities and qualifications)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and coordinate design consultants, contractors, and field teams to ensure alignment between design intent and construction execution for large-scale AI factory and mission-critical campuses.

• Drive the review and integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) processes to enhance project delivery and identify constructability challenges early.

• Manage the lifecycle of design documentation, including drawings, submittals, and change orders, ensuring adherence to project specifications and industry best practices for mission-critical infrastructure.

• Facilitate crucial constructability reviews and technical issue resolution, bridging the gap between design and field operations to mitigate risks and optimize construction efficiency.

• Support procurement activities by providing technical input and ensuring design clarity for vendor selection and material acquisition within the mission-critical sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of "Design Manager" in the context of "Overwatch Mission Critical" and "AI factory campus" strongly suggests a focus on the intersection of design, engineering, and construction execution within the specialized field of mission-critical infrastructure, particularly data centers. The responsibilities, while broad, point towards a need for someone who can translate complex technical designs into actionable construction plans, emphasizing coordination, constructability, and the efficient deployment of resources. This role is critical for ensuring that the precision and reliability demanded by the mission-critical industry are met from the initial design phases through to field implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Consultant and Contractor Management: Lead and manage all external design consultants (architects, engineers) and construction contractors, ensuring clear communication, timely delivery of services, and adherence to project scope and quality standards.

• Design Review and Coordination: Conduct thorough reviews of all design drawings, specifications, and related documentation to identify potential conflicts, errors, omissions, and deviations from project requirements.

• Change Management: Proactively manage and coordinate design changes throughout the project lifecycle, assessing their impact on scope, schedule, budget, and constructability, and ensuring proper documentation and approval processes are followed.

• Constructability and Value Engineering: Lead and facilitate constructability reviews with construction teams and stakeholders to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and cost-effective to build, identifying opportunities for value engineering.

• BIM/VDC Integration: Oversee the implementation and coordination of BIM and VDC processes, ensuring accurate model creation, clash detection, and utilization of digital tools for enhanced project visualization, planning, and execution.

• Procurement Support: Collaborate with procurement teams to provide technical expertise, review vendor submittals, and ensure that procured materials and systems align with design intent and project specifications.

• Schedule Management: Contribute to and manage project schedules, particularly focusing on design milestones, review cycles, and the timely release of information to support construction activities.

• Technical Issue Resolution: Act as a primary point of contact for resolving technical issues that arise during the design and construction phases, coordinating with relevant parties to find practical and efficient solutions.

• Submittal Process Management: Oversee the submittal process for materials, equipment, and shop drawings, ensuring timely review and approval to maintain project momentum and prevent delays.

• Field Alignment and Support: Ensure seamless alignment between design documentation and field execution, providing support to site teams, addressing on-site challenges, and facilitating communication between the design office and the construction site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Design Manager in large-scale construction projects, especially within the mission-critical sector. The emphasis on "AI factory campus" and "mission-critical infrastructure" highlights the need for a deep understanding of the unique demands of data centers, including power, cooling, security, and high-density computing environments. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and strong coordination skills to manage multiple stakeholders and complex technical requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing design processes for complex construction projects, with a significant focus on mission-critical facilities.

Required Skills:

• Architecture or Engineering Background: Solid foundational knowledge in architectural principles and/or engineering disciplines relevant to building systems.

• Design Coordination Expertise: Proven ability to manage and coordinate design efforts across various disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, IT infrastructure).

• Mission Critical Project Exposure: Hands-on experience with the unique requirements and challenges of mission-critical facilities, such as data centers, including understanding of power, cooling, redundancy, and security systems.

• Consultant and Contractor Management: Experience in managing external design consultants and construction teams, including contract oversight and performance evaluation.

• Drawing and Specification Review: Proficiency in reviewing complex architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve technical issues that arise during design and construction phases.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical information to diverse audiences, including clients, engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders.

• Project Scheduling Fundamentals: Understanding of project scheduling principles and the ability to manage design-related timelines.

Preferred Skills:

• AI/HPC Design Exposure: Familiarity with the specific design considerations for High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center environments, including high-density power and cooling solutions.

• BIM/VDC Expertise: Advanced knowledge and practical application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) technologies and workflows for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Constructability Review Experience: Demonstrated experience in leading and conducting comprehensive constructability reviews to optimize designs for efficient and cost-effective construction.

• Procurement Support: Experience in providing technical input and support for procurement processes, including material selection and vendor qualification.

• Submittal Coordination: Experience in managing and streamlining the submittal review and approval process.

• Field Alignment: Ability to bridge the gap between design and field operations, ensuring smooth execution and effective problem-solving on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design knowledge and practical construction management experience, specifically tailored to the demanding environment of mission-critical infrastructure. The preferred skills highlight a forward-thinking approach, valuing expertise in advanced technologies like BIM/VDC and the specific needs of AI/HPC facilities. This indicates the company is looking for a candidate who can not only manage current designs but also contribute to the future of data center development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Coordination Case Studies: Showcase examples of successful coordination efforts on complex projects, illustrating how you managed multiple disciplines, resolved conflicts, and ensured design integrity.

• Constructability Review Examples: Present case studies where your constructability reviews led to significant improvements in buildability, cost savings, or schedule acceleration.

• BIM/VDC Implementation Examples: Provide documentation or examples of how you've utilized BIM/VDC tools for clash detection, 4D scheduling, or improved visualization and communication in previous projects.

• Technical Issue Resolution Documentation: Include examples of complex technical problems encountered and detailed how you facilitated their resolution, demonstrating problem-solving skills and collaboration.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Highlight any processes you've implemented or improved related to design reviews, submittals, or change management that led to quantifiable efficiency gains.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to design and document efficient workflows for design review, change order processing, and submittal management, focusing on clear steps, roles, and responsibilities.

• System Implementation Standards: Show evidence of your understanding of implementing and managing design systems and software, ensuring compliance with company standards and industry best practices.

• Performance Measurement and Analysis: Include examples of how you track and report on the performance of design processes, using metrics to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. Candidates should focus on tangible examples of projects where they directly influenced design execution, improved processes, and contributed to successful project outcomes. Quantifiable results (e.g., reduced RFIs, cost savings, schedule improvements) are highly valued. The emphasis on BIM/VDC and constructability indicates these should be prominent themes in any presented case studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of active construction environments and mission-critical project timelines, occasional extended hours, weekend work, or on-call duties may be necessary to meet project deadlines and address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for similar roles in the construction management and mission-critical infrastructure sectors in the United States, adjusted for a mid-level to senior-level position. Location-specific salary data for West Virginia was also considered. The benefits listed are standard competitive offerings for experienced professionals in this industry. The mention of extended hours is a realistic expectation for on-site roles in construction, especially in high-stakes environments like mission-critical data centers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mission-Critical Infrastructure Construction, Data Centers, AI/HPC Facilities. Overwatch specializes in building and managing state-of-the-art data centers, positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly growing high-tech infrastructure sector.

Company Size: Overwatch Mission Critical is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOB). While specific employee numbers aren't provided, "small business" typically implies a team size ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred employees, fostering a potentially close-knit and agile work environment.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's focus on mission-critical infrastructure and its SDVOB status suggest a commitment to precision, reliability, and a strong sense of purpose, often associated with veteran-led organizations.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The "Design Manager" role likely sits within a broader project management or construction operations team.

• Reporting: The role will likely report to a Senior Project Manager, Director of Construction, or VP of Operations, depending on the organizational hierarchy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role necessitates extensive collaboration with project managers, field engineers, subcontractors, architects, MEP engineers, IT infrastructure specialists, safety officers, and procurement teams.

Methodology:

• Precision and Reliability: As a mission-critical infrastructure provider, the company likely emphasizes meticulous planning, execution, and quality control to ensure zero downtime for its clients' facilities.

• Agile Project Delivery: Given the fast-paced nature of data center construction and the focus on AI/HPC, agile methodologies for design coordination and problem-solving are likely employed.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations likely rely on data from BIM/VDC, project schedules, and site reports to inform decisions and manage risks.

Company Website: weareoverwatch.com (inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOB) is a significant cultural indicator. It suggests a workplace that values discipline, teamwork, integrity, and a mission-oriented approach. The focus on mission-critical infrastructure implies a high-stakes environment where quality and reliability are paramount, likely leading to a culture of accountability and attention to detail.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Design Manager" role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the construction and operations domain. It requires significant prior experience in architectural or engineering design coordination and a proven track record in mission-critical projects. The responsibilities indicate a need for independent management of complex design processes, making it a key contributor role.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior project executive or director within the construction or operations division. They will, in turn, manage or coordinate the work of design consultants, BIM modelers, and potentially junior design coordinators, while working closely with field operations teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's primary impact is on the successful translation of design vision into physical reality for state-of-the-art data centers. By ensuring design accuracy, constructability, and efficient coordination, they directly influence project timelines, budget adherence, risk mitigation, and the ultimate operational performance and reliability of the mission-critical facilities. Their role is crucial in preventing costly rework and ensuring that the infrastructure meets the stringent demands of AI and HPC applications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management/Director Roles: Progress to managing larger, more complex projects or overseeing entire design departments for multiple projects.

• Project Executive/Director: Transition into broader project leadership roles with P&L responsibility for major construction initiatives.

• Specialized Expertise: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like advanced data center design (AI/HPC), MEP systems, or BIM/VDC strategy, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Transition to Operations Leadership: Move into roles focused on the operational readiness and long-term performance of the data centers post-construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this sector is robust. The company's specialized niche in mission-critical infrastructure, particularly for AI/HPC, offers opportunities for deep specialization. Growth typically involves increased project scope, leadership of larger teams, and strategic input into the company's overall project delivery methodology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a significant on-site presence, likely operating from a project site office or a field office established at the AI factory campus construction location. This environment is dynamic and construction-focused.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in West Virginia, United States, at the specific AI factory campus under construction. This implies that candidates should be willing to work and potentially relocate to this region.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Construction Site: The work environment is an active construction zone. This means exposure to the elements, noise, dust, and evolving site conditions.

• Collaborative Hub: Project site offices are typically hubs for intense collaboration. Expect to work closely with project managers, site supervisors, engineers, tradespeople, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced, often open-plan setting.

• Technology Integration: While the environment is construction-heavy, expect access to and utilization of digital tools, including BIM/VDC software, project management platforms, and communication technologies.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are the baseline. However, the demands of active construction projects, especially those with critical deadlines for mission-critical facilities, often require flexibility. This can include extended workdays, weekend work, and potentially on-call duties to address urgent site or design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description explicitly details a physically demanding and dynamic work environment typical of active construction sites. Candidates must be prepared for these conditions and understand that flexibility in working hours is often a requirement to ensure project success in the mission-critical sector. The mention of ADA compliance nuances for third-party controlled areas is important for understanding site limitations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience in mission-critical projects, and architectural/engineering background.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed discussions about your experience with design coordination, BIM/VDC, constructability reviews, and specific mission-critical project challenges. You may be asked to walk through a past project in detail.

• Behavioral Interview: Focus on your teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Questions will assess how you handle pressure, manage conflicts, and collaborate with diverse teams.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potentially): You may be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio that highlight your expertise in design management, coordination, and problem-solving within construction environments.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the actions you took, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., schedule improvements, cost savings, risk reduction).

• Showcase Mission-Critical Experience: Prioritize projects that demonstrate direct experience with data centers, AI/HPC facilities, or other mission-critical infrastructure. Highlight your understanding of their unique requirements.

• Highlight BIM/VDC and Constructability: Use specific examples to show how you've leveraged BIM/VDC for coordination, clash detection, and how your constructability reviews have benefited projects.

• Structure Clearly: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., Design Coordination, BIM Implementation, Problem Solving). Ensure it's easy to navigate.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio, including technical details, decision-making processes, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design conflict or coordination issue and asked to outline your approach to resolving it.

• Constructability Review Exercise: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a constructability review for a specific component of a data center.

• Stakeholder Management: Questions may assess how you would communicate difficult design changes or technical issues to various stakeholders (e.g., client, field team, subcontractors).

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should select examples that best showcase their ability to manage complex design processes in a construction environment, particularly for mission-critical facilities. The emphasis on BIM/VDC and constructability means these areas should be well-represented. Interview preparation should focus on articulating the "how" and "why" behind their actions and the impact they had on project success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM/VDC Software: Proficiency in using and coordinating with BIM software like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar platforms for model integration, clash detection, and visualization.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Aconex, or similar for document management, RFI tracking, submittal management, and overall project coordination.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD tools for reviewing and understanding technical drawings.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports from project management software to track design progress, RFI status, submittal logs, and identify potential schedule impacts.

• Data Analysis: Basic skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design information feeds into procurement and project management systems is key. Experience with workflow automation tools within project management software or for document routing would be beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with robust document control systems is essential for managing vast amounts of project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager in mission-critical construction is heavily focused on BIM/VDC and project management platforms designed for the construction lifecycle. Candidates should be comfortable with digital workflows that integrate design, planning, and execution, with a strong emphasis on tools that facilitate collaboration and documentation in a complex project environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Focused: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable mission-critical infrastructure, understanding the critical nature of uptime for client operations.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, especially in a veteran-led organization.

• Precision and Detail: An unwavering focus on accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of design and construction to prevent errors and ensure compliance.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively to achieve common goals, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing processes, efficiency, and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and seamless collaboration between design teams, construction crews, project management, and clients.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture where challenges are identified early and addressed collaboratively