Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Overwatch Mission Critical

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Mission Critical Infrastructure Design & Management

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (with specific focus on 8-12+ years in design management/engineering leadership, and 5+ years in data centers)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the comprehensive design lifecycle for mission-critical data center projects, from initial Schematic Design (SD) through Issued for Construction (IFC) phases.

• Lead and manage external design partners and multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.

• Drive technical excellence in the design of critical infrastructure systems, including electrical distribution, cooling, and fire protection, ensuring N, N+1, and 2N redundancy.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration between design, sales, solutions engineering, and delivery (construction) teams to support RFPs, project execution, and client satisfaction.

• Uphold rigorous quality assurance, safety standards, and regulatory compliance (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, TIA-942, Uptime Institute) throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the extensive responsibilities related to project execution, cross-functional support, and on-site engagement indicate a role that bridges design leadership with project management in the unique context of mission-critical infrastructure. The emphasis on data centers and MEP systems positions this within a specialized engineering and construction operations domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End Design Process Management: Lead and manage the complete design process from Schematic Design (SD) through Issued for Construction (IFC), ensuring all project phases are meticulously executed.

• Design Partner Contract Administration: Manage external Design Partner contracts, rigorously tracking scope, schedule adherence, and deliverable quality to meet overarching project goals.

• Design Team Coordination & Leadership: Conduct weekly design team meetings to provide strategic direction, resolve technical impediments, solicit Subject Matter Expert (SME) input, and ensure cohesive team performance.

• Deliverable Review & Tracking: Coordinate, review, and meticulously track all design deliverables, verifying accuracy, constructability, and ensuring timely release to support project timelines.

• Change Management & Escalation: Proactively identify and escalate design changes impacting scope, budget, or schedule to relevant stakeholders for timely decision-making.

• Supply Chain & Vendor Support: Collaborate with the supply chain team to facilitate equipment vendor proposals, ensuring design partners review and approve submittals for strict compliance with design specifications.

• Design Bulletin Management: Manage, review, and approve all design bulletins in close collaboration with the Delivery (Construction) team to ensure seamless implementation.

• Cross-Functional Design Input: Partner with Sales and Solutions Engineering to provide crucial design insights and support for customer Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

• Lessons Learned & Continuous Improvement: Contribute design expertise to lessons learned workshops, identifying and documenting improvements for future projects and regional deployments.

• Site Investigations & Constructability Reviews: Conduct regular site visits for field investigations, constructability reviews, and essential coordination meetings to bridge design and execution.

• Daily Reporting & Risk Management: Provide daily updates to team leadership via platforms like MS Teams, detailing design progress, identifying risks, highlighting blockers, and prioritizing tasks.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Foster robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency, client satisfaction, and promote repeat business opportunities.

• Quality, Safety & Compliance Assurance: Ensure all design documentation rigorously adheres to client specifications, regulatory requirements (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, TIA-942, Uptime Institute), and promotes a strong safety culture by integrating safety principles into designs.

• MEP Systems QA/QC: Lead Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for design documents, validating the efficiency, scalability, and resilience of MEP systems, ensuring appropriate redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond traditional design management to encompass a significant level of project coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, typical of roles within the construction operations sector for complex infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "Delivery (Construction) team" highlights the integration of design with operational execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in design management or engineering leadership roles.

• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience specifically within data center or mission-critical facilities.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, MEP-intensive projects, with a preference for those exceeding $100M in value.

Required Skills:

• Mission-Critical Design Expertise: Deep understanding of electrical distribution (UPS, switchgear, generators), cooling systems (chillers, CRAH/CRAC, cooling towers), and fire protection systems.

• BIM & Collaboration Tools Proficiency: Strong command of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software such as Revit and Navisworks, and familiarity with collaboration platforms like MS Teams and Procore.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to manage the design process from Schematic Design (SD) through Issued for Construction (IFC).

• MEP Systems Design & QA/QC: Expertise in designing and performing Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, including redundancy strategies (N, N+1, 2N).

• Regulatory & Standards Compliance: Thorough knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, TIA-942, Uptime Institute).

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in professional settings, including preparing written reports, conveying information clearly to diverse stakeholders, and responding promptly to verbal and written communications.

• Driver's License: Valid driver’s license required for on-site presence and travel between work locations.

Preferred Skills:

• Commissioning & IST Experience: Familiarity with commissioning requirements and how design impacts Integrated Systems Testing (IST).

• Scheduling Tools Proficiency: Experience with project scheduling tools.

• Cost & Change Management: Ability to manage and escalate design changes impacting scope, budget, or schedule.

• RFP Support: Experience providing design input for sales and solutions engineering teams responding to RFPs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are highly specific to the mission-critical sector, emphasizing data centers and large-scale MEP projects. The inclusion of BIM and collaboration tools like Procore points to a modern, technology-driven design and construction environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio with detailed case studies of complex data center or mission-critical infrastructure projects managed from design through construction.

• Design Process Documentation: Evidence of structured design process management, including examples of schematic design, design development, and Issued for Construction (IFC) package coordination.

• System Design Examples: Visuals or descriptions of critical MEP systems designed or overseen, demonstrating understanding of redundancy (N, N+1, 2N) and efficiency principles.

• Collaboration & Coordination Evidence: Examples of how complex design coordination was managed, particularly involving external partners and multi-disciplinary teams.

• Metrics & Impact: Quantifiable achievements related to design cost savings, schedule adherence, constructability improvements, or successful integration testing (IST).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documentation illustrating the structured approach to managing the design lifecycle, including SD, DD, and IFC phases, and any optimization strategies employed.

• Collaboration & Communication Protocols: Examples of established protocols for design team meetings, stakeholder updates, and communication flow using platforms like MS Teams and Procore.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance Frameworks: Evidence of QA/QC processes for design documents, including adherence to specific codes (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE) and standards (TIA-942, Uptime Institute).

• Change Management Procedures: Documented procedures for identifying, escalating, and managing design changes impacting scope, budget, or schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should go beyond listing projects to demonstrating how the candidate managed complex design processes, coordinated stakeholders, and ensured technical integrity, particularly within the specialized mission-critical domain. Quantifiable results are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

• Dental Insurance: Dental care benefits.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits.

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Competitive Salary: Based on experience and qualifications.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement within the mission-critical sector.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. However, the dynamic nature of construction projects and critical infrastructure may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or address urgent site issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for Design Managers with significant experience in specialized construction/engineering sectors in major metropolitan areas in the US. The benefits listed are standard but crucial for attracting talent in this demanding field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mission-Critical Infrastructure Construction & Services. Overwatch specializes in the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers, a sector demanding extreme precision, reliability, and technical expertise.

Company Size: Overwatch Mission Critical is described as a "service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB)." While a precise employee count isn't given, this designation suggests a focused, potentially agile organization with a strong commitment to its veteran workforce and specialized industry niche. This size often means a more hands-on environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's mission and focus on mission-critical infrastructure imply a mature approach to complex projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations-Centric: The role is deeply embedded within the operations of delivering mission-critical infrastructure, working closely with construction/delivery teams as well as sales and solutions engineering.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close interaction with project managers, site superintendents, engineers (internal and external), procurement specialists, and client representatives.

• Specialized Expertise: The team likely comprises Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in various domains like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, fire protection, and commissioning, all focused on data center environments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Execution: Emphasis on using data and technical specifications to guide design decisions and ensure project success.

• Process-Oriented: Structured methodologies are applied from Schematic Design through Issued for Construction, supported by tools like BIM and collaboration platforms.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactive identification and escalation of risks and blockers are integral to the operational approach.

• Safety First Culture: A strong emphasis on safety is embedded in design and on-site practices.

Company Website: weareoverwatch.com (inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: As a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) in a highly specialized field, Overwatch likely cultivates a culture of discipline, precision, and purpose, aligning with its mission of building critical data center infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level role within the design and project execution arm of mission-critical infrastructure operations. It requires substantial technical expertise and management experience, positioning the individual as a key contributor to project success and a potential leader within the organization's technical or project delivery functions.

Reporting Structure: The role involves managing external design partners and supporting internal teams. The Design Manager likely reports to a Director or VP of Engineering, Design, or Project Delivery, with close collaboration and daily updates provided to team leadership stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of complex data center projects. Their ability to manage design scope, cost, schedule, and quality directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the long-term reliability and performance of the mission-critical facilities built.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of data center design and operations, potentially becoming a recognized SME.

• Project Leadership: Advance into broader project management or program management roles overseeing multiple complex infrastructure projects.

• Operations Management: Transition into leadership roles within the construction delivery or operations divisions of Overwatch Mission Critical.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Develop skills in areas like solutions engineering or business development by leveraging design expertise.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and design professionals, contributing to the growth of the internal talent pool.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of mission-critical infrastructure. The combination of technical depth and project oversight provides a strong foundation for advancing into higher levels of leadership within operations and project delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, which includes both indoor and outdoor settings. This means a significant portion of the work will be conducted on-site at construction locations, potentially involving temporary field offices, staging areas, and partially completed infrastructure.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Phoenix, Arizona. However, the role requires performing site visits and potentially traveling between job sites, indicating that the "workplace" can extend to various active construction zones managed by Overwatch.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Construction Site: The environment is characterized by ongoing construction activity, evolving site conditions, uneven terrain, and potential exposure to elements, noise, and dust.

• Collaboration Hubs: While on-site, interaction with contractors, engineers, and site personnel is constant. Collaboration platforms (MS Teams, Procore) are essential for communication and documentation when not physically co-located.

• Technology Integration: Access to BIM software, collaboration platforms, and project management tools is critical for effective performance.

• Safety Emphasis: The environment mandates strict adherence to safety protocols and the consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the demands of active construction sites and critical infrastructure projects may necessitate flexibility, including potential extended hours, weekend work, or on-call responsibilities to address urgent issues or meet critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates must be comfortable with and adaptable to the challenging conditions of active construction sites. The description highlights that accessibility and ADA compliance may be limited in certain areas until construction is complete, requiring a practical, on-the-ground approach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required experience (8-12+ years, 5+ in data centers) and technical skills.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussions with engineering or design leads to assess your in-depth knowledge of MEP systems, data center infrastructure, BIM, and compliance standards. Expect questions probing your problem-solving approach.

• Design Management & Coordination Interview: Focuses on your experience managing external design partners, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and handling design changes, scope, cost, and schedule. Case studies from your portfolio may be discussed here.

• On-Site/Field Review: Potentially includes a site visit to understand the construction environment and discuss constructability, safety, and site-specific challenges.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall leadership capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in data center design management, particularly those involving complex MEP systems and large budgets ($100M+).

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, key technical considerations (e.g., redundancy, efficiency), challenges encountered and how you resolved them, and the final outcome/impact.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to showcase achievements – e.g., percentage of cost savings achieved through design optimization, schedule adherence, reduction in RFIs, or successful IST outcomes.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you managed external design partners and coordinated with construction/delivery teams to ensure design intent was met.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design elements, trade-offs, and compliance requirements relevant to data centers.

• Presentation Format: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually clear (using diagrams, schematics where appropriate), and easy to navigate. Be ready to walk through it confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical design challenges or coordination issues common in data center projects. Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.

• MEP System Scenarios: Anticipate questions about designing or troubleshooting specific MEP systems under various conditions (e.g., power redundancy, cooling load management).

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a specific design process or workflow, emphasizing efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, blending technical assessment with project management capabilities. A well-prepared, targeted portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software:

  • Revit: Essential for 3D modeling, design development, and clash detection. Proficiency in creating and managing complex building models is expected.
  • Navisworks: Crucial for model aggregation, clash detection, 4D scheduling (linking design models to project schedules), and visualization for coordination meetings.

• Collaboration Platforms:

  • Procore: A comprehensive construction project management platform. Familiarity with its modules for document management, RFI workflows, submittals, and daily logs is highly beneficial.
  • Microsoft Teams: Key for daily communication, team meetings, file sharing, and real-time collaboration.

• Design & Engineering Software: While not explicitly listed, proficiency with CAD software and potentially specialized MEP design tools is implied.

• Scheduling Tools: Experience with project scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) is likely required for managing design timelines and coordinating with construction schedules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports from BIM software, collaboration platforms, and scheduling tools to track design progress, identify issues, and communicate status to stakeholders.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing design data to identify trends, potential cost savings, or efficiency improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a primary tool for the Design Manager, understanding how design input supports sales (RFPs) may involve some interaction with CRM data or processes.

• Automation: Understanding how BIM and collaboration tools automate aspects of design coordination, document management, and communication is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes BIM and construction management platforms, reflecting the industry's move towards digital workflows in complex project delivery. Strong skills in Revit and Navisworks are non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: Reflecting the mission-critical nature of data centers, a core value is meticulous attention to detail and ensuring the reliability of designs.

• Purpose-Driven: As a Veteran-owned business, there's likely a strong sense of purpose and mission in building essential infrastructure.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding professional standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparency in all dealings.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to deliver projects effectively, managing resources and processes to achieve optimal outcomes in terms of cost, schedule, and quality.

• Safety Consciousness: Prioritizing the safety of all personnel on project sites through design and operational practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Purposeful: Communication is likely clear, concise, and focused on achieving project objectives, especially in a demanding construction environment.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively across different departments (Sales, Solutions Engineering, Delivery/Construction) to ensure seamless project execution.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback, particularly during design reviews and lessons learned sessions, to foster continuous improvement.

• Teamwork & Support: A culture that values mutual support, especially within the context of managing complex, high-stakes projects where collective effort is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as a Veteran-owned business strongly suggests a culture rooted in discipline, teamwork, and a clear sense of mission. This translates into a professional environment where accountability and direct communication are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of clients, sales, solutions engineering, external design partners, and the internal construction team.

• Navigating Dynamic Construction Environments: Adapting to changing site conditions, unforeseen issues, and the inherent complexities of active construction zones.

• Ensuring Design-to-Execution Alignment: Guaranteeing that the design intent is accurately translated into the physical build, especially with multiple external partners involved.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in data center design, MEP technologies, and BIM/collaboration tools.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering complex designs within aggressive project schedules without compromising on quality, safety, or compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge data center technologies, power distribution, cooling strategies, and sustainability practices.

• Project Management Certifications: Pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) to enhance project leadership capabilities.

• BIM & VDC Mastery: Become an expert user of advanced BIM and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) tools and workflows.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing teams, mentoring junior staff, and taking on larger project responsibilities.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Participate in industry events and specialized training programs to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in mission-critical infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior roles in complex infrastructure projects, requiring resilience, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways to both technical mastery and leadership within a specialized, high-demand industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Philosophy: "Describe your approach to managing the end-to-end design process for a large-scale data center project, from SD to IFC." Prepare to discuss your methodologies for coordination, quality control, and risk management.

• Stakeholder Alignment: "How do you ensure alignment between sales, solutions engineering, external design partners, and the construction delivery team to meet project goals?" Focus on communication strategies, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a critical design issue arises during the IFC phase that impacts the project schedule and budget. How would you assess the situation, propose solutions, and manage the change process?" Be ready to walk through your thought process, considering technical feasibility, cost, and schedule implications.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Overwatch's Mission: Research Overwatch Mission Critical's focus on mission-critical infrastructure and its identity as a Veteran-owned business. Be prepared to articulate why this specific mission resonates with you.

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your experience working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and external design partners. How do you foster effective collaboration and ensure their input is integrated?"

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design process, particularly in terms of its impact on project budget, schedule, and the final operational performance of a data center?" Be ready to discuss metrics and KPIs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcome.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, highlight the specific value you brought – cost savings, schedule acceleration, improved system reliability, constructability enhancements, etc.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to dive into the technical details of MEP systems, redundancy strategies, and compliance requirements relevant to data centers.

• Address Collaboration: Explicitly explain your role in coordinating with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful information and being prepared to elaborate on specific aspects upon request.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize practical experience in data center design and project execution. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and demonstrate a structured, results-oriented approach will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your submitted portfolio to highlight your experience with data center design, MEP systems, and managing external design partners. Focus on projects demonstrating large-scale, complex infrastructure delivery.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8-12+ years of experience, with a specific emphasis on the 5+ years in mission-critical/data center facilities. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "MEP Systems," "BIM," "Revit," "Navisworks," and "Commissioning." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation Practice: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, focusing on STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and preparing detailed case study walk-throughs of your portfolio projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Overwatch Mission Critical's services, mission, and values. Understand their position in the mission-critical infrastructure market and their commitment as a Veteran-owned business. Prepare to discuss how your skills and values align with theirs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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