Design Manager- Energy at Interstates

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Energy

Company: Interstates

Location: Omaha, NE

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: June 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years client-facing design experience)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK, but travel expected)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initial pursuit and client engagement to final commissioning and post-project support, with a strong focus on energy-related electrical systems.
Serve as the primary technical liaison and advocate for client/owner requirements, ensuring the successful delivery of constructable, code-compliant, and budget-conscious design packages across multiple disciplines.
Provide senior-level technical leadership and decision-making, mentoring junior engineers and designers, and ensuring the quality and satisfactory execution of all design scope.
Cultivate and maintain strong client/owner relationships through consistent communication, proactive problem-solving, and demonstrated technical expertise in power and distribution systems, including medium-voltage applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager - Energy," the core responsibilities and qualifications strongly align with a specialized Operations Management role within the engineering and construction sector, specifically focused on the delivery of complex electrical design projects. The emphasis on client relationships, project lifecycle management, and technical leadership positions this as a critical operational function. The "Energy" aspect highlights a specialization within the broader electrical engineering and construction operations domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Spearhead client and owner engagement during project pursuits by delivering compelling presentations, participating in technical discussions, and providing critical design input.
Conduct thorough reviews of project information, develop initial concept designs, clearly define project design scope, and provide essential support for proposal development and estimating efforts.
Act as the main point of contact for clients and owners, addressing design parameters, technical queries, and resolving issues throughout every phase of the project lifecycle.
Proactively manage and nurture client relationships through regular check-ins, both during and between active project engagements.
Collaborate closely with Project Managers to establish clear project goals, develop realistic schedules, effectively manage project issues, and ensure transparent communication of progress across a portfolio of projects.
Direct and coordinate design teams to ensure the production of construction-ready, code-compliant, and cost-effective design packages.
Provide robust technical leadership, mentor and guide design team members, conduct rigorous reviews of design work, and proactively identify any resource or skill gaps within the team.
Uphold the quality of all design deliverables through stringent internal reviews, audits, and continuous alignment with client expectations and project specifications.
Support Construction Administration activities and maintain strong client relationships during and after project completion.
Develop detailed construction drawings and comprehensive specifications for electrical installation, interconnection, control systems, and power distribution systems, with a particular focus on medium-voltage applications when relevant.
Apply advanced knowledge of installation, startup, and commissioning processes for medium-voltage (MV) systems and equipment, including microprocessor-based relays.
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of electrical terminology, components, standard electrical symbols, and strict adherence to the National Electric Code (NEC).
Ensure strict compliance with all applicable codes and industry standards, including NEC and UL requirements.
Coordinate effectively with Engineers, Estimators, Superintendents, CAD Operators, and other trade professionals to communicate project details and resolve complex issues.
Monitor project performance metrics, proactively communicate any deviations or emerging risks, and escalate significant concerns to senior management as needed.
Apply sound judgment, meticulous attention to detail, and superior prioritization skills to effectively manage competing deadlines and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are characteristic of a senior-level operational role within a design-build or engineering firm. The emphasis on client management, team leadership, technical oversight, and ensuring constructability points to a role that manages the process of design delivery, rather than purely individual design contributions. The mention of "pursuit through commissioning and support" signifies a comprehensive operational scope.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

A strong foundation in one or more electrical design disciplines is essential.
Working knowledge of related industrial, power, and utility systems is required.
Preference will be given to candidates with specialized experience in power generation, relaying, and/or advanced engineering principles. Experience:
A minimum of four years of direct experience working with clients/owners on design projects is a prerequisite for this role. This client-facing experience is critical for relationship management and understanding project requirements. Required Skills:
Electrical Design Expertise: Proficient in developing electrical design packages, including construction drawings and specifications.
Project Lifecycle Management: Ability to manage design processes from initial pursuit and concept development through to final commissioning and ongoing client support.
Power Distribution Systems: Deep understanding of electrical power and distribution systems, including medium-voltage (MV) applications.
Code Compliance: Thorough knowledge and application of the National Electric Code (NEC) and UL requirements.
Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and owners through effective communication and technical consultation.
Technical Leadership: Capability to lead design teams, mentor junior staff, and provide technical direction and decision-making.
Constructability Review: Skill in ensuring designs are practical, buildable, and align with construction methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

MV System Commissioning: Experience with the installation, startup, and commissioning of medium-voltage systems and equipment, including microprocessor-based relays.
Power Generation: Specific experience or in-depth knowledge related to power generation facilities.
Relaying Systems: Expertise in electrical relaying systems and their application.
CAD Software Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant CAD software for creating construction drawings.
Proposal & Estimating Support: Experience in contributing technical design input to proposals and estimating processes.
Cost-Conscious Design: Ability to develop designs that are not only technically sound but also budget-conscious.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "at least four years of experience working directly with clients/owners on design projects" is a key indicator for operations roles that involve significant stakeholder management and project delivery accountability. The emphasis on NEC, UL, and specific system knowledge (MV, power generation, relaying) points to a highly specialized operational niche within electrical engineering.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Design Deliverables Showcase: Present a selection of completed electrical design packages, including key construction drawings and specifications, demonstrating a range of complexity and project types.
Client Engagement Case Studies: Include examples of projects where you successfully managed client relationships, resolved design challenges, and ensured client satisfaction. Highlight communication strategies and outcomes.
Project Lifecycle Management Examples: Showcase your involvement across different project phases, from initial concept and scope definition to construction administration and post-project support, illustrating your end-to-end operational involvement.
Technical Problem-Solving Scenarios: Detail instances where you identified and resolved complex technical issues within electrical design, particularly concerning power distribution or medium-voltage systems, outlining your problem-solving methodology.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide evidence of your ability to design, document, and optimize electrical design workflows, ensuring efficiency and adherence to standards.
System Implementation & Standards: Demonstrate how you've ensured design compliance with relevant codes (NEC, UL) and implemented best practices for system integration and constructability.
Quality Assurance & Review: Illustrate your approach to internal design reviews, quality audits, and ensuring design deliverables meet client expectations and internal quality benchmarks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Document how you facilitate communication and collaboration between design teams, project management, estimating, and trade partners to ensure seamless project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just contain technical drawings but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage the process of design delivery. This includes client interaction, team coordination, problem-solving, and ensuring adherence to standards throughout the project lifecycle. Detailing the process behind the deliverables is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,100 - $128,030+ annually.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay: Acknowledges employee value with competitive compensation.
401(k): Retirement savings plan to support long-term financial planning.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage with various plan options.
Vacation Time: Paid time off to promote work-life balance and personal well-being.
Performance Bonus: Opportunity for additional compensation based on individual and company performance.
Established Career Paths: Structured opportunities for professional advancement within the company.
Career Coaches: Dedicated support for professional development and career growth.
Support for Licensure and Continuing Education: Resources and financial support for professional development, including licensure and ongoing learning.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project demands and potential for hybrid work arrangements. Travel is expected as project needs arise, but typically less than 35% overnight travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is in line with industry benchmarks for Design Managers or senior engineers with significant client-facing project management responsibilities in the Omaha, NE area. This estimate is based on standard compensation data for similar roles, considering the specified experience level (4+ years client-facing design) and the specialized nature of energy/electrical systems. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a mid-to-large-sized company in the engineering and construction sector, and highlights investment in employee development and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical, Controls, and Automation contracting, with a specialization in industrial facilities, power generation, and utility infrastructure. The company is heavily involved in the energy sector.

Company Size: Interstates operates as a significant player in its field, employing a substantial workforce that allows for robust project execution and cross-functional collaboration. The size suggests a stable organization with established processes and opportunities for growth, while still maintaining a close-knit feel.

Founded: Founded with a vision to build strong teams and do the right thing, Interstates has grown into an award-winning company known for its quality work in electrical, controls, automation, and OT. This history indicates a foundation built on integrity, craftsmanship, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

Operations-Focused Teams: The design and project delivery teams are structured to support complex industrial projects, likely comprising specialized engineers, designers, project managers, and field personnel.
Collaborative Hierarchy: While there is a clear reporting structure, the culture emphasizes collaboration across disciplines and with field teams, fostering a "show up for each other" mentality.
Cross-Functional Integration: Design Managers work closely with Project Managers, Estimators, Superintendents, and CAD Operators, requiring strong communication and integration across various operational functions.

Methodology:

Data-Driven Design: Designs are expected to be constructable, code-compliant, and budget-conscious, implying a data-driven approach to project scope and resource allocation.
Process Optimization: The role involves leading teams to deliver design packages, suggesting a focus on optimizing design workflows and ensuring efficient project execution.
Automation & Digitalization: Involvement in "automation and OT work" indicates a company that embraces modern technologies and digital solutions in its operations and client services.

Company Website: https://www.interstates.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a culture that values strong teams, quality work, and community involvement. For an Operations Manager role, this translates to an environment where process efficiency, collaboration, and reliable project delivery are paramount. The "family-like" culture suggests a supportive atmosphere where individual contributions are recognized, which can be a significant motivator for operations professionals focused on team performance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and engineering management track. It requires a blend of technical expertise in electrical systems and demonstrated leadership in managing design processes, client relationships, and project delivery. The scope involves owning design quality and satisfactory delivery for projects, indicating significant responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, a Senior Operations Leader, or a Vice President of Operations, depending on the specific organizational structure. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of designers and engineers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in the operational success of projects by ensuring designs are technically sound, constructable, and meet client expectations from the outset. This directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, risk mitigation, and the company's reputation for quality delivery in the energy sector.

Growth Opportunities:

Senior Leadership: Potential to advance into roles like Director of Design, Director of Operations, or Vice President of Engineering, managing larger teams and broader project portfolios.
Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific energy sectors (e.g., renewable energy, power generation, industrial automation) or advanced technologies.
Operational Excellence: Focus on developing and implementing advanced process improvements, project management methodologies, and quality assurance programs within the operations division.
Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior engineers and contributing to internal training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Established Career Paths" and "Career Coaches" mentioned in the benefits section strongly support the idea of structured growth. For a Design Manager, this likely means opportunities to move into more strategic operational leadership roles, manage larger P&Ls, or specialize further in high-demand areas of energy infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in Omaha, NE, and offers a hybrid work arrangement. While remote work is possible, the role requires significant client interaction, project team collaboration, and potential site visits, indicating an office-centric environment with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Omaha, NE. While specific details about the office layout are not provided, a company with a "family-like" culture and a focus on collaboration likely offers a supportive and modern workspace.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to facilitate interaction with project teams, including engineers, project managers, and estimators, fostering a culture of shared problem-solving.
Technology Enabled: Access to necessary design software (CAD), communication tools, and project management systems will be provided to support efficient design processes.
Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and interdisciplinary coordination sessions will be integral to the daily workflow, promoting knowledge sharing and efficient task completion.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs. The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Flexible schedules" and "Lunch gatherings and social activities" within the "Family-Like" culture description points towards an office environment that values work-life balance and team camaraderie, which is appealing for operations professionals who often work under pressure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required technical skills, client-facing experience, and leadership capabilities. Candidates will be evaluated on their understanding of electrical design principles and project management.
Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Expect interviews with hiring managers and potential team members. These will likely cover technical challenges related to electrical design, power systems, NEC compliance, and behavioral questions assessing leadership, problem-solving, communication, and client management skills.
Portfolio Presentation: A key component will be presenting specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to lead design teams, manage client relationships, and deliver complex projects successfully. Focus on showcasing the process, challenges, and outcomes.
Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career goals, and cultural fit within the Interstates team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Relevant Examples: Select 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in managing electrical design projects, particularly those involving power distribution, medium-voltage systems, or similar industrial/energy applications.
Highlight Your Role & Impact: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, leadership responsibilities, and the impact of your design decisions on project outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction).
Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: Detail the design process you followed, how you collaborated with teams and clients, and how you navigated and resolved technical or project management challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral examples.
Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your chosen projects, including design choices, code compliance strategies, and any innovative solutions implemented.
Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., projects completed on time/under budget, client retention rate, efficiency improvements in design workflow).

Challenge Preparation:

Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical electrical design challenge or a past project scenario to discuss how you would approach it, focusing on your problem-solving methodology, team coordination, and risk assessment.
Client Management Simulation: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a difficult client conversation or a situation where design requirements conflict with budget constraints.
Leadership & Team Management: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you mentor team members, and how you ensure quality and accountability within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential case studies suggests a practical, results-oriented evaluation process, common for operations and engineering management roles where demonstrable impact is key. Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their process and their role in driving project success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Electrical Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP) for creating detailed construction drawings and schematics.
Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Procore) to track schedules, manage tasks, and facilitate team communication.
Communication & Collaboration Tools: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily team interaction, file sharing, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

Design Analysis Tools: Ability to use or interpret data from electrical system analysis software (e.g., SKM PowerTools, ETAP) for load calculations, short-circuit studies, and arc flash analysis.
Reporting Dashboards: Experience in generating or interpreting reports from project management or financial systems to monitor project performance, budget adherence, and key operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

CRM Systems (Client-Facing): While not explicitly stated as a primary tool for the Design Manager, understanding how client data is managed in a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for client relationship management.
Automation Tools (Process): Familiarity with how automation can streamline design processes, documentation, or project reporting could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical tools will revolve around electrical design and project execution. The "Automation and OT work" mentioned in the company description suggests that familiarity with industrial automation platforms or concepts may be a plus, even if not a primary requirement for this specific role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Quality Workmanship: A fundamental value, emphasizing pride in delivering high-quality, constructable, and reliable electrical systems.
Teamwork & Support: A strong emphasis on "showing up for each other," fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where team members assist one another.
Integrity & Doing the Right Thing: A commitment to ethical practices and making sound decisions that align with company values and client interests.
Efficiency & Process Improvement: The nature of the role and the company's involvement in industrial projects implies a drive for efficient processes, cost-consciousness, and continuous improvement in design and delivery.
Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client/owner requirements, building lasting relationships through technical expertise and responsive service.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The company promotes collaboration across departments (design, project management, estimating, field operations) to ensure seamless project execution from concept to completion.
Open Communication: Encouraged through regular team meetings, design reviews, and direct interaction, fostering an environment where ideas and concerns can be shared freely.
Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports the development of team members through guidance from experienced professionals and the sharing of best practices.
Problem-Solving Orientation: Teams are encouraged to work together to tackle challenges, share insights, and find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Family-Like" culture is a significant differentiator. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values personal connections, mutual support, and a sense of belonging, alongside professional achievement. This can translate to higher job satisfaction and team cohesion.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing competing deadlines, client demands, and resource allocation across several concurrent design projects.
Technical Complexity: Staying current with evolving electrical codes, new technologies (especially in MV and power generation), and ensuring designs meet stringent industry standards.
Client Expectations Management: Navigating diverse client needs, budgets, and timelines while ensuring project feasibility and profitability.
Team Development: Mentoring and guiding a design team, addressing skill gaps, and fostering a high-performance culture.
Remote Collaboration: Effectively leading and coordinating design efforts when team members or clients may be geographically dispersed.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like renewable energy integration, advanced power system protection, or OT/cybersecurity for industrial controls.
Leadership Development Programs: Access to coaching and training focused on management skills, strategic planning, and operational leadership.
Industry Certifications & Licensure: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional engineering (PE) licenses and relevant industry certifications.
Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning opportunities through collaboration with other departments, gaining insights into project management, estimating, and field operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicit mention of "Support for licensure, continuing education, and professional development" and "Career Coaches" directly addresses the need for continuous learning and growth, which is vital for operations professionals aiming to stay competitive and advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a complex electrical design project you managed from initial client contact through to successful commissioning. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, client management, and problem-solving.)
"How do you ensure your design team consistently delivers constructable, code-compliant, and budget-conscious solutions for energy-related projects?" (Highlight your leadership, quality control, and process oversight.)
"Walk me through how you would approach a situation where a client's requested design changes significantly impact the project budget and schedule." (Demonstrate your negotiation, communication, and risk assessment skills.) Company & Culture Questions:
"Based on your understanding, how do you see the 'family-like' culture at Interstates influencing the operations and design delivery process?" (Connect company values to operational efficiency and team collaboration.)
"How do you foster collaboration between design teams, project managers, and field personnel to ensure project success?" (Showcase your understanding of cross-functional operational integration.)
"How do you measure the success of your design projects beyond technical specifications? What metrics are important to you and the client?" (Emphasize your focus on ROI, client satisfaction, and operational impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Narrative: For each project example, clearly outline the client, project scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results.
Focus on Process & Decision-Making: Explain why certain design choices were made, how you managed risks, and how you facilitated communication and collaboration.
Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your points, but be prepared to discuss them verbally and answer detailed questions.
Connect to Interstates: Briefly explain how your experience and approach align with Interstates' values and operational focus on quality, client satisfaction, and technical excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely scrutinize not just technical ability but also the candidate's operational thinking – how they manage processes, people, and projects to achieve business objectives. Preparing specific examples using the STAR method is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Energy position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Interstates careers page.
Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly highlight your experience in electrical design management, client relationship building, project lifecycle oversight, and any specific expertise in power distribution, medium-voltage systems, or the energy sector. Quantify achievements where possible.
Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, the design process, challenges overcome, and successful outcomes. Focus on demonstrating technical leadership and client management.
Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Questions: Review common interview questions related to electrical design, project management, leadership, and problem-solving. Practice articulating your experience using specific examples.
Research Interstates: Understand the company's culture, values, and recent projects, particularly in the energy sector, to demonstrate your alignment and genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

Design Manager- Energy