Design Manager Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Engineering

Company: Builders FirstSource

Location: Elkwood, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Managerial Focus)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the engineering design output and productivity of the Design department, ensuring efficient workflow and quality control.

• Manages a team of designers utilizing computer-assisted engineering and design software (CAD/CAE) to produce technical drawings and specifications for building materials and components.

• Acts as a key liaison between sales, building designers, and customers to gather essential project requirements and ensure timely delivery of design solutions.

• Conducts thorough reviews of all design work completed by the team to ensure accuracy, adherence to standards, and readiness for production.

• Carries out all management responsibilities in alignment with company policies and applicable laws, fostering a productive and compliant work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager Engineering," the responsibilities strongly lean towards managing a design department that supports engineering and production within the building materials sector. The "operations" aspect comes from managing the process of design delivery and its integration with sales and production. This role requires a blend of technical understanding of design software and strong people management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Performance Management:

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
  • Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews for design staff.
  • Ensure effective workload distribution and resource allocation to meet project deadlines and departmental goals.

• Design Process Oversight:

  • Supervise the creation and modification of engineering designs using CAD/CAE software, ensuring adherence to company standards and best practices.
  • Implement and refine design workflows to maximize efficiency, reduce errors, and improve overall design quality.
  • Oversee the review process for design submittals, verifying technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with customer specifications and building codes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate closely with the sales team to understand client needs, project scope, and design requirements.
  • Work with building designers and production teams to ensure seamless integration of design information into manufacturing processes.
  • Communicate design progress, potential issues, and solutions effectively to internal stakeholders and external clients as needed.

• Technical Software & Equipment Management:

  • Ensure design personnel are proficient in using computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment.
  • Identify needs for software updates, training, or new technology to enhance design capabilities.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to design software and hardware as they arise.

• Policy & Compliance:

  • Ensure all design activities and team operations comply with company policies, safety regulations, and relevant building codes.

  • Maintain accurate records of design projects, revisions, and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description mentions "computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment." This strongly suggests a need for familiarity with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and potentially CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) software, which are standard in engineering and manufacturing design roles. The focus on "reviewing design work prior to production" highlights a critical quality assurance function, crucial for operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school, OR

Experience:

• Minimum of 4-6 years of directly related work experience in engineering design or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Engineering Design Principles: Solid understanding of fundamental engineering design concepts, particularly as they apply to building materials and components.

• CAD/CAE Software Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with computer-assisted engineering and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, or similar industry-specific tools).

• Team Management & Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of design professionals, including performance coaching and development.

• Process Management: Experience in overseeing design workflows, ensuring quality control, and driving efficiency improvements.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with sales, design teams, customers, and other stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify design challenges, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the building materials or construction industry.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and how design impacts production.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the industry (building materials supplier) and the role's focus on design for production, preference should be given to candidates with experience in environments where design directly impacts manufacturing. The "5-10 years" AI experience level is a good guide, especially considering the explicit requirement for prior managerial experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Samples: Showcase a range of design projects managed or directly contributed to, demonstrating proficiency in applying engineering design principles.

• Workflow Optimization Examples: Evidence of process improvements implemented within design workflows that led to increased efficiency, reduced errors, or faster turnaround times.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Examples of complex designs created using CAD/CAE software, highlighting advanced features or innovative applications.

• Quality Assurance Case Studies: Documentation of how design review processes were managed or improved to ensure high-quality output and minimize production issues.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and present standard operating procedures for design request intake, execution, review, and finalization.

• System Integration: Understanding of how design data integrates with other systems (e.g., ERP, production planning, sales quoting) and ability to articulate these connections.

• Performance Metrics: Experience in defining, tracking, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) for design teams, such as turnaround time, error rates, and project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a managerial role in engineering design, a portfolio should demonstrate not just individual technical skill but also the ability to manage a process, lead a team, and drive operational improvements within the design function. Showcase examples where managing the design process positively impacted downstream operations like sales and production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000 Annually (Estimated)

Estimated Range Justification:

Based on the provided salary data (maxValue: 95000, unitText: YEAR) and considering the role's significant managerial responsibilities, combined with the need for 4-6 years of specific experience plus prior management experience, this range is estimated. The location in Elkwood, Virginia, is a factor, though the salary ceiling suggests a competitive offering. This aligns with industry benchmarks for Design Managers in manufacturing/construction support roles in similar regions.

Benefits:

• Competitive Affordable Benefits: As highlighted by the company, offering a range of benefits designed to improve employee well-being and security.

• Health & Wellness Programs: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for a 401(k) or similar plan with company matching.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement relevant to engineering design and management.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, likely Monday through Friday.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI provided "Competitive Affordable Benefits" and the job description elaborates on this, linking to a benefits portal. The salary range is derived directly from the input data. The working hours are inferred from the standard 40-hour work week common for such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials Distribution & Manufacturing Support. Builders FirstSource is a leading national supplier of building materials, offering value-added components and services to professional builders.

Company Size: Large (Likely 10,000+ employees based on industry standing). This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and opportunities for advancement.

Founded: Builders FirstSource was founded in 2001. This indicates a company with significant experience and a solid market presence, capable of investing in technology and talent.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The Design department operates as a critical support function, serving sales, production, and customer needs.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a higher-level operations, engineering, or general management executive. The team consists of design engineers and drafters utilizing specialized software.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: High degree of interaction with sales teams (to understand client requirements), building designers (for project specifics), and production/manufacturing teams (to ensure designs are manufacturable and accurate).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using engineering design software and data to create accurate, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

• Process Optimization: A culture that values continuous improvement in design workflows to enhance speed, accuracy, and resource utilization.

• Customer-Centricity: Design work is driven by customer needs and project specifications, requiring clear communication and responsiveness.

Company Website: https://careers.bldr.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes being the "#1 building materials distributor," highlighting scale and market leadership. The culture is described as "people-first," "collaborative," and focused on "professional development" and "innovation," which should be reflected in how the design team operates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position focused on a specific operational function (design). It requires both technical understanding and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or similar senior leadership role. They will directly manage a team of design professionals.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is crucial for ensuring that the products and components Builders FirstSource supplies meet customer specifications and can be efficiently manufactured. Effective design management directly impacts:

• Sales Enablement: Accurate designs support accurate quotes and customer satisfaction.

• Production Efficiency: Well-defined designs reduce errors, scrap, and rework on the manufacturing floor.

• Cost Management: Optimized designs can lead to material savings and reduced labor.

• Product Quality: Ensuring designs meet all standards and requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within Management: Potential to move into higher-level operations management roles, such as Director of Engineering, Director of Operations, or similar positions within manufacturing or supply chain.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of building materials design or manufacturing technology.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Opportunities to transition into roles in operations management, project management, or supply chain logistics within Builders FirstSource.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, certifications, and development programs to stay current with design software, engineering trends, and management best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a management opportunity within a large organization, suggesting clear paths for career progression. The emphasis on "building a successful career" and "professional development" by BFS indicates a supportive environment for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a physical office or workspace within a Builders FirstSource facility. It is likely a professional office environment that may be co-located with design studios and potentially production or administrative areas.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 13234 Airpark Drive, Elkwood, Virginia. As a large company, there may be other facilities, but this role is specifically based in Elkwood.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace that encourages interaction between the design team, sales, and potentially production personnel.

• Technology-Rich: Access to modern computer hardware, engineering design software (CAD/CAE), and potentially plotters or other design-related equipment.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with a team of design professionals, fostering a supportive and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily a standard Monday-Friday, 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate critical project deadlines, customer needs, or team support outside of core hours, though the role is not remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature is crucial. The description emphasizes a "friendly, people-first environment" and "highly collaborative" work. This suggests a work setting that values teamwork and open communication, important for a manager overseeing a design team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss technical skills, management philosophy, and specific experience related to design management and the building materials industry.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Potential interviews with members of the design team or cross-functional colleagues (e.g., from Sales or Production) to assess collaboration style and leadership approach.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: May involve a review of portfolio items, a discussion of past projects, or a hypothetical scenario (e.g., how to handle a design bottleneck or a complex client request) to evaluate problem-solving and design process management skills.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader to finalize the decision and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Management Experience: Showcase projects where you led a team, managed workflows, and achieved measurable improvements.

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Be prepared to walk through your approach to design request intake, execution, review, and finalization.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced design cycle time by 15%", "decreased production errors by 10%").

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific CAD/CAE software and how you leverage them for efficiency and accuracy.

• Focus on Collaboration: Provide