Design Manager - Federal Facilities & Building Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Federal Facilities & Building Systems

Company: Golden Wolf, LLC

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Facilities & Building Systems Management / Federal Government Contracting

Date Posted: 2026-09-14T20:02:38

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied 8+ years or Bachelor's + experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead design and technical coordination for facility modernization and building systems integration within federal government and healthcare environments.

• Manage critical building systems, including Building Automation Systems (BAS), access control, fire alarm, and elevator controls, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.

• Spearhead cybersecurity compliance efforts, including Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities and Authority to Operate (ATO) support for facility systems.

• Act as a key technical liaison, coordinating with government stakeholders, contractors, and vendors to ensure successful project execution and system integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Design Manager" combined with "Federal Facilities & Building Systems" and responsibilities related to RMF, ATO, and specific building systems (BAS, access control, fire alarm) strongly suggests a focus on the operational technology (OT) and physical infrastructure security and integration within a government contracting context. This is not a traditional architectural or civil engineering design manager role, but rather one focused on the systems that manage and secure federal facilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support and review facility control systems and building technologies, ensuring optimal configuration and integration.

• Coordinate design integration activities across multiple facility systems, including BAS, life-safety, and security systems, to achieve seamless operation.

• Drive modernization and lifecycle planning initiatives for critical facility infrastructure, ensuring long-term operational viability and technological relevance.

• Oversee and support Building Automation Systems (BAS), access control, fire alarm, monitoring, and elevator control systems, addressing operational requirements and troubleshooting.

• Facilitate Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities and support Authority to Operate (ATO) compliance efforts for facility systems, including documentation and system assessments.

• Coordinate cybersecurity documentation and system assessments in alignment with federal regulations and DoD standards.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to address identified security vulnerabilities.

• Act as a primary point of contact for government stakeholders, contractors, and vendors, ensuring clear communication and project alignment.

• Conduct facility site visits to assess existing conditions, monitor progress, and support project planning and system implementation activities.

• Prepare comprehensive status reports and technical documentation, providing clear insights into project progress and system performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a focus on technical systems management within federal facilities, with a significant emphasis on cybersecurity compliance (RMF, ATO) for operational technology (OT) and building infrastructure. The role requires a blend of technical system knowledge, project coordination, and regulatory compliance understanding, specifically within the unique environment of federal healthcare facilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Computer), Construction Management, Architecture, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering, construction management, or technical project management experience, with a strong emphasis on facility systems.

• Proven experience supporting facility systems, engineering projects, or building technologies, preferably within federal or complex operational environments. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to support and review facility control systems and building technologies (e.g., HVAC controls, BAS).

• Experience in coordinating design integration activities across multiple facility systems.

• Familiarity with modernization and lifecycle planning initiatives for infrastructure.

• Ability to support Building Automation Systems (BAS), access control, fire alarm, monitoring, and elevator control systems.

• Experience supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities and/or Authority to Operate (ATO) compliance.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Capacity to obtain Common Access Card (CAC) credentials and pass required government background investigations.

• Ability to work effectively in active federal and healthcare facility environments, understanding the unique operational constraints. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.

• Experience in healthcare facility environments, understanding their specific operational and regulatory needs.

• In-depth knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS) and related control protocols.

• Hands-on experience with RMF and cybersecurity compliance processes for operational technology (OT).

• Familiarity with facility control systems architecture and integration principles.

• Previous experience supporting federal healthcare facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "or" clause for the Bachelor's degree ("OR Minimum 8 years of relevant engineering or construction experience") implies that extensive practical experience can substitute for a formal degree. The emphasis on RMF, ATO, and specific building systems like BAS and access control points to a specialized technical skillset beyond general engineering, leaning towards IT/OT convergence and cybersecurity for physical infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• System Integration Case Studies: Examples demonstrating successful integration of disparate building systems (e.g., BAS with access control, fire alarm with monitoring systems) within complex facility environments. Highlight challenges faced and technical solutions implemented.

• Cybersecurity Compliance Documentation: Samples of documentation related to RMF, ATO, or POA&M development and management for facility or operational technology systems. Focus on clarity, accuracy, and adherence to federal standards.

• Technical Design Review Documentation: Examples of technical reviews, configuration management, or system assessment reports that showcase analytical rigor and attention to detail.

• Project Coordination & Reporting: Evidence of effective project coordination, stakeholder management, and clear reporting on technical projects, ideally within a government contracting or large-scale facility context.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of how to document and optimize workflows for system upgrades, maintenance, or integration projects, focusing on efficiency and risk mitigation.

• System Implementation Standards: Showcase knowledge of best practices for implementing and commissioning new building systems or updating existing ones to meet operational and security requirements.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Illustrate experience in measuring and reporting on the performance of facility systems, including uptime, efficiency, and security posture.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should curate examples that directly address the technical systems and compliance requirements. Instead of generic project management examples, focus on how they managed the technical aspects of facility systems and the processes involved in ensuring their security and operational integrity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 per year.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Vision insurance

• Paid Federal Holidays

• Supplemental Insurance Programs Working Hours:

• Full-time, likely 40 hours per week. The role requires on-site presence, suggesting standard business hours with potential for occasional off-hours work to support critical systems or project deadlines, common in federal facility management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $100,000-$130,000 for a Design Manager with 8+ years of experience in San Diego, CA, aligns with industry benchmarks for specialized technical management roles in high-cost-of-living areas, particularly those involving federal contracts and cybersecurity compliance. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for federal contractors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting, Facilities Management, Engineering Services, Construction Management. Golden Wolf, LLC specializes in providing technical services to federal agencies, with a focus on mission-critical facilities within the Department of Defense and civilian sectors.

Company Size: Small to Medium Business (Implied from "Women-Owned Small Business" and "Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned"). This size often fosters a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: Information not provided, but the company's focus on federal agencies suggests a stable operational history.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project team or a dedicated facilities management division supporting federal contracts.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Program Manager or a Director of Engineering/Facilities, with direct interaction and guidance provided to junior technical staff or contractors.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Extensive collaboration with government facility managers, contracting officers, cybersecurity personnel (e.g., ISSMs, ISSOs), general contractors, subcontractors, system vendors, and other engineering disciplines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Emphasis on using data from building systems, security assessments, and project metrics to inform decisions, optimize performance, and ensure compliance.

• Process-Centric Approach: Reliance on documented processes for system design, implementation, maintenance, and security reviews, adhering to federal standards and best practices.

• Risk Management Focus: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks, particularly concerning facility system integrity and cybersecurity posture.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Women-Owned Small Business, Golden Wolf likely emphasizes a culture of dedication, precision, and mission accomplishment. The federal contracting environment demands strict adherence to protocols and a high level of accountability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Level. This role is critical for managing complex technical systems and ensuring compliance within high-stakes federal environments. It requires significant technical expertise and project oversight capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to higher-level management within Golden Wolf, likely a Program Manager or Director, and will coordinate closely with government points of contact (e.g., CORs, facility engineers).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the operational readiness, security, and compliance of mission-critical federal facilities. Ensuring systems are functional, secure, and meet regulatory requirements is paramount to supporting the core missions of entities like Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific building systems (e.g., advanced BAS, OT cybersecurity) or federal compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST SP 800-53).

• Program Management: Transition into roles with broader project or program management responsibilities for larger federal contracts.

• Leadership Development: Advance into positions overseeing larger teams of engineers, designers, and technical specialists within Golden Wolf.

• Federal Contracting Expertise: Develop advanced knowledge of federal acquisition regulations (FAR), contract management, and agency-specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title in this context implies a technical leadership track rather than a purely managerial one. Growth opportunities will likely involve increasing technical scope, responsibility for larger and more critical projects, and potentially moving into higher-level program management within the federal contracting space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site within federal facilities (Naval Medical Center San Diego and associated installations). This is a hands-on role requiring regular presence in operational environments.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California, with the primary focus on Naval Medical Center San Diego and potentially other military installations in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Work will involve significant face-to-face interaction with government personnel, project teams, and contractors within facility control rooms, project offices, and site locations.

• Tools & Technology: Access to facility control systems, cybersecurity assessment tools, project management software, and standard office productivity suites will be essential. The environment demands familiarity with specialized operational technology (OT) interfaces.

• Team Interaction: Frequent collaboration with facility managers, IT security teams, maintenance staff, and engineering consultants to ensure system cohesion and operational integrity.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM) are expected, but flexibility may be required to address urgent system issues, conduct site visits outside of peak hours, or attend critical meetings. The nature of federal facilities often necessitates a readiness to respond to operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. Candidates must be comfortable working within secure, active federal and healthcare environments, which often have stringent access controls, safety protocols, and operational demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application materials, focusing on required qualifications, relevant experience (especially DoD/healthcare facilities, BAS, RMF/ATO).

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions covering technical knowledge of building systems, cybersecurity principles (RMF, ATO), project management methodologies, and problem-solving scenarios related to facility operations and security. Expect questions about system integration and compliance challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present key projects from their portfolio, demonstrating their experience with system design, integration, cybersecurity compliance, and project coordination. Focus on quantifiable results and lessons learned.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of communication skills, ability to work with government stakeholders, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Golden Wolf's values (e.g., mission focus, technical excellence).

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and confirm suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize examples that showcase experience with federal facilities, DoD environments, healthcare systems, BAS, access control, fire alarm systems, and cybersecurity compliance (RMF, ATO).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your contributions (e.g., percentage reduction in system downtime, successful ATO achievement, efficiency improvements in building systems).

• Structure Case Studies: For each relevant project, clearly outline the problem, your role and actions, the technical solutions implemented, and the resulting outcomes.

• Showcase Documentation Skills: Include redacted examples of technical documentation, reports, or compliance artifacts that demonstrate clarity, accuracy, and adherence to standards.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical intricacies of the systems you've managed and the specific challenges you overcame.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would address specific challenges, such as integrating a new security system into an existing BAS, troubleshooting a network vulnerability in facility controls, or preparing a system for an ATO audit.

• Process Walkthroughs: Be ready to explain your process for conducting a technical review, developing a POA&M, or coordinating a complex system upgrade.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating technical information and project status to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including government officials.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the federal contracting nature and the specific technical requirements (RMF, ATO, BAS), interviewers will be looking for practical, demonstrable experience rather than theoretical knowledge. A well-curated portfolio that directly addresses these areas will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Software: Experience with various BAS platforms (e.g., Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara Framework) for monitoring, control, and troubleshooting.

• Access Control Systems: Familiarity with enterprise-level access control systems (e.g., Lenel, AMAG, Honeywell) for system configuration and integration.

• Fire Alarm Systems: Understanding of fire alarm control panels and monitoring systems (e.g., Simplex, Notifier, EST).

• Elevator Control Systems: Knowledge of modern elevator control and monitoring technologies.

• Network Infrastructure Tools: Basic understanding of network protocols and diagnostics relevant to connecting and managing these systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• System Monitoring Tools: Software for real-time monitoring of building systems performance and status.

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for analyzing system logs, performance data, and security event logs.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or similar for task tracking, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Reporting Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel for data analysis, Word for reports, PowerPoint for presentations).

CRM & Automation:

• Government/Contractor specific project management or asset management systems: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with systems used for managing federal contracts and facility assets would be beneficial.

• Cybersecurity Tools: Familiarity with tools used for vulnerability scanning, security assessment, and RMF documentation (e.g., eMASS, Xacta).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" is heavily skewed towards operational technology (OT) and physical security systems. While standard IT tools are necessary, deep knowledge of BAS, access control, and cybersecurity compliance platforms is paramount. Experience with federal cybersecurity compliance tools like eMASS is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Accomplishment: A strong focus on successfully supporting the core missions of federal agencies, understanding that facility systems are critical enablers.

• Technical Excellence: Commitment to high standards in design, implementation, and maintenance of facility systems, ensuring reliability and security.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for the performance and security of critical infrastructure.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams, including government personnel, contractors, and internal staff, to achieve shared objectives.

• Efficiency and Optimization: Striving for continuous improvement in system performance, operational costs, and security posture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A proactive approach to integrating technical expertise from various disciplines (engineering, IT security, facility management) to solve complex problems.

• Process Review and Feedback: Encouraging open communication and constructive feedback to refine processes and improve system outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where lessons learned and best practices are shared across projects and teams to enhance overall capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's veteran-owned and women-owned status, combined with its federal contracting focus, suggests a culture that values discipline, resilience, and a results-oriented mindset. Collaboration is essential, but it must be structured and aligned with federal protocols.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Regulations: Keeping abreast of evolving federal standards, DoD directives, and cybersecurity requirements (e.g., NIST, RMF) for facility systems.

• Legacy Systems Integration: Managing and modernizing older facility systems that may not be designed for current security or interoperability standards.

• Cybersecurity Threats to OT: Protecting critical building infrastructure from sophisticated cyber threats targeting operational technology.

• Coordination Complexity: Effectively coordinating with multiple government agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors, each with their own requirements and priorities.

• Working in Sensitive Environments: Operating within active federal and healthcare facilities requires strict adherence to security, safety, and operational protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Certifications: Pursuing certifications in areas like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or specific vendor certifications for BAS or security systems.

• Advanced RMF/ATO Training: Deepening expertise in federal cybersecurity compliance frameworks and audit processes.

• Project Management Training: Developing skills in federal project management methodologies and contract administration.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events focused on federal facilities, OT cybersecurity, and building systems to stay current with trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the specialized nature of this role, requiring a blend of technical engineering, cybersecurity, and federal compliance expertise. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening this specialized knowledge and moving into more senior leadership or program management roles within the federal contracting sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Systems & Integration: "Describe a complex building system integration project you managed. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you ensure interoperability and security?" (Prepare to discuss BAS, access control, fire alarm integration, and potential conflicts).

• Cybersecurity & Compliance: "Walk me through your experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for federal systems. What are the critical steps, and what role did you play in achieving or maintaining an Authority to Operate (ATO)?" (Be ready to explain NIST SP 800-53 controls relevant to facilities).

• Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: "Imagine a critical facility system (e.g., BAS) is reporting intermittent failures and potential security anomalies. How would you approach diagnosing and resolving this issue, considering both operational and security impacts?" (Focus on a structured, data-driven approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Federal Environment Acumen: "What are the unique challenges and considerations when working on projects within DoD or federal healthcare facilities?" (Emphasize understanding of security, regulations, and operational continuity).

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you effectively communicate technical project status and risks to government stakeholders who may have varying levels of technical understanding?" (Highlight clarity, conciseness, and proactive communication).

• Operations Impact & Metrics: "How do you measure the success and impact of your work in managing federal facility systems, particularly concerning security and operational efficiency?" (Prepare examples using metrics and outcomes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Select 2-3 projects that most closely align with the job description's requirements (federal facilities, BAS, RMF/ATO, system integration).

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, present: Problem (the challenge), Your Role & Actions (what you did), Solution (technical approach), and Outcome (quantifiable results, lessons learned).

• Highlight Compliance: Explicitly detail how you addressed cybersecurity requirements, RMF processes, or ATO documentation in your presented projects.

• Be Prepared for Technical Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about the technologies, protocols, and challenges encountered in your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both technical depth in building systems and cybersecurity compliance, as well as practical experience within the federal contracting landscape. A strong portfolio that directly addresses these core areas is essential for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Golden Wolf careers page.

• Tailor your resume: Clearly highlight experience with federal facilities, DoD/healthcare environments, Building Automation Systems (BAS), access control, fire alarm systems, and cybersecurity compliance (RMF, ATO). Use keywords from the job description and the provided keyword list.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in system integration, technical documentation, and compliance. Prepare to discuss these in detail, focusing on your specific contributions and the outcomes.

• Research Golden Wolf: Understand their mission, values, and their role as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Women-Owned Small Business serving federal agencies. This will help you articulate your cultural fit.

• Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews: Anticipate questions about your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and experience working within regulated government environments. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method.

⚠️ 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.