Design Manager (I-15 Reconstruction Project)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (I-15 Reconstruction Project)

Company: State of Utah Office of the Governor (Utah Department of Transportation - UDOT)

Location: Bountiful, Utah

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years post-licensure

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage UDOT's multidisciplinary design management and review activities for the critical I-15 Farmington to Salt Lake City design-build project.

• Serve as the primary liaison, fostering strong relationships and facilitating effective communication between UDOT, the Design-Builder, consultants, and key stakeholders.

• Ensure strict adherence to contract requirements, UDOT standards, FHWA regulations, and MUTCD guidelines throughout the design phase.

• Drive the timely delivery of project milestones by overseeing design review processes, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical leadership position within UDOT, focusing on the complex design oversight of a major transportation infrastructure project. The emphasis is on managing external design-build partners and ensuring UDOT's standards and project objectives are met through rigorous review and stakeholder coordination. This is not a traditional GTM or RevOps role but rather a specialized engineering management position with operational oversight responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct UDOT's design review processes for a major design-build project, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of all design submittals.

• Manage and coordinate the work of external consultant engineers and design professionals engaged in reviewing the Design-Builder's submissions.

• Conduct thorough reviews of the Design-Builder's design to guarantee compliance with contract specifications, UDOT standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements.

• Strategically allocate resources, set priorities, and manage workloads for the review team to ensure project milestones are achieved efficiently and effectively.

• Proactively monitor design progress, assess design quality, and identify potential design issues, risks, and constructability challenges.

• Facilitate the resolution of complex technical design issues that arise between the Design-Builder, internal UDOT engineering disciplines, and project stakeholders.

• Act as the principal UDOT design representative, managing day-to-day interactions and communication with the Design-Builder and their design consultants.

• Implement and manage robust procedures for design submittal tracking, comment resolution, and official UDOT acceptance.

• Ensure all review comments are meticulously documented, tracked through resolution, and formally recorded as per project requirements.

• Coordinate closely with UDOT headquarters and regional staff to address project-specific issues and maintain departmental design standard consistency.

• Provide expert technical leadership in the evaluation of proposed design changes, deviations, and their impact on overall project requirements and objectives.

• Monitor the Design-Builder's design schedule, assigning review priorities to align with construction sequencing and critical project deadlines.

• Ensure that robust quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) practices are embedded within the Design-Builder's design processes.

• Prepare and deliver clear, concise briefings to UDOT leadership regarding project progress, identified risks, and significant technical matters.

• Actively participate in all relevant project meetings, design review sessions, workshops, and partnering forums to foster collaboration and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on technical oversight, contract management, and stakeholder liaison within a large-scale infrastructure project context. The role requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design review processes, and the complexities of design-build delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field.

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the State of Utah is mandatory. Experience:

• A minimum of four (4) years of professional engineering experience specifically after obtaining PE licensure.

• At least two (2) years of direct experience in roadway design is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in managing a workforce and ensuring fair and effective employment practices. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) Licensure: Active and valid PE license in Utah.

• Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and manage complex design processes and review cycles.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project timelines, resource allocation, and milestone tracking, particularly within infrastructure projects.

• Contract Compliance: Expertise in ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, specifications, and legal requirements.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Strong knowledge of QA/QC principles and their application in design and construction.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide expert guidance, make sound technical decisions, and lead engineering teams.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, consultants, and contractors.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for reporting, negotiation, and coordination.

• Supervisory Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and direct the work of engineers and technical staff.

• Regulatory Standards: Familiarity with transportation engineering standards, including UDOT specifications, FHWA guidelines, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Preferred Skills:

• Roadway Design Experience: In-depth knowledge of highway and roadway design principles, standards, and best practices.

• Design-Build Project Experience: Familiarity with the intricacies and management aspects of design-build project delivery models.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and propose mitigation strategies for design and project risks.

• Conflict Resolution: Skill in mediating and resolving disputes or disagreements between parties.

• Public Sector Project Experience: Understanding of government agency processes and procurement procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strong technical engineering expertise, leadership capabilities, and experience in managing complex projects within a regulatory framework. The PE license is a non-negotiable requirement, underscoring the technical rigor expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Review Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex design reviews managed, highlighting the process, key challenges identified, and resolution strategies.

• Project Management Documentation: Evidence of managing design schedules, resource allocation, and milestone tracking for infrastructure projects.

• Quality Management Examples: Documentation demonstrating the implementation or oversight of QA/QC processes for design deliverables.

• Stakeholder Communication Artifacts: Examples of reports, presentations, or formal correspondence used to communicate design status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders and leadership.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review Workflow: Clearly articulate your approach to managing and executing design reviews, from submittal intake to final acceptance.

• Issue Resolution Process: Detail your methodology for identifying, documenting, tracking, and resolving design issues and conflicts between parties.

• Performance Monitoring: Describe how you would track design progress, quality metrics, and team performance against project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management, review processes, and stakeholder coordination would be highly beneficial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific project management and design review methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $49.30 - $78.18 per hour (Approximately $102,544 - $162,590 annually, based on a 40-hour work week).

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings: Utah State Retirement System contributions and plans.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continued education.

• Life Insurance: Provided life insurance coverage.

• Other State Benefits: Access to various state employee benefit programs and discounts.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours are expected, with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and coordination requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior engineering management role in the Utah region, reflecting the significant responsibility and expertise required. The benefits package is typical for state government positions, offering stability and comprehensive coverage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Transportation Infrastructure)

Company Size: Large (Utah Department of Transportation is a significant state agency with thousands of employees).

Founded: The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has a long history, evolving over decades to manage the state's extensive transportation network. The current structure and mission are well-established.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role sits within UDOT's project delivery or engineering division, likely reporting to a Director or Deputy Director of Project Development or Design.

• Reporting Structure: You will manage a team of consultant engineers and potentially some in-house UDOT technical staff dedicated to design review. You will also interface with various UDOT departments (e.g., environmental, right-of-way, construction).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with the Design-Builder's team, UDOT project managers, construction engineers, environmental specialists, legal counsel, and potentially local government officials and community stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Decisions will be driven by technical data, design analysis, compliance checks, and risk assessments. Performance will be measured against project milestones, quality standards, and budget adherence.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on streamlining the design review process, ensuring efficient turnaround times while maintaining thoroughness and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: While this role is primarily about oversight, an understanding of how technology and efficient processes can improve design review efficiency is valuable.

Company Website: https://udot.utah.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: UDOT operates with a mission-driven approach focused on public service and infrastructure development. The culture emphasizes professionalism, adherence to standards, and collaborative problem-solving, particularly in large, complex projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer

This role represents a senior-level position within UDOT's engineering and project management framework. It demands significant technical expertise, leadership acumen, and the ability to manage high-stakes projects with substantial public impact. The scope involves overseeing the design phase of a major transportation corridor, influencing project outcomes from inception.

Reporting Structure:

You will report to a higher-level director within UDOT's project development or engineering leadership. You will be responsible for managing external design consultants and liaising with the Design-Builder's representatives. This structure requires strong indirect leadership and negotiation skills.

Operations Impact:

The Design Manager's impact is direct and critical. Successful oversight of the design phase directly influences:

• Project Budget: Preventing costly design errors and rework.

• Project Schedule: Ensuring timely progression to construction.

• Public Safety: Guaranteeing the design meets all safety standards.

• Infrastructure Quality: Delivering a durable and functional transportation asset.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Maintaining transparency and effective communication.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level project director roles, program management, or executive positions within UDOT.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in design-build project delivery, complex infrastructure management, or specific engineering disciplines.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and design professionals within UDOT and its partner organizations.

• Professional Recognition: Contributing to high-profile, impactful projects can lead to significant professional recognition within the transportation engineering community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, stable public sector organization, with opportunities for both technical specialization and leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily office-based, with potential for site visits to project locations or design team offices.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is listed as Bountiful, Utah, with the project corridor extending from Farmington to Salt Lake City. This implies a need to be accessible to various points within this region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic office setting that requires significant interaction with internal teams, external consultants, and the Design-Builder's representatives. Meetings, reviews, and problem-solving sessions will be frequent.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management platforms, document management systems, and specialized engineering design and review software will be provided or expected for use.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with UDOT project managers, senior engineers, and leadership, as well as close coordination with the Design-Builder's technical leads.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (40 hours/week).

• While core hours will be maintained, flexibility may be required to attend critical meetings or address urgent design issues, especially during peak project phases. Adherence to project deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a large-scale project management role, demanding strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a commitment to project timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review to assess minimum qualifications (PE license, experience).

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary discussion with the recruiter or hiring manager to gauge overall fit, communication skills, and basic understanding of the role.

• Technical Interview: In-depth interview with a panel of UDOT engineering leaders and project managers. This will focus on your technical expertise, design management approach, experience with design-build, and problem-solving capabilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present key projects or case studies from their portfolio that demonstrate their relevant experience in design management and review.

• Final Interview: May involve higher-level management or a final assessment of leadership potential and cultural fit.

• Background Check: A criminal history check is a mandatory step for all successful candidates.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to manage design processes, identify critical issues, and drive successful outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings from design review, schedule adherence, reduction in RFIs).

• Highlight Design-Build Experience: If you have design-build experience, showcase your understanding of that delivery model and your role within it.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present case studies where you effectively resolved complex design challenges or conflicts.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or functional area (e.g., Design Management, Quality Oversight, Stakeholder Liaison).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design review scenario, identify potential risks, or resolve a conflict between parties.

• Technical Knowledge: Review key principles of roadway design, civil engineering, and relevant design standards (UDOT, MUTCD, FHWA).

• Leadership & Management: Prepare to discuss your management style, how you motivate teams, and how you handle performance issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical competence, leadership potential, and fit within UDOT's project management framework. A well-prepared portfolio and clear articulation of past experiences are crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for schedule tracking and resource management.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, tracking, and managing design submittals and review comments (e.g., Aconex, Procore, or UDOT's internal systems).

• CAD & Design Software: While not directly using CAD, understanding the outputs and capabilities of software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, and GIS is beneficial for review purposes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and potentially platforms like Microsoft Teams or similar for communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting on design progress and issues.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear, concise reports for leadership and stakeholders, potentially using standard reporting features within project management or document management systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: This role is not CRM-focused. Automation relevant here would be within design review workflows or project management processes rather than sales/marketing automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with project management and document control systems is essential for managing the extensive review processes involved. An understanding of engineering software outputs is also advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all dealings with the Design-Builder, consultants, and the public.

• Respect: Valuing the contributions of all team members, stakeholders, and the public.

• Caring: Demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the traveling public and the quality of the infrastructure provided.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse expertise is leveraged to achieve project goals.

• Flexibility: Adapting to project needs and evolving challenges with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

• Data-Driven Approach: Relying on technical analysis, compliance checks, and performance metrics to guide decisions and ensure quality outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Liaison: Actively engaging with all parties to anticipate issues and facilitate smooth communication.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing clear, actionable, and timely feedback during design reviews.

• Partnership Focus: Aiming to build a collaborative partnership with the Design-Builder and consultants to achieve shared project objectives, while still maintaining oversight.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices and lessons learned among the review team and with UDOT.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values align with public service and engineering excellence, emphasizing collaboration, integrity, and a focus on delivering safe, high-quality infrastructure for the state.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing External Partners: Balancing UDOT's requirements with the Design-Builder's contractual obligations and potential differing priorities.

• Complex Technical Issues: Resolving intricate engineering challenges that may span multiple disciplines and require innovative solutions.

• Schedule Pressure: Meeting aggressive project timelines inherent in major design-build initiatives.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring all parties (internal UDOT, external consultants, Design-Builder, potentially public) are aligned and informed.

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and managing design and construction risks to prevent costly impacts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design-Build Expertise: Gaining deep experience in managing complex design-build projects, a rapidly growing delivery method.

• Leadership Skills: Developing advanced leadership and team management capabilities within a public sector context.

• Technical Specialization: Enhancing expertise in specific areas of transportation engineering or infrastructure project management.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunity to attend relevant transportation engineering and project management conferences.

• Mentorship Programs: Participating in or leading mentorship initiatives within UDOT.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant professional challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth and development opportunities in the field of major infrastructure project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design review process for a large design-build project. What are the key stages and critical checkpoints?"

• "How do you ensure contract compliance and adherence to standards (UDOT, FHWA, MUTCD) when reviewing a Design-Builder's submissions?"

• "Tell me about a time you had to resolve a significant technical disagreement between a design-builder and the owner's representatives. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you prioritize tasks and allocate resources for a design review team to meet demanding project schedules?"

• "What metrics do you use to assess the quality and progress of a design, and how do you report these to leadership?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about UDOT's mission and its role in Utah's transportation infrastructure?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative working relationship with external contractors while maintaining your oversight role?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate technical teams."

• "How do you ensure that safety and quality are paramount throughout the design process?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Present 2-3 key projects that best showcase your design management, review, and stakeholder liaison skills.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly define the scope, your role, the challenges faced, your specific actions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., improved efficiency, risk mitigation, successful delivery).

• Visuals: Use slides with relevant diagrams, timelines, or photos if appropriate, but keep them concise and professional.

• Focus on Process: Explain the how behind your success – your methodologies, decision-making processes, and communication strategies.

• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your portfolio examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples for behavioral and situational questions. Demonstrating a deep understanding of design-build project lifecycles and UDOT's context will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CSOD careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, years of post-licensure experience, and any specific experience with roadway design, design-build projects, and public sector infrastructure. Highlight leadership and management responsibilities.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather documentation and case studies that showcase your design management, review processes, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research UDOT: Familiarize yourself with UDOT's mission, current projects (especially I-15 related), and organizational values. Understand the importance of public infrastructure and safety.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for common interview questions related to leadership, technical problem-solving, and project management in an engineering context.

⚠️ 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.