Design Manager - Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Infrastructure

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Abha, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: August 17, 2026

Experience Level: 16+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the comprehensive design, coordination, and execution of deep infrastructure services, encompassing critical utilities like water, sewage, stormwater, power distribution, and telecommunications.

• Lead the integration of complex utility networks within high-end luxury hospitality, residential, and large-scale urban development projects, ensuring seamless alignment with master plans and architectural designs.

• Manage design consultants and contractors to ensure the quality, efficiency, and timely completion of deep infrastructure installations, adhering to strict budget constraints.

• Ensure rigorous compliance with local and international engineering standards and regulations, actively mitigating risks associated with groundwater management, flooding, and soil stability.

• Drive value engineering initiatives and implement advanced modeling and simulation techniques to optimize system performance, enhance sustainability, and ensure the long-term resilience of underground utilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the foundational infrastructure of a major development is robust, efficient, and compliant. It requires a blend of technical engineering expertise, project management acumen, and strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a focus on intricate utility systems. The "Infrastructure Operations" category is inferred to encompass the management and execution of the physical systems that underpin development projects, aligning with the core responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and integration of deep utility services, prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and strict regulatory adherence.

• Oversee the detailed engineering design for potable water, wastewater, stormwater management, electrical substations, district cooling, gas, and telecommunication networks.

• Ensure that all deep infrastructure services are meticulously aligned with the project's master plan, architectural vision, and structural engineering requirements.

• Implement and utilize advanced modeling techniques, including hydraulic simulations, to optimize the performance and reliability of the utility systems.

• Foster close collaboration with MEP, civil, structural, and transportation engineering teams to ensure the seamless integration of deep services into the overall project framework.

• Coordinate effectively with municipal authorities, utility providers, and various regulatory agencies to secure necessary approvals and ensure ongoing compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage the performance and deliverables of design consultants and contracted parties, ensuring high-quality execution within defined budget and timeline parameters.

• Supervise the installation, rigorous testing, and final commissioning of deep services to guarantee they meet all specified operational requirements and performance benchmarks.

• Ensure all designs and implementations strictly adhere to local and international standards such as ASHRAE, NFPA, BS, IEEE, ISO, and specific local municipality guidelines.

• Proactively identify and implement strategies to mitigate risks, including those related to groundwater management, potential flooding scenarios, soil stability issues, and infrastructure conflicts.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry advancements, emerging sustainable utility solutions, and smart infrastructure technologies to inform design and planning.

• Conduct comprehensive technical reviews, audits, and site inspections to uphold the highest standards in deep service infrastructure design and construction.

• Develop and implement cost-effective, value-engineered solutions to optimize service routes, minimize construction disruptions, and enhance overall project ROI.

• Ensure the long-term durability, resilience, and maintainability of underground utilities through the application of robust and forward-thinking design strategies.

• Lead and mentor a team of design engineers, external consultants, and site contractors, fostering a collaborative environment for the smooth execution of deep service designs.

• Represent the deep service infrastructure scope in critical progress meetings, regulatory discussions, and strategic planning sessions with senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Serve as the primary liaison with government agencies, utility providers, and key project stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and alignment for deep service integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive and cover the full lifecycle from conceptual design to operational readiness. The emphasis on "deep infrastructure" and specific utility types (water, wastewater, power, telecom, district cooling) points to a highly specialized engineering management role. The mention of luxury hospitality and residential development suggests a need for aesthetic integration and high-quality finishes, beyond basic functionality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 16+ years of progressive experience in deep services design and comprehensive infrastructure development.

• Proven track record of successful involvement in luxury hospitality, high-end residential, and large-scale urban development projects. Required Skills:

• Extensive expertise in the design and planning of deep utility systems, including potable water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, district cooling, power distribution (up to substations), and telecommunication networks.

• Strong proficiency in industry-standard deep infrastructure design and modeling software, such as Civil 3D, WaterGEMS, SewerGEMS, StormCAD, ETAP, or comparable tools.

• In-depth knowledge of municipality regulations, permitting processes, and the requirements of infrastructure authorities in relevant regions (specifically Saudi Arabia).

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage design teams, consultants, and contractors effectively through complex project phases.

• Robust understanding of hydraulic simulations, network analysis, and system optimization techniques for utility infrastructure.

• Proven experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and value engineering within large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with government agencies, utility providers, and project stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with sustainable utility solutions and smart infrastructure technologies.

• Experience with groundwater management and flood mitigation strategies.

• Knowledge of international standards beyond those explicitly listed, demonstrating broad engineering acumen.

• Project management certifications (e.g., PMP) or equivalent experience.

• Experience in contract negotiation and management for design and construction services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 16+ years of experience and specific software proficiencies like Civil 3D, WaterGEMS, etc., indicates a senior-level role demanding deep technical expertise and a proven history of managing complex infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "deep infrastructure" is a key differentiator, requiring specialized knowledge of underground utilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant deep infrastructure projects managed or designed, with a focus on projects in similar sectors (e.g., large-scale developments, hospitality, residential).

• Clearly document the scope of work, specific challenges encountered, and the innovative solutions implemented for each utility system (water, wastewater, stormwater, power, telecom).

• Provide detailed examples of how system efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance were achieved through design and management.

• Include evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (architectural, structural, MEP) and external stakeholders (municipalities, utility providers).

• Demonstrate the application of advanced modeling and simulation tools (e.g., hydraulic analysis, load flow studies) within project case studies. Process Documentation:

• Present detailed case studies outlining the process of managing design consultants and contractors, including quality control measures and risk mitigation strategies.

• Illustrate the workflow for obtaining municipal approvals and ensuring regulatory compliance for infrastructure projects.

• Document examples of value engineering initiatives and cost-saving measures implemented without compromising service quality or resilience.

• Show evidence of how technical reviews, audits, and site inspections were conducted to ensure adherence to standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should highlight not just design outputs but also the management of the design process, coordination efforts, and successful project delivery. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating problem-solving skills related to complex underground utility systems and regulatory navigation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the role's seniority (16+ years of experience), location in Riyadh/Abha, Saudi Arabia, and the specialized nature of deep infrastructure management, a competitive salary range is estimated between SAR 45,000 - SAR 75,000 per month (approximately USD 12,000 - USD 20,000 per month). This range accounts for the high demand for experienced infrastructure design professionals in major development projects within the region. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for employee and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for expatriates moving to Saudi Arabia, potentially including flights, temporary accommodation, and settling-in allowances.

• Housing Allowance: A stipend or company-provided housing to cover accommodation costs.

• Transportation Allowance: Support for commuting or travel related to work.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off, in line with Saudi labor laws and company policy.

• Flights Home: Annual or bi-annual airfare tickets for international employees to visit their home country.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences relevant to infrastructure design and management.

• Retirement/End-of-Service Benefits: Contributions or a lump sum payment upon completion of service, as per local regulations.

• Life Insurance: Coverage for unforeseen events. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Sunday to Thursday, with potential for extended hours or weekend work depending on project demands and critical deadlines. Flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site and requires consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for senior engineering roles in Saudi Arabia, especially for large-scale international projects like those in Riyadh and Abha, are typically high due to specialized skills and the cost of living/relocation. Benefits packages are usually robust to attract international talent. The estimate uses a combination of online salary data for similar roles in the GCC region and general knowledge of compensation for high-demand engineering management positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Technology Services. Parsons is a global leader in infrastructure, defense, and intelligence, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges. The company operates in a sector critical to national development and technological advancement, particularly in the Middle East.

Company Size: Parsons is a large, publicly traded company with tens of thousands of employees globally. This size indicates a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for career advancement across various sectors and geographies.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, giving it a long history and deep experience in the engineering and construction industry. This longevity suggests stability, a strong reputation, and a wealth of accumulated expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a specialized team focused on deep infrastructure, comprising civil engineers, utility designers, CAD technicians, and potentially specialist consultants.

• Reporting structure typically involves a Senior Project Director or Program Manager, with direct oversight of design consultants and construction contractors.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close partnerships with architectural design teams, MEP engineers, transportation planners, environmental specialists, and project controls teams to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing advanced modeling, simulations, and performance analytics to inform design choices and optimize utility networks.

• Structured workflow planning and rigorous optimization strategies to ensure efficient project execution, adherence to timelines, and cost-effectiveness.

• Emphasis on automation where applicable, particularly in design processes and data analysis, to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• A strong focus on quality assurance and control throughout all project phases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' global presence and long history suggest a company that values expertise, systematic approaches, and delivering on large-scale, complex projects. The "Imagine Next" slogan implies a forward-thinking culture that embraces innovation and technological advancement, which is crucial for modern infrastructure development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, requiring extensive technical expertise and leadership experience. It sits at the intersection of engineering design and project execution, demanding a deep understanding of utility systems and their integration into large developments. The scope involves significant responsibility for critical infrastructure, impacting project success, cost, and long-term operational viability.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior project executive (e.g., Program Director, Project Director) and will be responsible for managing a team of design engineers, as well as overseeing the work of external design consultants and construction contractors responsible for the deep infrastructure scope. This is a leadership role with significant influence over the project's foundational elements.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the project's feasibility, cost, timeline, and long-term operational efficiency. Successful management of deep infrastructure ensures reliable utility services, prevents costly rework, mitigates environmental risks, and contributes to the overall value and sustainability of the development. Their decisions influence critical aspects of the project's success and stakeholder satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific utility sectors (e.g., smart water networks, renewable energy integration in power distribution) or advanced modeling techniques.

• Project Leadership: Progress to higher-level project management roles, overseeing larger or more complex infrastructure programs, or managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Regional/Global Roles: Transition into regional or global leadership positions within Parsons, focusing on infrastructure strategy, business development, or technical oversight across different geographies.

• Technical Expert: Become a recognized subject matter expert within Parsons or the broader industry, contributing to best practices, R&D, and mentoring junior engineers.

• Transition to Client-Side Roles: Leverage experience to move into senior infrastructure management roles within major development authorities or large client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's seniority and the nature of large-scale infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia suggest substantial growth potential. Parsons, as a global firm, typically offers clear career progression paths, often involving increased responsibility, broader scope, and leadership opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Design Manager to be physically present at the project locations in Riyadh or Abha, Saudi Arabia. The work environment will likely involve a combination of office-based design coordination and site visits for inspections, progress monitoring, and stakeholder meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary work locations are Riyadh and Abha, Saudi Arabia. These are major cities, with Riyadh being the capital and a hub for large-scale development, and Abha being a significant city in the 'Asir region, often associated with unique development projects. Access to these cities is generally good via international airports.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be dynamic, involving close collaboration within project offices, potentially shared with other engineering disciplines and project management teams.

• Access to advanced design software and hardware is expected, supporting complex modeling and simulation tasks.

• Regular site visits are a critical component, requiring adaptation to different site conditions and safety protocols.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse range of project stakeholders, including government officials, utility company representatives, and senior project leadership.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be aligned with typical business hours in Saudi Arabia (Sunday to Thursday), but the demanding nature of large infrastructure projects often necessitates flexibility, including potential overtime and weekend work to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, as it involves direct oversight of design implementation and coordination with field activities. The mention of both Riyadh and Abha suggests the role might involve travel between these locations or a primary base in one with responsibilities extending to the other.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruitment specialist will review applications, assessing basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Conducted by hiring managers or senior engineers from the infrastructure team. This stage will delve deep into your technical expertise in deep infrastructure design, software proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect questions on specific utility systems, design challenges, and regulatory compliance.

• Managerial/Leadership Interview: Focuses on your experience in managing teams, consultants, and contractors. This may involve behavioral questions assessing leadership style, conflict resolution, decision-making under pressure, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial part of the process. You will be asked to present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. This is where you demonstrate your practical application of skills and project impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or director, focusing on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term vision for infrastructure development within Parsons.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that most closely align with the job description's requirements—specifically, deep infrastructure design for large-scale developments, hospitality, or residential projects. Highlight your role in the design, coordination, and execution phases.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your contributions and the measurable outcomes. Use data to demonstrate efficiency improvements, cost savings, risk mitigation, and successful regulatory approvals. For example, "Reduced stormwater runoff by X% through optimized design," or "Secured all necessary permits Y weeks ahead of schedule."

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to walk through complex design aspects, explain your reasoning behind specific technical choices, and discuss the software and simulation tools used.

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Emphasize how you managed teams, resolved conflicts, and collaborated with diverse stakeholders (clients, authorities, other disciplines).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type. For each project, include a brief overview, your specific responsibilities, key challenges, solutions, and results. Use clear visuals where appropriate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to infrastructure design challenges in a project like the Soudah Development or similar large-scale Saudi projects. This could involve addressing unexpected ground conditions, utility conflicts, or stringent environmental regulations.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to value engineering and how you balance cost-effectiveness with long-term performance and sustainability.

• Think about how you would engage with and manage relationships with key stakeholders, such as government regulators or utility providers, especially in a context with specific local protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely to be a significant component of this senior role's interview process. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies demonstrating their expertise in managing complex deep infrastructure projects from design through to execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software:

  • Civil 3D: Essential for 3D modeling of earthworks, utilities, and site infrastructure.
  • WaterGEMS, SewerGEMS, StormCAD (Bentley Systems or similar): Critical for hydraulic modeling, analysis, and design of water distribution, wastewater collection, and stormwater drainage systems.
  • ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) or similar: For power system analysis, including load flow, short circuit, and transient stability studies, especially relevant for substations and power distribution networks.

• BIM Software: Potentially Revit or Navisworks for integrated project delivery and clash detection, especially if the project adopts a BIM strategy.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Data Analysis Tools: Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis; potentially more advanced tools if the company uses them for performance metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to generate clear, concise reports and visualizations for project progress, technical reviews, and stakeholder updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how infrastructure data interfaces with broader project management or asset management systems is beneficial.

• Automation tools may be used for design checks, report generation, or simulation scripting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specialized utility design software (WaterGEMS, SewerGEMS, StormCAD, ETAP) is a non-negotiable requirement for this role, alongside strong CAD skills like Civil 3D. The ability to integrate these designs within a broader project management framework is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Excellence: Upholding the highest ethical standards in design and execution, coupled with a commitment to delivering technically superior infrastructure solutions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where cross-functional teams, consultants, and contractors work cohesively towards shared project goals.

• Innovation and Forward-Thinking: Embracing new technologies, sustainable practices, and smart solutions to create resilient and future-proof infrastructure.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for design decisions, project outcomes, and ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of the infrastructure.

• Safety and Compliance: Prioritizing the safety of personnel and the public, and ensuring strict adherence to all relevant regulations and standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Regularly engaging with architectural, structural, MEP, and transportation teams to proactively identify and resolve potential integration issues.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Basing technical discussions and decisions on sound engineering principles, simulation results, and performance data.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Establishing clear channels for feedback between design teams, site execution teams, and clients to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the team and with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' culture likely emphasizes professionalism, technical competence, and a commitment to delivering complex projects. For this specific role, a collaborative and proactive approach to managing diverse stakeholders and intricate technical requirements is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Interdependencies: Managing the intricate relationships and potential conflicts between various deep utility systems (water, sewer, power, telecom) and other project elements (foundations, buildings, landscaping).

• Regulatory Navigation: Navigating the specific and potentially evolving regulatory landscape in Saudi Arabia, ensuring all designs meet local authority requirements and obtaining necessary permits efficiently.

• Site-Specific Conditions: Addressing unique geotechnical, hydrological, and environmental conditions that may arise on large development sites, requiring adaptive design solutions.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse interests and requirements of clients, government agencies, utility providers, and internal project teams.

• Technology Integration: Keeping pace with and effectively integrating new sustainable utility solutions and smart infrastructure technologies into established design processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in areas like advanced hydraulic modeling, power system analysis, or smart city infrastructure.

• Project Management Skills: Opportunities to enhance project management capabilities through internal training, mentorship, or formal project management certifications.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in international conferences, workshops, and forums focused on infrastructure development, engineering best practices, and new technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Parsons likely offers programs designed to cultivate leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage larger teams and more complex projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader insights into different facets of large-scale development projects by working closely with architecture, construction, and environmental teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity and high stakes of managing critical infrastructure for major developments. The growth opportunities reflect the potential for continuous learning and career progression within a global engineering firm like Parsons.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting requirements between different utility systems on a large project. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses problem-solving, conflict resolution, and technical integration skills.)

• "How do you ensure that deep infrastructure designs are not only compliant with current regulations but also adaptable for future needs and technological advancements?" (Evaluates foresight, sustainability focus, and understanding of long-term infrastructure planning.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing external design consultants to ensure quality and adherence to project timelines and budget." (Probes project management, vendor management, and quality assurance capabilities.)

• "What is your approach to value engineering for deep infrastructure projects? Provide an example of a successful value engineering initiative you led." (Tests cost-consciousness, innovation, and ability to deliver ROI.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Parsons' work in the Middle East, particularly on large-scale developments like Al Soudah?" (Assesses research and genuine interest in the company and its projects.)

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and compliance within your engineering and design teams?" (Explores leadership style and commitment to core operational values.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders with differing priorities regarding infrastructure development. How did you achieve alignment?" (Gauges communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, risk reduction, sustainability improvements).

• Technical Storytelling: Weave a narrative that explains the technical challenges and how your expertise, combined with effective team and consultant management, led to successful outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, schematics, or simulation outputs to illustrate complex design concepts and system performance.

• Address Role Requirements: Explicitly connect your portfolio examples back to the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. For instance, demonstrate your experience with specific software or regulatory compliance.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your designs, calculations, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily emphasize technical depth in utility design, project management experience with large-scale infrastructure, and the ability to articulate complex solutions and their impact. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Infrastructure position:

• Submit your application through the Parsons careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 16+ years of experience in deep infrastructure design, specifically mentioning projects in hospitality, residential, or large-scale urban developments. Quantify achievements and list proficiency in required software (Civil 3D, WaterGEMS, etc.) prominently.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a professional portfolio that showcases 3-5 key deep infrastructure projects. Focus on demonstrating your technical expertise, project management capabilities, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research Parsons & Al Soudah Development: Understand Parsons' global presence, its work in the Middle East, and specifically the scope and vision of the Al Soudah Development project to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Review common interview questions for senior engineering management roles, focusing on technical challenges, leadership, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance within infrastructure projects. 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.