Design Manager - Nuclear Facilities

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Nuclear Facilities

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: San Antonio, TX, United States (Multiple locations available: Kingsport, TN; Centreville, VA; Lexington, KY; Pasadena, CA)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Nuclear Facilities)

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams in the creation of next-generation nuclear fuel production and waste processing facilities.

• Ensure adherence to stringent nuclear facility regulations and engineering industry best practices.

• Manage discipline staffing, budget estimates, and scheduling for complex design projects.

• Oversee the quality and progress of all engineering and design efforts to meet project objectives.

• Serve as a technical consultant for pre-contract and business development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Parsons' Federal Solutions segment, focusing on government infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "Nuclear Facilities" and "next generation" implies a need for forward-thinking design strategies within a highly regulated environment. The "multidisciplinary design team" suggests a complex project environment requiring strong coordination and leadership skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design of new nuclear facilities, including fuel production and waste processing, by leading a team of engineers, architects, designers, BIM specialists, and technical support staff.

• Develop discipline staffing budget estimates and create detailed staffing assignment schedules to ensure adequate resource allocation.

• Generate accurate staff forecasting reports to anticipate future workforce needs and manage personnel requirements, including temporary staff.

• Direct all engineering and design activities across all required disciplines to ensure the successful completion of assigned projects.

• Coordinate discipline staffing requirements, ensuring alignment with project timelines and resource availability.

• Proactively monitor the quality and progress of each discipline's work on assigned projects, verifying that production requirements are met.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers to identify and resolve any existing or forecasted issues related to discipline staffing, work quality, schedule performance, or productivity.

• Establish and recommend improvements to design standards and procedures for assigned projects, contributing to departmental process optimization.

• Ensure new employees assigned to projects receive comprehensive orientation on project-specific policies and procedures, facilitating smooth onboarding.

• Provide technical consultation and support during pre-contract and business development phases, leveraging expertise in nuclear facility design.

• Maintain performance within authorized budgets for the discipline, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

• Actively participate in and champion quality improvement initiatives across design processes.

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level management role focused on execution and oversight. The emphasis on "PE sealed Issued for Construction design documents" and "NRC Facility Operating License or DOE Safety Basis Approval" highlights the critical nature of compliance and regulatory expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (ABET accredited), with a preference for Nuclear or Chemical Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive work experience in the production of PE-sealed Issued for Construction design documents (drawings, calculations, specifications, data sheets, etc.).

• A minimum of 8+ years of progressive supervisory/managerial experience in design management, including the leadership of multidisciplinary design teams of 50+ individuals producing PE-sealed Issued for Construction design documents.

• Prior design management experience on projects with total installed costs exceeding $100M USD. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering and design teams.

• Deep understanding of nuclear facility regulations, including DoE and NRC requirements, and their associated regulatory approval processes.

• Demonstrated experience in successfully obtaining an NRC Facility Operating License or DOE Safety Basis Approval.

• Expertise in producing PE-sealed Issued for Construction design documents.

• Strong project management skills, with a focus on budget, schedule, and quality control for large-scale projects.

• Proficient in engineering industry practices and design standards for complex facilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder and team management.

• Professional Engineer (PE) registration is required. Preferred Skills:

• Active membership in a professional engineering society.

• Familiarity with Autodesk products, including Revit, Civil3D, and Plant3D, for design and BIM coordination.

• Thorough knowledge of design service contracts under Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license and significant experience with regulatory approvals (NRC/DOE) underscores the highly specialized nature of this role. The preference for specific Autodesk tools suggests an expectation for proficiency in modern design software and BIM methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in leading the design of complex, large-scale facilities (>$100M USD total installed cost).

• Case studies showcasing successful management of multidisciplinary design teams (50+ individuals) to deliver PE-sealed construction documents.

• Evidence of regulatory compliance management, specifically related to nuclear facility design and obtaining approvals like NRC Facility Operating Licenses or DOE Safety Basis.

• Examples of design standards and procedures developed or improved for significant projects.

• Documentation of project budget and staffing management strategies that led to successful outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization for engineering and design processes within a regulated environment.

• Documentation of system implementation and automation methods used in design, particularly related to BIM and design review.

• Evidence of performance measurement and analysis for design projects, focusing on quality, schedule, and budget adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase projects where they've managed the full lifecycle of design documentation, emphasizing their ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and lead large, technical teams. The portfolio should highlight process improvements and successful regulatory milestones.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $134,100.00 - $241,400.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for long-term wealth building.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Flexible work schedules to accommodate work-life balance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior Design Manager role in the nuclear engineering sector, particularly in the specified locations. The inclusion of an ESOP is a significant benefit, indicating a strong employee ownership culture at Parsons. The mention of flexible work schedules, while the role is on-site, suggests potential for some flexibility within the standard work week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Government Services, with a specialization in Defense, Security, Intelligence, Infrastructure, and Environmental solutions. Parsons is a significant player in the federal sector, providing critical services to US government customers globally.

Company Size: Parsons is a large enterprise, indicated by its broad range of services and global reach. While not explicitly stated, the expectation of managing teams of 50+ individuals suggests a company with substantial project portfolios and resources.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, giving it a long history and extensive experience in delivering complex engineering and construction projects. This history suggests stability and deep institutional knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Federal Solutions team, focusing on government contracts.

• The Design Manager will lead a multidisciplinary design team, likely comprising engineers from various disciplines (nuclear, mechanical, electrical, civil, structural), architects, BIM specialists, and technical support staff.

• This role will have direct interaction with Project Managers and potentially client representatives from government agencies. Methodology:

• Parsons emphasizes an "Imagine Next" culture, promoting innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

• The company culture values people, agility, and growth, fostering an environment where employees can achieve their full potential.

• Design processes likely adhere to rigorous quality management systems, industry standards (e.g., ISO), and specific client requirements (e.g., FAR for federal contracts).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' long history and focus on federal solutions indicate a stable yet dynamic work environment. The emphasis on "imagining next" suggests that while adherence to strict regulations is paramount, there's also an expectation for innovative problem-solving within the nuclear sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring extensive experience in design leadership, technical expertise in nuclear facilities, and a strong track record of managing large teams and complex projects. It represents a significant step in a career path focused on engineering management within specialized sectors.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a Project Manager or a higher-level engineering director within the Federal Solutions segment. They will, in turn, manage a large team of engineers, designers, and technical staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the success of critical government infrastructure projects. The quality and efficiency of the designs managed by this role will influence project timelines, costs, safety, and regulatory compliance, directly contributing to the operational readiness and effectiveness of nuclear facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced nuclear facility design, waste processing technologies, or specific regulatory areas.

• Program Management: Transition into broader program management roles overseeing multiple projects or larger, more complex federal contracts.

• Leadership Development: Advance into executive leadership positions within Parsons' Federal Solutions segment, shaping strategic direction and business development.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior engineers and design staff, contributing to the development of future leaders within the organization.

• Business Development: Contribute to proposal development and client relationship management, leveraging technical expertise to win new projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at Parsons in this specialized field offers significant opportunities for both technical depth and broader leadership responsibilities within the government contracting space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site at one of Parsons' designated office locations, including San Antonio, TX; Kingsport, TN; Centreville, VA; Lexington, KY; or Pasadena, CA. This indicates a collaborative office environment where in-person interaction and teamwork are valued.

Office Location(s):

• San Antonio, TX: A significant hub for Parsons, likely offering robust facilities and support.

• Kingsport, TN: Potentially strategic for proximity to specific government or industrial clients.

• Centreville, VA: Close to Washington D.C., offering proximity to federal agencies and decision-makers.

• Lexington, KY: Another operational base serving regional clients.

• Pasadena, CA: A historical and significant location for Parsons, often housing key engineering and corporate functions. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dynamic office environment supporting large design teams.

• Access to advanced design tools, software licenses (including Autodesk suite), and project management systems will be standard.

• Opportunities for collaboration with project managers, other discipline leads, and technical experts will be frequent.

• The environment will demand adherence to strict security protocols and quality assurance procedures inherent to nuclear facility design.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the possibility of overtime during critical project phases. While the role is on-site, Parsons offers flexible work schedules, which may allow for some adjustment in daily start/end times, provided project demands are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should expect a structured, professional office setting. The availability of multiple locations provides flexibility for candidates based on proximity or preference, but the on-site requirement means active participation in the physical office space is essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications, focusing on core qualifications, experience with nuclear facilities, and leadership background.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A technical interview with the hiring manager or a senior engineering lead, focusing on your experience with nuclear regulations (NRC/DOE), design management of large teams, project execution (>$100M), and leadership style. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio demonstrating your ability to manage a complex design project, overcome challenges, and achieve regulatory compliance. This could involve a presentation or a detailed discussion of a past project.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Meetings with potential peers or key stakeholders (e.g., Project Managers, senior engineers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate with the broader team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or department head for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term fit within Parsons.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the project's total installed cost, the size of the design team you managed, and specific regulatory approvals achieved (e.g., NRC license obtained).

• Highlight Leadership: Detail your approach to team leadership, conflict resolution, and fostering collaboration among diverse technical disciplines.

• Showcase Regulatory Expertise: Prepare detailed examples of how you navigated NRC or DOE regulations, managed compliance, and successfully obtained necessary approvals.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Include examples of how you implemented or improved design standards, workflows, or quality control measures.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the impact of your design management on project success, including cost savings, schedule adherence, and safety improvements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a hypothetical scenario involving a significant design delay, a major regulatory challenge, or a conflict between engineering disciplines.

• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and your approach to motivating and managing large, technical teams.

• Research Parsons' recent projects, particularly in the nuclear and federal solutions sectors, to demonstrate your understanding of their work and strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should curate their portfolio to prominently feature nuclear-specific projects and demonstrate a robust understanding of regulatory compliance and large-scale project execution. The interview process will likely be multi-stage, assessing both technical depth and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. Specific mention of Autodesk products like Revit (for building information modeling), Civil3D (for site and infrastructure design), and Plant3D (for process piping and plant design) is made.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar enterprise-level solutions).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools that facilitate team communication, document sharing, and workflow management (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or specific project collaboration portals).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data related to budget, schedule, and quality. While not explicitly named, experience with reporting dashboards and data visualization tools is implied for tracking team performance.

• Budgeting & Forecasting Software: Experience with financial management tools for creating and tracking budget estimates and forecasts.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly client-facing CRM, experience with internal systems for managing project documentation, resource assignments, and compliance tracking is expected.

• Automation within design processes, such as BIM workflows and design review automation, would be a plus.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different design and project management tools integrate to create a cohesive workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are mentioned (Autodesk suite), the emphasis is on the ability to manage complex design processes using a range of integrated software. Candidates should highlight their experience with enterprise-level project management and design collaboration platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Excellence: Upholding the highest ethical standards and striving for exceptional quality in all aspects of design and project execution, especially critical in the nuclear sector.

• Safety First: A paramount focus on safety in design, ensuring all facilities meet stringent safety regulations and protect personnel and the environment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse technical disciplines work together seamlessly to achieve common project goals.

• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging creative problem-solving and adapting to evolving project requirements and technological advancements.

• Client Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding the needs of US government clients, ensuring mission success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration between engineers, architects, BIM specialists, project managers, and potentially safety officers and regulatory affairs personnel.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing project data, performance metrics, and regulatory feedback to inform design decisions and process improvements.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where constructive feedback is shared openly among team members and across disciplines to enhance design quality and efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the design team and the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons emphasizes a culture of integrity, safety, and innovation. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and collaboration style align with these core principles, particularly in the high-stakes environment of nuclear facility design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying abreast of and strictly adhering to evolving DoE and NRC regulations, which are subject to change and rigorous interpretation.

• Managing Large, Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, potentially across different locations or time zones, to ensure consistent quality and workflow.

• Balancing Cost, Schedule, and Quality: Delivering high-quality, compliant designs within tight budget constraints and demanding project schedules.

• Technological Advancements: Integrating new design technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) while ensuring they meet stringent nuclear safety and regulatory requirements.

• Client Expectations: Meeting the unique and often stringent requirements of US government clients, ensuring alignment with mission objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Nuclear Design Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in nuclear engineering, safety analysis, or regulatory compliance.

• Project and Program Management Training: Enhancing skills in large-scale project and program management, potentially leading to PMP or similar certifications.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in Parsons' internal leadership training to hone skills in strategic planning, executive communication, and organizational leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending conferences focused on nuclear energy, engineering design, and government contracting to stay current with industry trends and network.

• Mentorship from Senior Leadership: Gaining insights and guidance from experienced leaders within Parsons' Federal Solutions segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the nature of nuclear facilities and government contracts. However, these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities for individuals looking to advance their careers in specialized engineering management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a design team of over 50 individuals to deliver PE-sealed Issued for Construction documents. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team management.)

• "How have you ensured compliance with DoE or NRC regulations on a complex nuclear facility project? Walk me through the process of obtaining a key regulatory approval." (Highlight regulatory knowledge, process adherence, and successful outcomes.)

• "Imagine a scenario where a critical design discipline is significantly behind schedule and impacting the overall project timeline. How would you address this situation with the Project Manager and the affected team?" (Assess problem-solving, communication, and risk management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Parsons and specifically our Federal Solutions segment and nuclear facilities work?" (Research Parsons' mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and quality within a design team, especially when managing diverse technical backgrounds?" (Align your approach with Parsons' stated values.)

• "Describe your experience working with government contracts and the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)." (Demonstrate understanding of the federal contracting landscape.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the team size and composition, the challenges faced (especially regulatory), your strategic approach, the tools and processes used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, successful regulatory approval).

• Emphasize Nuclear Specifics: Dedicate a significant portion of your presentation to nuclear facility design experience, regulatory compliance, and safety management.

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Clearly articulate your leadership style and how you motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and ensured successful project delivery.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design challenges, regulatory interpretations, or technical solutions implemented.

• Connect to Parsons' Mission: Frame your experience and achievements in a way that demonstrates how you can contribute to Parsons' success in delivering critical federal infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience with specific nuclear regulations and large-scale project management. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly quantifies achievements and demonstrates leadership within a regulated environment will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Nuclear Facilities position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in nuclear facility design, leadership of multidisciplinary teams (50+ individuals), managing projects over $100M, and your success with NRC/DOE regulatory approvals. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a professional portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your qualifications. Focus on quantifiable achievements, regulatory success, and leadership impact. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to team management, regulatory compliance, and problem-solving in complex project environments. Research Parsons' federal solutions and their commitment to safety and innovation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Parsons' mission, values, and recent projects, particularly within the nuclear and federal sectors. Understand their "Imagine Next" culture and how it applies to their engineering services.

⚠️ 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.