Engineering Design Manager (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager (Remote)

Company: Johnson Controls

Location: New Freedom, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage technical engineering design projects from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives and product roadmaps.

• Drive efficient project execution by implementing and enforcing Agile methodologies, optimizing workflows, and managing project timelines and resource allocation.

• Foster a collaborative environment by facilitating communication and problem-solving among cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, design, and leadership.

• Conduct comprehensive resource capacity planning, risk assessments, and mitigation strategy development to ensure successful project delivery and optimize resource utilization.

• Oversee the definition and documentation of project scope, objectives, success criteria, and key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting progress and potential blockers to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Engineering Design Manager," the responsibilities and required skills heavily emphasize project and resource management within an engineering context, aligning closely with GTM Operations and Engineering Operations functions focused on product development lifecycle efficiency. The emphasis on Agile, resource optimization, and cross-functional collaboration positions this role as critical to ensuring timely and effective product launches.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and meticulously document project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with product management, engineering leads, and key stakeholders.

• Develop, maintain, and communicate comprehensive project plans, including detailed schedules, milestones, and resource allocation strategies, adapting them as necessary to evolving project demands.

• Implement and champion Agile project management principles and practices, facilitating sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives to ensure iterative progress and continuous improvement.

• Conduct thorough resource capacity planning, analyzing project priorities, objectives, and resource availability to create robust allocation plans and proactively identify potential conflicts or bottlenecks.

• Perform regular assessments of project team performance, resource productivity, and capacity utilization, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing data-driven improvements to optimize output.

• Provide direct guidance and support to project teams and Design Leads on resource-related matters, including staffing needs, skill requirement identification, and resource acquisition processes to ensure adequate project staffing.

• Collaborate with Design Leads to ensure adherence to established best practices, technical standards, and design guidelines throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Proactively conduct risk assessments for all managed projects, identifying potential technical, resource, or timeline-related challenges and developing effective mitigation strategies to minimize impact.

• Track, monitor, and report on project progress, key milestones, and performance indicators (KPIs) to leadership and stakeholders, providing clear and concise updates on status, risks, and upcoming activities.

• Facilitate open and effective communication channels between project teams, leadership, and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and timely dissemination of project updates, decisions, and potential blockers.

• Support post-implementation reviews and continuous improvement initiatives by gathering feedback, analyzing project outcomes, and documenting lessons learned to enhance future project execution and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical project oversight and rigorous operational management. The emphasis on Agile, resource optimization, and cross-functional collaboration points towards a need for a candidate who can not only manage tasks but also strategically align resources and processes for maximum efficiency in product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Technical/Associate Degree required.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in a related technical field.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in technical project management methodologies, with a strong preference for Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban).

• Demonstrated experience in resource management, including capacity planning, allocation, and optimization within engineering or product development contexts.

• Proficiency in project management tools and software for planning, tracking, and reporting (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project).

• Strong understanding of 3D design concepts and familiarity with 3D design software, with specific experience in CREO being a significant advantage.

• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to address complex technical and resource-related challenges effectively.

• Superior stakeholder communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all organizational levels.

• High adaptability and the proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines consistently.

• Experience with risk management principles, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategy development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in technical leadership and guiding engineering teams through project lifecycles.

• Knowledge of quality assurance processes and best practices in engineering design.

• Experience managing remote or geographically dispersed teams, understanding the nuances of remote collaboration and communication.

• Strategic perspective with the ability to align resource management strategies with overarching organizational goals and GTM objectives.

• Familiarity with design intent concepts in 3D modeling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical understanding (3D design, CREO) and strong operational/project management skills. The requirement for 5+ years specifically in technical project/resource management highlights the need for practical, hands-on experience rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The explicit mention of managing remote teams is crucial for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies of technical engineering projects managed from initiation to completion.

• For each case study, clearly outline the project scope, objectives, methodologies employed (especially Agile), and the specific role played in resource management and timeline adherence.

• Quantify the impact of projects managed, highlighting improvements in efficiency, cost savings, or delivery speed using relevant metrics and KPIs.

• Demonstrate experience with process optimization, illustrating how workflows were analyzed, improved, and implemented to achieve better outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of experience in defining and documenting project processes, workflows, and design guidelines.

• Showcase examples of how Agile methodologies were implemented and adapted to specific project needs.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating reports and dashboards that track project progress, resource utilization, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not just list projects but demonstrate a clear understanding of process, resource optimization, and the application of Agile principles within an engineering design context. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of problem-solving and risk mitigation are critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility for project demands.

• This is a remote position, allowing for work from a home office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a good benchmark for a remote Engineering Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a major US market. The benefits package is standard for a large corporation like Johnson Controls. The flexibility implied by a 40-hour work week but acknowledging project demands is typical for management roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Technologies & Solutions, HVAC, Fire & Security, Energy Storage. Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees). This scale means significant resources, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across a vast organization.

Founded: 1885. With a long history, Johnson Controls likely has a culture that values experience, stability, and innovation rooted in deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Engineering Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Engineering or Product Development department.

• This role will report to a Director or VP of Engineering/Product Development, with direct management of project teams and close collaboration with Design Leads and Product Managers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on structured project management, likely a hybrid approach combining Agile for iterative development and Waterfall for overarching program management.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing KPIs and performance metrics to guide project execution and resource allocation.

• A commitment to continuous improvement, encouraging feedback loops and process refinement.

• Focus on innovation to deliver cutting-edge solutions in building technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Johnson Controls' industry focus suggests a culture that values engineering excellence and innovation in complex systems. The large company size implies a structured environment with clear career paths but also the potential for bureaucracy. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and smart buildings will be key for cultural alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position within the engineering and product development lifecycle. It sits at the intersection of technical execution and operational efficiency, bridging the gap between conceptual design and market delivery. The scope involves direct project accountability and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager typically reports to a higher-level engineering director or VP. They will manage project teams directly and will be a key collaborator with other functional leaders (e.g., Product Management, R&D, Manufacturing).

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing the speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness of product development. Successful resource and project management by this role ensures that Johnson Controls can bring innovative building technologies to market efficiently, meeting customer demands and maintaining a competitive edge. This role is crucial for translating R&D breakthroughs into tangible, marketable products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Advancement to Senior Engineering Design Manager, Program Manager, Director of Engineering, or VP of Product Development.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product lines (e.g., HVAC controls, security systems) or project methodologies (e.g., advanced Agile implementation, Lean Six Sigma).

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into roles within Product Management, Operations Management, or strategic planning within Johnson Controls.

• Leadership Development: Participation in leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and leading larger, more complex strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established company. The emphasis on both technical project oversight and operational process improvement provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles in engineering, product development, or broader operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning the primary work environment will be a home office.

Office Location(s): While remote, the role is associated with the JCI Advanced Dev & Eng Center in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. This suggests a connection to a physical hub for potential, albeit infrequent, team gatherings or significant company events.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature requires a self-disciplined and organized approach to work, with a dedicated home office space conducive to focus and productivity.

• Access to company-provided collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, instant messaging, shared document platforms) is essential for seamless interaction with dispersed teams.

• The role demands strong digital communication skills and the ability to build rapport and trust virtually.

• Opportunities for virtual team-building activities and online collaboration sessions will be key to fostering a connected remote team environment.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but flexibility may be required to accommodate different time zones of team members and stakeholders, as well as to meet critical project deadlines. Proactive time management and clear communication about availability are crucial for remote work success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote aspect is a major draw. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work autonomously and effectively manage their home office environment, ensuring productivity and maintaining strong communication with a distributed team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will conduct a preliminary call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on technical project management experience, resource management skills, Agile knowledge, and leadership capabilities. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with Design Leads, Project Team Members, or other Engineering Managers to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and technical acumen.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates are expected to present their portfolio, detailing 1-2 key projects, highlighting their role, methodologies, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical step to assess practical application of skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director/VP) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Projects: For each case study, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the problem, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took (especially regarding project management and resource allocation), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your project management and resource optimization efforts directly contributed to business goals, such as faster time-to-market, reduced development costs, improved product quality, or successful GTM execution.

• Showcase Agile Proficiency: Detail your experience with Agile ceremonies, tools (like Jira), and how you adapted Agile principles to the specific needs of engineering design projects.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use numbers, percentages, and data points to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced project completion time by 15% by optimizing resource allocation," or "Improved team velocity by 10% through enhanced Agile practices."

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: While this is an operations-focused role, be ready to discuss technical aspects related to 3D design and CREO at a level that demonstrates understanding and the ability to manage technical teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared for a hypothetical project scenario where you'll need to outline a project plan, identify potential risks, propose resource allocation, and suggest an Agile execution strategy.

• Resource Conflict Resolution: Anticipate questions about how you would handle situations where multiple critical projects demand the same limited resources.

• Agile Implementation Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would introduce or refine Agile practices within an existing engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and the ability to articulate past successes. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates project management, resource optimization, and Agile execution is essential. The remote nature means strong virtual communication skills will be assessed throughout.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar tools for task tracking, sprint management, and project planning.

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency or familiarity with CREO is a strong preference, indicating an understanding of the core technical output of the teams managed.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace for communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with systems like Git, especially for managing design assets or related documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports on project KPIs and resource utilization.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, modeling, and detailed reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how product development integrates with CRM systems for sales forecasting and customer feedback loops is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or principles that can streamline project management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of CREO is a key technical requirement. Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools is essential for a remote role. The ability to leverage data for reporting and decision-making through BI tools is also highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership is crucial, especially in a remote setting.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to find better, faster, and more cost-effective ways to manage projects and utilize resources.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of project outcomes and demonstrating a commitment to meeting commitments.

• Innovation: Fostering a culture that encourages new ideas and approaches to problem-solving and product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing metrics and analytics to inform project plans, resource allocation, and process improvements.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders and team members, especially critical in a remote environment.

• Empathetic Leadership: Understanding the challenges faced by team members and providing support.

• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging open dialogue and providing feedback that promotes growth and process improvement.

• Results-Oriented: Focusing on achieving project goals and business objectives collectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values point towards a culture that is both productive and supportive, with a keen eye on continuous improvement. For a remote role, demonstrating strong communication and collaboration skills that build trust and cohesion virtually will be paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams: Ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and productivity across a geographically dispersed team.

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling numerous projects with competing demands on resources and timelines.

• Technical vs. Operational Balance: Bridging the gap between deep technical understanding of engineering design and the operational demands of project and resource management.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and clear communication with diverse stakeholders across different departments and levels.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in design software, project management tools, and engineering methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue PMP, CSM, or SAFe certifications.

• Leadership Training: Access to Johnson Controls' internal leadership development programs.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Potential to deepen knowledge in specific design software or product areas.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about other areas of the business, such as product management, manufacturing operations, or sales strategy.

• Mentorship Programs: Being mentored by senior leaders or serving as a mentor to junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant challenges related to remote management and complex project oversight, but these are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities within a large, established organization like Johnson Controls.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing technical projects using Agile methodologies. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on specific examples, metrics, and adaptability.)

• "How do you approach resource capacity planning for a team of engineers working on multiple concurrent projects? Walk me through your process." (Highlight your analytical skills, prioritization techniques, and proactive problem-solving.)

• "Imagine two critical projects requiring the same specialized engineer's time. How would you resolve this resource conflict to minimize project delays?" (Demonstrate negotiation, prioritization, and creative problem-solving.)

• "Describe a time you had to communicate a significant project delay or blocker to senior leadership. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Assess your communication, transparency, and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Johnson Controls and our commitment to smart, sustainable buildings? How does this role contribute to that mission?" (Research company values, products, and recent news.)

• "How would you foster a collaborative and productive environment for a remote engineering team?" (Discuss strategies for communication, team building, and accountability in a virtual setting.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem or opportunity your project addressed.

• Define Your Role: Be explicit about your responsibilities as the Engineering Design Manager, particularly concerning project planning, resource allocation, and team leadership.

• Detail Your "How": Explain the methodologies (especially Agile), tools, and processes you used. Walk through the key phases and decisions made.

• Showcase Impact with Data: Present quantifiable results. Use charts or graphs if possible to illustrate improvements in efficiency, timelines, or quality.

• Discuss Challenges and Learnings: Be honest about obstacles encountered and what you learned from the experience, demonstrating resilience and a growth mindset.

• Connect to Johnson Controls: Briefly explain how your experience and approach align with the needs of Johnson Controls and this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience in managing projects and resources, especially within a remote and technical engineering context. Quantifiable achievements and a clear understanding of Agile are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Johnson Controls careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords from the job description such as "Technical Project Management," "Resource Management," "Agile Methodologies," "Capacity Planning," "CREO," "Remote Team Management," and "Stakeholder Communication." Highlight quantifiable achievements in previous roles.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful engineering design projects. For each, prepare a concise presentation (e.g., 5-7 slides) detailing the scope, your role, the methodologies used (especially Agile), challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. Be ready to walk the interviewer through this.

• Research Johnson Controls: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, recent projects, and their focus on smart, sustainable buildings. Understand how this Engineering Design Manager role contributes to their overall GTM strategy and product development.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common project management, resource management, Agile, and behavioral questions, focusing on providing specific, data-backed examples and demonstrating your remote work capabilities.

⚠️ 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.