Head of Design Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design Engineering

Company: MDB Capital

Location: Ciudad Sandino, Managua, Nicaragua

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Engineering & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-27

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design pipeline for luxury prefabricated homes, ensuring seamless transition from conceptualization to permit-ready packages.

• Develop and implement an AI-augmented design system to automate and accelerate the design production process, targeting 60-80% automation within 24 months.

• Foster a collaborative partnership with the Chief Craftsman to uphold the company's standards of craft and quality while scaling production.

• Build, lead, and mentor a design team in Managua, defining future roles for a hybrid human-AI workflow and establishing a distributed operating model.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical "bottleneck-breaker" within Camphomes' operations, focusing on the intersection of advanced design technology, AI integration, and scalable manufacturing processes for prefabricated luxury homes. The emphasis is on replacing traditional design studio models with an automated, software-driven pipeline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design lifecycle, from client briefs and conceptualization to detailed design development, shop drawings, permit sets, and structural coordination for all three Camphomes form factors (16', 20', 24').

• Architect and engineer the Camphomes design system as software, incorporating parametric modeling, configurable modules, automated option generation, and template-driven documentation.

• Identify, build, deploy, and iterate on AI agents to automate manual tasks within the design pipeline, including scheme generation, sheet set assembly, clash detection, annotation, and permit package preparation.

• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control over automated design outputs, implementing review, validation, and exception-handling systems to ensure accuracy and mitigate risk.

• Collaborate closely with the Chief Craftsman to translate high standards of craft, material, and finished quality into scalable design production processes.

• Co-innovate and redefine the Camphomes design production process with leadership, envisioning and building the future of design delivery for prefabricated housing.

• Protect the core aesthetic and artisanal quality of the product, ensuring that scaling and automation do not compromise the "hand-built" feel of the finished homes.

• Build, manage, and develop the Managua-based design team, including conceptual designers, production drafters, BIM specialists, and technical reviewers, hiring for a future-state, AI-augmented environment.

• Define and implement roles for a hybrid human-AI design workflow, focusing on human judgment, craft decisions, and exception handling.

• Establish a robust operating model that supports distributed collaboration and the potential integration of remote specialists for jurisdiction-specific permit work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership role focused on innovation and transformation within the design and engineering process. The emphasis on AI integration and the "software-as-design-system" approach suggests a need for a candidate with a strong blend of architectural technology, computational design, and AI implementation expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 10–20 years in architectural practice or architectural technology, with significant experience in:

• Prefabricated, modular, panelized, or productized housing construction.

• Leading design technology initiatives and computational design at firms focused on advanced workflows.

Required Skills:

• Deep fluency in Revit and Rhino/Grasshopper; comfort with Dynamo.

• Demonstrated, hands-on experience with AI tools beyond basic chat interfaces, including API-level work with models like Claude, GPT, or similar.

• Profound understanding of agent frameworks and the reliable automation of tasks within design and documentation workflows.

• Experience with or a clear understanding of what is and is not reliably automatable in complex design processes.

• Working knowledge of structural design principles sufficient for credible collaboration with structural engineers.

• Experience with BIM-to-fabrication workflows and understanding the impact of design decisions on factory floor operations.

• Instincts for prompt engineering, evaluation methodologies, and agent orchestration for AI systems.

• Ability to read or write code; Python proficiency is a significant advantage.

• Strong systems thinking: ability to identify manual processes and design automated solutions for scalability.

• Efficiency-focused mindset, balancing automation with the preservation of product soul and craft.

• Comfort with ambiguity and developing novel solutions in an evolving landscape.

• Genuine excitement and practical understanding of AI as a transformative design tool.

• Deep respect for craft and artisanal quality, with the ability to partner effectively with master craftsmen.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with semi-custom-within-a-system housing products (e.g., Bensonwood, Unity Homes, Plant Prefab, Dvele, Method Homes, Entekra, Katerra, Sekisui Heim, Daiwa House, or similar).

• Familiarity with modern AI tools such as Claude, GPT, LangChain, or similar.

• Spanish language fluency is preferred, though not strictly required as all systems and work are in English.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are very specific, highlighting a need for a candidate who has not only used design technology but has actively "productized" design processes and understands the practical application of AI at an API or agent level. The emphasis on Python and AI frameworks points towards a highly technical and forward-thinking candidate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of redesigned or re-engineered design and documentation processes, showcasing measurable improvements in speed, efficiency, or quality.

• Case studies illustrating the productization of design workflows, particularly within the context of prefabricated or modular construction.

• Examples of computational design projects, including the use of parametric modeling (e.g., Grasshopper) to generate design variations or automate documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of previously implemented process improvements, detailing the "before" and "after" states, the methodology used, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Examples of workflow optimization strategies, particularly those that leverage technology or automation to streamline complex operations.

• Documentation of quality control mechanisms implemented within design or manufacturing processes, especially those designed to validate automated outputs.

• Case studies on integrating AI or advanced computational tools into existing design or engineering pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide tangible evidence of their ability to transform design processes through technology and automation. The portfolio should not just list skills but demonstrate a track record of redesigning, productizing, and optimizing complex workflows, with a specific focus on how automation and AI were leveraged.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive senior-leadership base salary, calibrated to background and base location. Given the senior level, specialized (AI/Design Tech) nature of the role, and the potential for significant impact, a range of $150,000 - $250,000+ USD annually is anticipated for candidates based in higher cost-of-living regions. For candidates based in Managua, Nicaragua, salaries would be adjusted to local market standards but would still reflect a senior leadership compensation package.

Benefits:

• Meaningful equity participation in Camphomes, reflecting the critical nature of this "bottleneck-breaker" role.

• Performance bonus tied to key operational metrics: pipeline throughput, automation milestones achieved, and quality metrics.

• Relocation, housing, and immigration support for expatriate candidates to facilitate their move to or rotation through Managua.

• A dedicated tooling budget to invest in and build out the necessary AI-augmented design stack and software infrastructure.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to cutting-edge AI tools and platforms.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with the expectation of flexibility and dedication commensurate with a senior leadership role, especially during the initial system-building phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical senior leadership compensation for roles involving specialized technology (AI, computational design) and significant operational responsibility in the construction/manufacturing sector, adjusted for the potential impact of this role. The emphasis on equity and a tooling budget highlights the company's commitment to this strategic hire.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Prefabricated Housing / Construction Technology. Camphomes operates at the unique intersection of high-end construction, architectural design, and advanced manufacturing, leveraging technology to scale artisanal quality. The market is characterized by placemaker developers, luxury real estate operators, and hospitality groups seeking premium, deployable housing solutions.

Company Size: While specific numbers are not provided, the mention of a "production facility in Nicaragua" and planning for a "new manufacturing plant in Panama," alongside a "Managua-based design team," suggests a growing company with a significant operational footprint in Central America, likely in the range of 50-200 employees, with potential for rapid scaling.

Founded: Co-founded by a capital markets veteran and a master craftsman, indicating a blend of financial acumen and deep artisanal expertise. The company combines architectural-grade joinery with manufacturing discipline.

Team Structure:

• The Head of Design Engineering will report to the Chief Craftsman (Co-Founder) and operate as a peer to the Head of Manufacturing. This forms the "operating core" of the company alongside the CEO.

• The design team is based in Managua and will consist of conceptual designers, production drafters, BIM specialists, and technical reviewers.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making to identify bottlenecks and measure the impact of automation initiatives within the design pipeline.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Core to the role is the systematic redesign and optimization of the end-to-end design process using computational tools and AI.

• Automation & Efficiency: A primary objective is the implementation of automation technologies to increase throughput, reduce manual effort, and improve the scalability of design production.

Company Website: https://mdb.bamboohr.com/careers (Note: This is a careers portal link, not the primary company website. The company's actual website is likely camphomes.com or similar, though not directly provided.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a unique blend of artisanal craftsmanship and forward-thinking technological innovation. The structure of the operating core emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility between key functional leaders. The emphasis on "placemaker developers" and "premium housing solutions" indicates a focus on a sophisticated, high-end market segment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a VP or Director level within a specialized engineering and design operations function. It requires a strategic thinker capable of envisioning and implementing transformative change in how design is produced at scale. The role is critical to the company's growth strategy, directly impacting its ability to deliver productized luxury homes efficiently.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Chief Craftsman (Co-Founder), with a peer relationship to the Head of Manufacturing. This elevated position within the operating core provides significant influence and direct access to executive leadership.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design Engineering will have a profound impact on Camphomes' ability to scale its business. By industrializing the design pipeline and integrating AI, this role will directly influence production throughput, cost-efficiency, project timelines, and the company's capacity to take on larger, multi-unit developments. The success of the company hinges on its ability to deliver its templated luxury homes reliably and at scale without sacrificing quality, making this role central to revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, computational architecture, and advanced BIM workflows, becoming a leader in this niche field.

• Leadership Development: Grow the design team significantly, developing talent for a future where human expertise is augmented by AI. Potential to expand responsibilities to encompass broader aspects of product development or technology integration.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the long-term technology and operations strategy of Camphomes, with potential for further advancement within the executive team, especially as the company scales and potentially expands into new markets or product lines.

• Innovation Leadership: Spearhead the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, positioning Camphomes as a leader in design innovation within the prefabricated housing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a rare opportunity for a design technology leader to build a revolutionary operational system from the ground up, with significant autonomy and executive sponsorship. The career path is geared towards impactful leadership in a rapidly evolving industry segment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Managua, Nicaragua, serving as the hub for the design team. This will involve working within an established production and design facility.

Office Location(s): Managua, Nicaragua. The company also has future plans for a manufacturing plant in Panama, suggesting potential for future collaboration or travel to other operational sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster close collaboration between the Head of Design Engineering, the Chief Craftsman, and the Head of Manufacturing, forming a core operational leadership team.

• Technology & Tools: Access to a dedicated tooling budget will be provided to build out the necessary AI-augmented design stack, implying a commitment to providing state-of-the-art software and hardware.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with the Managua-based design team, requiring leadership presence and the ability to foster a productive, innovative work environment for both human and AI-assisted workflows.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of a senior leadership role focused on building a new system will likely require dedication and flexibility, particularly during the critical initial implementation phase. The company is open to future distributed configurations once the core engine is running.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on being based in Managua for the initial 18-24 months highlights the hands-on, on-site leadership required to establish the new design systems. The environment is expected to be dynamic, innovative, and deeply collaborative among the executive team and the design staff.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume/portfolio and short note addressing specific questions to assess strategic thinking, experience with process redesign, and understanding of AI in design.

• Technical Deep Dive: Interviews focusing on technical proficiency in Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper, Python, and AI tool integration. Discussion of AI agent frameworks and prompt engineering.

• Process & Systems Interview: Detailed discussion of past process redesigns, productization efforts, and quality control strategies for automated workflows. Candidates will be asked to elaborate on their portfolio examples.

• Leadership & Culture Interview: Assessment of leadership style, ability to build and manage a team in a hybrid environment, and cultural fit with Camphomes' blend of craft and technology. This may involve meeting with the Chief Craftsman and potentially other executive team members.

• Case Study/Challenge (Potential): Candidates may be presented with a hypothetical design pipeline challenge or asked to propose an AI integration strategy for a specific Camphomes workflow.

• Final Round: Discussions with founders to align on vision, expectations, and compensation, including equity.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Process Redesign Narrative: Clearly articulate a specific design or documentation process you personally redesigned. Detail the "before" state, the changes implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., "reduced design iteration time by 30%," "increased permit package accuracy by 15%").

• AI Leverage & Traps: For the AI question, provide specific examples of where AI agents can deliver leverage in the conceptual-to-permit-set pipeline (e.g., automated clash detection, initial scheme generation from brief, code generation for parametric models) and identify realistic traps or limitations (e.g., current AI limitations in complex structural integration, need for human oversight on nuanced aesthetic decisions).

• Industrialization vs. Sterilization: Address how you balance scaling processes with maintaining product quality and craft. Use examples of how you've preserved or enhanced the "soul" of a product through efficient, well-managed design systems.

• Technical Demonstrations: Be prepared to walk through technical examples from your portfolio, such as parametric models, automated drawing generation scripts, or BIM workflow diagrams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Bottlenecks: Think about common bottlenecks in architectural design, especially for productized or semi-custom housing. Consider how AI and computational design can address these.

• AI Implementation Strategy: Familiarize yourself with current capabilities and limitations of generative AI, LLMs, and agent frameworks in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry.

• Craftsmanship Preservation: Prepare to discuss how to maintain high aesthetic and material quality when automating design processes. Consider the role of human judgment, review, and specialized craftspeople.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to thoroughly vet candidates on their strategic, technical, and leadership capabilities, with a strong emphasis on their ability to innovate and implement AI-driven solutions in a manufacturing and design context. The specific questions for the application note are critical and should be addressed thoughtfully.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM modeling, documentation, and collaboration. Expect advanced usage for creating template-based designs and parametric components.

• Rhino/Grasshopper: Crucial for parametric design, complex geometry, and generative design exploration. Proficiency in developing custom scripts and plugins.

• Dynamo: For visual programming within Revit, automating workflows and creating custom scripts.

• Python: Highly desirable for scripting within Rhino/Grasshopper, Revit through Dynamo, and for direct API interactions with AI tools.

• AI Models & Frameworks: Direct experience or deep understanding of APIs for models like Claude, GPT, and familiarity with frameworks like LangChain for agent orchestration and workflow development.

• Other CAD/3D Software: Familiarity with complementary design and visualization tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BIM Analytics Tools: Tools for analyzing BIM model data, clash detection, and quantity take-offs.

• Performance Tracking Software: Systems for monitoring design pipeline throughput, automation success rates, and key quality metrics.

• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially used for presenting performance data to leadership, though specific tools are not listed.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: For tracking design tasks, timelines, and resource allocation.

• Workflow Automation Platforms: Beyond AI agents, broader platforms for automating business processes might be relevant.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different software components can be integrated (e.g., via APIs) to create a seamless design pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes advanced computational design tools and a strong focus on AI integration. Candidates are expected to be proficient in industry-standard BIM software and have practical experience or a strong theoretical understanding of AI development and deployment in an engineering context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Systems Thinking & Automation: A core value is the proactive identification of manual processes and the drive to automate them for scalability and efficiency. Operations professionals are expected to constantly seek "how to solve it automatically for the next 200 times."

• Craftsmanship & Quality: An unwavering commitment to the high standards of craft, material, and finished quality that define Camphomes. Automation must serve, not detract from, the soul of the product.

• Innovation & AI Adoption: A culture that embraces and actively explores AI as a transformative tool for design and production, encouraging experimentation and learning.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively, particularly between design, manufacturing, and executive leadership, fostering a peer-to-peer relationship based on shared goals.

• Efficiency without Sterility: A pragmatic approach to efficiency that prioritizes business goals while safeguarding the unique aesthetic and artisanal character of the homes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration is expected between Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Structural Engineering to ensure design intent, structural integrity, and manufacturing feasibility are aligned.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture of reviewing processes and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve workflows and automation strategies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings related to AI implementation, computational design, and process optimization across the team and leadership.

• Experimentation: A willingness to experiment with new technologies and methodologies, understanding that innovation often involves iterative learning and adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a forward-thinking, data-driven approach to operations, deeply integrated with a respect for artisanal quality. The ideal candidate will be a proactive innovator who can balance technological advancement with the preservation of product integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• AI Reliability & Accuracy: Ensuring AI-generated designs and documentation meet stringent quality and accuracy standards, especially for permit sets and structural coordination, requires robust validation systems.

• Balancing Automation and Craft: The primary challenge is scaling design production through automation and AI without sacrificing the high-end, artisanal feel that defines Camphomes' luxury product.

• Team Transition: Leading a design team through a significant technological shift, redefining roles and skillsets for a hybrid human-AI workflow, requiring strong change management and talent development.

• Jurisdictional Nuances: Adapting automated permit set generation for diverse building codes and regulations across different jurisdictions as Camphomes expands globally.

• System Integration Complexity: Integrating various AI tools, parametric models, and BIM workflows into a cohesive, reliable, and scalable design pipeline.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Generative Design Specialization: Become a recognized expert in applying AI and computational design to the architectural and construction industries, leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms.

• Leadership in Scale-Up: Gain invaluable experience in scaling a design and engineering operation from a nascent stage to a high-throughput, technology-driven function within a growing company.

• Strategic Technology Implementation: Lead the implementation of a transformative technology strategy, directly impacting the core business model and competitive advantage of Camphomes.

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Deepen understanding of manufacturing processes, structural engineering principles, and capital markets through close collaboration with co-founders and executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but offer substantial opportunities for professional growth and impact. Candidates who thrive in ambiguous, transformative environments will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Pipeline Transformation: "Describe a complex design or documentation process you've fundamentally redesigned. What were the key challenges, what technologies or methodologies did you implement (especially AI/automation), and what were the quantifiable results in terms of speed, cost, or quality?" (Focus on demonstrating systems thinking and process optimization.)

• AI Leverage in AEC: "Where do you see the greatest potential for AI agents to deliver leverage in the conceptual-to-permit-set pipeline for prefabricated housing in the next 24 months? Conversely, where are the most significant traps or limitations we need to be aware of?" (Showcase your understanding of AI's practical application and limitations in construction.)

• Industrialization vs. Craft: "How do you approach industrializing a design process to achieve scale without sterilizing the finished product? Provide an example of how you've preserved or enhanced the 'soul' or artisanal quality of a product through efficient, technology-driven systems." (Highlight your ability to balance efficiency with brand integrity and craft.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Camphomes, what do you see as the biggest operational challenge in scaling luxury prefabricated homes, and how would you, as Head of Design Engineering, address it?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking aligned with the company's mission.)

• "Camphomes values both deep craft and cutting-edge technology. How would you foster a team culture in Managua that embodies both these principles, especially as AI becomes more integrated into the workflow?" (Assess your leadership and cultural alignment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: Frame your portfolio around problem-solution-outcome stories. For each project, clearly define the initial problem or inefficiency, the specific solution implemented (detailing your role and the technologies used), and the measurable positive outcomes.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, use numbers to illustrate impact. Instead of "improved efficiency," say "reduced design rework by 25%" or "increased drawing set generation speed by 40%."

• AI & Automation Focus: Explicitly highlight any projects where you used AI, scripting, parametric modeling, or other automation techniques. Explain how you used them and the specific benefits achieved.

• Craftsmanship Connection: For each example, briefly explain how your process improvements or technological implementations supported, rather than detracted from, the quality and craft of the final product.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present key projects efficiently, focusing on the most impactful examples relevant to the role's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on the core aspects of the role: strategic process transformation, practical AI application, balancing efficiency with craft, and leadership. Candidates should prepare detailed, evidence-based answers supported by their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design Engineering position:

• Submit your resume or portfolio and a short note through the application link provided by MDB Capital.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight specific examples of process redesign, AI/automation implementation, computational design, and BIM-to-fabrication workflows. Emphasize projects where you achieved measurable improvements in speed, efficiency, or quality.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10-20 years of experience in architectural technology, prefab/modular construction, and design technology leadership. Use keywords from the job description (Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Python, AI agents, parametric modeling).

• Note Preparation: Draft thoughtful responses to the three specific questions posed in the application instructions, focusing on your experience with process redesign, your perspective on AI leverage and traps in AEC, and your approach to industrializing design without sterilizing the product.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Camphomes' mission, product, and market position. Understand their unique blend of craft and technology and be prepared to articulate how your skills and vision align with their goals.

⚠️ 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.