Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Pasadena, CA, United States (with flexibility for Kingsport, TN; San Antonio, TX; Centreville, VA; Lexington, KY)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Design

Date Posted: March 25, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead and manage a team of engineers and designers to produce high-quality engineering design documents, ensuring adherence to all relevant codes, standards, and procedures.

• Process Oversight and Quality Assurance: Drive technical excellence and promote process improvement by reviewing work, monitoring productivity, and ensuring the quality of all engineering deliverables.

• Project Planning and Execution: Define discipline design organizations, establish scope of work, design criteria, schedules, and standards, while also managing budget estimates and staffing requirements.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Facilitate clear and frequent communication to ensure seamless coordination of design work across multiple disciplines and stakeholders, mitigating potential project risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly align with an Operations Management role focused on the engineering and design lifecycle. The role emphasizes process, quality, team performance, and project delivery, which are fundamental to operations. The "Federal Solutions" aspect suggests a focus on government contracts, implying a need for stringent process adherence and documentation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the daily activities of engineers and designers responsible for creating engineering design documents.

• Conduct thorough reviews of work products to ensure compliance with applicable codes, industry standards, project specifications, and internal procedures.

• Monitor and assess the productivity and technical proficiency of assigned personnel, implementing corrective actions or training as needed.

• Make informed staffing assignments and reassignments to optimize team performance and project delivery based on evolving needs.

• Contribute to the definition of the discipline's design organization structure, scope of work, design criteria, schedules, standards, and procedures for specific projects.

• Develop and manage budget estimates and staffing projections to align with the defined project scope and schedule.

• Supervise the creation and delivery of all project drawings, design calculations, and other essential engineering deliverables.

• Champion technical excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement, including the implementation of the Quality Improvement Process.

• Ensure effective coordination of design efforts across all relevant engineering disciplines through proactive communication and collaboration.

• Advise project management and engineering leadership on potential problem areas, staffing needs, production delays, scope changes, or other factors impacting project completion and profitability.

• Initiate, review, and manage change order requests, accurately assessing the impact of additions, deletions, or modifications to the original scope of work.

• Ensure that all design work undergoes adequate checking in accordance with established discipline checking policies and procedures.

• Recommend appropriate design methods, equipment utilization, and technical standards to enhance discipline best practices.

• Maintain active professional affiliations to stay abreast of current technologies, industry trends, and best practices in engineering design.

• Prepare and present technical papers to share knowledge and contribute to the broader engineering community.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, ensuring alignment with overall project and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior engineering management role, but they translate directly into operations management functions by focusing on process execution, quality control, resource allocation, and performance management within the engineering design lifecycle. The emphasis on "Federal Solutions" implies a need for meticulous process documentation and adherence to strict government standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive, related work experience in engineering design and project execution.

• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or management capacity, leading engineering and design teams.

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to effectively lead, mentor, and manage a team of engineers and designers.

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, essential for stakeholder engagement, team direction, and reporting.

• Technical Proficiency: Thorough knowledge of industry practices, regulations, and design standards relevant to engineering disciplines.

• Design Process Expertise: Deep understanding of the end-to-end design lifecycle, from conceptualization to construction documentation.

• Software Acumen: Comprehensive knowledge of current technologies and the ability to select and effectively apply appropriate engineering software for project needs.

• Quality Management: Commitment to upholding and promoting quality standards, including familiarity with quality assurance processes and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project planning elements such as scope definition, schedule adherence, and budget management.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve technical and team-related challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Licensure: Possession of a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or Professional Architect (RA) registration is highly desirable.

• Federal Project Experience: Familiarity with government contracts, defense, security, or infrastructure projects within the Federal Solutions segment.

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Expertise in specialized engineering design software relevant to Parsons' core business areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of experience places this role at a senior management level. The emphasis on "proven ability to perform in a supervisory capacity" and "thorough knowledge of the design process from concept through construction documents" highlights the operational aspect of managing a design workflow. The preferred Professional Registration indicates a need for deep technical credibility, which often underpins effective operational oversight in specialized fields.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation Examples: Showcase examples of comprehensive engineering design documents (e.g., drawings, specifications, calculation summaries) produced under your leadership, demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and adherence to standards.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include case studies detailing specific instances where you identified inefficiencies in the design process and implemented solutions that resulted in measurable improvements (e.g., reduced timelines, enhanced quality, cost savings).

• Team Performance Metrics: Provide examples of how you have tracked and reported on team performance, including metrics related to productivity, quality, and adherence to schedules.

• System Integration Experience: Highlight any experience you have in integrating design software or workflows with broader project management or enterprise systems.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Evidence of developing, documenting, and optimizing design workflows to improve efficiency, collaboration, and output quality.

• Implementation and Automation: Examples of how you have implemented new design processes or leveraged technology to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Demonstrations of how you establish metrics, track performance against design goals, and use data to drive continuous process refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with strong operational components, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase final outputs but the processes and management strategies used to achieve them. The emphasis on "process improvement," "workflow design," and "measurement" directly relates to operational excellence. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the systems and tools they used to manage these processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee health and wellbeing.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) for personal needs and holidays to ensure adequate rest and rejuvenation.

• Long-Term Financial Security: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and a 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Protection: Life insurance coverage for added financial security for employees and their families.

• Flexibility: Flexible work schedules are available, allowing for better integration of personal and professional life.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered based on project needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting a senior management position requiring extensive experience and specialized skills. The inclusion of an ESOP is a significant benefit, indicating a strong focus on employee ownership and long-term commitment. Flexible work schedules are a key operational consideration for work-life balance, which can impact employee retention and productivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Government Contracting (specifically Federal Solutions). Parsons Corporation operates in a sector that demands precision, reliability, and adherence to stringent standards, particularly within its Federal Solutions segment. This context implies a culture that values technical expertise, safety, compliance, and mission accomplishment.

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large, established global company, indicated by its extensive operations and the breadth of its job postings. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific teams and projects.

Founded: Founded in 1944, Parsons has a long history, indicating stability, deep industry knowledge, and a well-developed corporate infrastructure. This longevity suggests a culture that has evolved to meet changing industry demands while retaining core values.

Team Structure:

• Engineering & Design Focus: The immediate team will likely consist of engineers and designers across various disciplines relevant to Parsons' projects.

• Hierarchical Reporting: As a manager, this role will report to senior engineering leadership or program management, overseeing a team of direct reports.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with project managers, construction teams, procurement, and potentially clients (especially government agencies).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes the use of data for performance monitoring, quality assurance, and resource allocation.

• Process-Centric Operations: Focus on defining, documenting, and executing standardized processes for design production and project delivery.

• Quality & Compliance Focus: Strong adherence to industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements, especially within the Federal Solutions segment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on federal solutions imply a culture that balances innovation with a strong emphasis on reliability, compliance, and risk management. The "Imagine Next" slogan suggests a forward-thinking approach within these established boundaries.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Design Manager" role is positioned at a senior management level within the engineering operations domain. It requires significant technical depth combined with leadership and process management expertise. The responsibilities extend beyond individual technical contribution to managing the output and development of an entire design discipline team.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, a VP of Operations, or a Senior Program Manager, depending on the specific project or division structure. Direct reports will include engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of engineering projects. Their impact is measured by the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of the design documents produced. Effective management directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation, particularly in the high-stakes federal sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential progression to Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or similar executive roles within Parsons, overseeing larger departments or business units.

• Program Management: Transition into broader program management roles, leveraging design and operational expertise to manage entire projects or portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific engineering domains or advanced design technologies, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead company-wide initiatives focused on optimizing engineering and design processes, driving efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a large corporation like Parsons often involves moving from managing a specific discipline's output to overseeing broader operational functions or entire project lifecycles. The "Federal Solutions" aspect can open doors to specialized, high-impact roles within government contracting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, as indicated by the "On-site" remote status. Parsons likely offers modern office facilities designed to support collaborative engineering work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Pasadena, CA, with flexibility for other listed locations including Kingsport, TN; San Antonio, TX; Centreville, VA; and Lexington, KY. This suggests a distributed team structure or opportunities for relocation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Offices are expected to have dedicated spaces for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions.

• Technology Infrastructure: Access to high-performance computing, relevant engineering software, and robust network infrastructure is essential for design work.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to foster a cohesive and productive work environment.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the nature of project deadlines and client demands, especially in federal contracting, may require occasional extended hours or weekend work. The mention of "flexible work schedules" in benefits suggests some latitude in managing personal time around core operational hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for design reviews, team coordination, and mentorship, which are critical for managing complex engineering projects effectively. The multiple location options suggest a large, established organization with a distributed workforce, requiring strong remote collaboration tools even for on-site roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on leadership experience, technical understanding of the design process, and team management approach.

• Technical/Peer Interview: May involve interviews with senior engineers, peers from other disciplines, or project managers to assess technical depth and collaboration skills.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss key projects and case studies from your professional portfolio, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director) to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key projects. For each, clearly articulate the project's objective, your role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented (highlighting your management and process strategies), and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements, cost savings).

• Showcase Process Management: Beyond final designs, emphasize the processes you managed, the tools you used, and how you ensured quality and adherence to standards. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your leadership and process improvements. For example, "Reduced design review cycle time by 15%," or "Improved design accuracy, leading to a 10% reduction in construction change orders."

• Tailor to Parsons: Research Parsons' core business areas (especially Federal Solutions) and tailor your examples to showcase relevant experience and understanding of their operational context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical questions about managing difficult team members, resolving design conflicts between disciplines, or responding to unexpected project changes.

• Process Design Questions: You may be asked to outline how you would approach setting up a new design process, improving an existing one, or ensuring quality control for a specific type of project.

• Leadership Style: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, and how you foster a culture of collaboration and accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review for a Design Manager role underscores the need to demonstrate practical application of management and process skills, not just theoretical knowledge. In operations-focused roles, the ability to articulate how results were achieved through managed processes is often more critical than just the final outcome.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Expertise with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is critical. This includes platforms like:
  • Autodesk Suite: AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks.
  • Bentley Systems Software: MicroStation, OpenBuildings Designer,

ProjectWise.

• Project Management Software: Tools for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables. Examples include:

  • Microsoft Project: For traditional project scheduling.
  • Primavera P6: Common in large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.
  • Procore or similar: For construction project management and collaboration.

• Collaboration & Communication Platforms:

  • Microsoft Teams / Slack: For daily team communication and collaboration.
  • SharePoint / OneDrive: For document management and sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: While not directly designing, managers need to interpret data. Familiarity with tools that can interpret reports from design software or project management systems.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to understand and potentially contribute to the creation of dashboards that track design progress, quality metrics, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) or PDM (Product Data Management) Systems: Parsons may use specialized systems to manage design data and its lifecycle.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding of how workflows can be automated within design or project management software to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific software, a Design Manager in an engineering firm like Parsons would be expected to have deep familiarity with the core CAD/BIM tools used by their discipline and an understanding of how these integrate with broader project management and data management systems. Proficiency in project management software is also a given. The "Federal Solutions" context might imply specific requirements for data security and system compatibility.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering designs on time and within budget, reflecting a strong operational discipline.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering an environment where engineers and designers work together effectively, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly crucial in government contracting where trust and reliability are paramount.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance design processes, improve efficiency, and adapt to evolving technologies and client needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Actively promoting seamless communication and coordination between different engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, mechanical, electrical, civil) and with other project stakeholders.

• Feedback-Driven Processes: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged during design reviews and team meetings to refine work and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Implementing mechanisms for sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the design team and potentially with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' emphasis on "valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth" suggests a culture that supports professional development and adaptable approaches within its structured operational framework. For a Design Manager, this translates to leading a team that is both technically proficient and adaptable to project demands.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Technical Expertise: Leading a team with varied skill sets and experience levels, ensuring consistent quality and output across all individuals.

• Navigating Complex Project Requirements: Managing design processes for large-scale, intricate projects, often with stringent government regulations and demanding client expectations.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The inherent tension between delivering designs quickly to meet project schedules and ensuring thoroughness, accuracy, and compliance.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design software, methodologies, and construction technologies and integrating them effectively into the team’s workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Certifications: Pursuing certifications in specialized engineering software or methodologies (e.g., LEED, specific BIM certifications).

• Leadership and Management Training: Participating in executive leadership programs or specialized management courses offered by Parsons.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events to gain insights into new technologies, regulatory changes, and best practices in engineering design and project delivery.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging with senior leaders within Parsons to gain guidance on career progression and strategic operational thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for a Design Manager are operational in nature, centering on efficient resource allocation, process optimization, and risk mitigation within a complex project environment. Growth opportunities should focus on expanding leadership scope and strategic operational impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a design process that ensures both high quality and efficient delivery for complex federal projects. What metrics would you track?" (Focus on process documentation, KPIs, and continuous improvement loops.)

• Team Management & Collaboration: "How would you onboard a new engineer to your team, and what steps would you take to ensure they understand our design standards and project workflows? How do you handle performance issues within a team?" (Highlight your process for team integration, performance management, and conflict resolution.)

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a scenario where a critical design deliverable is falling behind schedule due to unforeseen technical challenges. How would you assess the situation, reallocate resources, and communicate with stakeholders to mitigate the impact?" (Demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot, optimize workflows under pressure, and manage stakeholder expectations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Parsons' Values: "How do your personal leadership values align with Parsons' stated values of 'valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth'?" (Research their values and be ready to provide specific examples of how you embody them in your management style.)

• Federal Solutions Context: "What do you see as the unique operational challenges and requirements when managing design projects for federal government clients compared to commercial projects?" (Show an understanding of compliance, security, and mission-critical aspects.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design team and your own effectiveness as a manager? What are your key performance indicators?" (Focus on quantifiable results and operational efficiency metrics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process, Not Just Product: For each case study, clearly articulate the "before" (the challenge/process), the "during" (your implemented solutions/management actions), and the "after" (the quantifiable results and improvements).

• Showcase Data & Metrics: Use charts, graphs, or tables to visually represent performance data, efficiency gains, or quality improvements achieved through your management.

• Emphasize Leadership & Decision-Making: Detail your specific actions, decisions, and leadership strategies that contributed to the project's success. Frame it as "As Design Manager, I implemented X, which led to Y."

• Connect to Parsons' Needs: Be prepared to draw parallels between your past successes and how they would benefit Parsons' current projects and operational goals, especially within the Federal Solutions segment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions for this role will heavily probe operational management capabilities, process thinking, and leadership effectiveness rather than purely technical design skills. The portfolio presentation is a key differentiator, requiring candidates to articulate their operational strategies and quantifiable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Operations Management / Engineering Design position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing design teams, optimizing design processes, ensuring quality, and delivering results in complex environments. Prioritize examples relevant to large-scale projects or government contracting if possible.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Engineering Design Documents," "Quality Assurance," "Staffing Management," "Process Improvement," and "Federal Solutions." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and metrics.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on your strategic approach, operational methodologies, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you foster team efficiency and excellence.

• Research Parsons: Understand their mission, current projects (especially in Federal Solutions), and company culture. Be prepared to discuss how your operational management philosophy aligns with their objectives.

⚠️ 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.