Design Manager Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Engineering
Company: Builders FirstSource
Location: Elkwood, Virginia, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering Management / Operations
Date Posted: September 15, 2025
Experience Level: 4-6 Years (with prior managerial experience)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the daily operations and output of the Design Engineering department, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality deliverables.
• Lead a team of design professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management to foster a productive and collaborative environment.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Design department, sales teams, building designers, and external customers to gather project requirements and ensure client satisfaction.
• Implement and enforce quality control measures by reviewing design work prior to production, ensuring adherence to company standards and project specifications.
• Drive continuous improvement within the design process, leveraging engineering and design software expertise to enhance efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager Engineering," the core responsibilities and requirements suggest a role that bridges design leadership with operational oversight of a technical team. The focus on managing the "work originated and generated by personnel within the Design department" and "using computer assisted engineering and design software" highlights a strong operational component. This role is critical for ensuring the smooth functioning of the design pipeline, directly impacting production timelines and customer project success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Management & Development:
  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the performance of design engineers and technicians.
  • Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
  • Assign tasks, manage workloads, and ensure equitable distribution of responsibilities within the design team.
  • Conduct regular team meetings to discuss project status, challenges, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Design Process Oversight:
  • Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and requirement gathering to final design review and handoff for production.
  • Ensure the effective utilization of computer-assisted engineering and design software (e.g., CAD, BIM) by the team.
  • Implement and refine design standards, templates, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Oversee the review of all design work completed by team members to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and compliance with project requirements before production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
  • Act as the primary point of contact for design-related inquiries from sales, customer service, production, and other departments.
  • Collaborate closely with sales to understand customer needs and project specifications.
  • Liaise with building designers and production teams to ensure seamless integration of design into manufacturing and construction processes.
  • Communicate design progress, potential issues, and solutions effectively to stakeholders.
• Operational Efficiency & Quality Assurance:
  • Monitor design department key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement in efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround time.
  • Implement quality control procedures to minimize errors and rework in the design phase.
  • Drive initiatives to optimize the use of design software and technology for enhanced productivity.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant company policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description emphasizes "manages the work of employees that are using computer assisted engineering and design software." This implies a need for the Design Manager to understand the technical workflows and potentially troubleshoot or optimize the use of these tools, rather than just managing people. The responsibility to "obtain information for timely completion" also points to an operational focus on project timelines and resource allocation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
• A strong understanding of engineering principles and design methodologies is expected, even if not explicitly stated as a degree requirement.

Experience:

• 4-6 years of directly related work experience in design engineering or a related technical field.
• Previous managerial or supervisory experience is a mandatory requirement.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with computer-assisted engineering and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, or similar). Understanding of how to leverage these tools for efficient design generation.
• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of technical professionals, including performance evaluation and development.
• Project Coordination: Experience in coordinating design tasks, managing timelines, and ensuring timely project completion.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams, sales, and customers. Ability to clearly articulate technical information.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify design challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Quality Assurance: Experience in reviewing technical designs and implementing quality control measures.
• Customer Focus: Ability to understand and translate customer requirements into design specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the building materials or construction industry.
• Familiarity with Builders FirstSource's specific product lines and design processes.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Experience with process improvement initiatives within a technical department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Design Manager Engineering" title and the mention of "computer assisted engineering and design software," it's inferred that a strong technical foundation in engineering principles and familiarity with industry-standard CAD/BIM software are crucial. The candidate should be able to guide technical decisions and understand the design challenges faced by their team. The "4-6 years of directly related work experience" combined with "previous managerial experience" suggests a mid-level management role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Examples: Showcase a range of design projects managed or contributed to, demonstrating proficiency in various design software and problem-solving approaches.
• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include examples of how you have identified inefficiencies in design workflows and implemented solutions to improve speed, accuracy, or cost-effectiveness.
• Team Management Examples: If possible, illustrate your leadership style and how you've managed technical teams to achieve project goals or overcome challenges.
• Quality Assurance Demonstrations: Highlight instances where your review process prevented errors or improved the quality of final designs.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to discuss their approach to documenting design processes, including standards, checklists, and workflow diagrams.
• Understanding of how to create and maintain design guides for team members to ensure consistency.
• Familiarity with version control and change management within design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager Engineering role, a portfolio should demonstrate not only design output but also the ability to manage and optimize the design process itself. The emphasis on "computer assisted engineering and design software" implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific tools and how they ensure their team uses them effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided salary information (minValue: 0, maxValue: 95000, unitText: YEAR), the estimated salary range for a Design Manager Engineering in Elkwood, Virginia, with 4-6 years of experience and managerial duties, would be between $75,000 and $95,000 annually.
• This estimate considers the provided maximum salary cap, the typical cost of living in Virginia, and industry benchmarks for engineering management roles with this experience level.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Access to 401(k) or similar retirement savings plans with potential company match.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Training Programs: Investment in professional development, including latest training, tools, and technologies.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based incentives may be available.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours. Flexibility may be offered based on operational needs and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary data indicates a maximum of $95,000. For a Design Manager role with 4-6 years of experience and managerial responsibilities in the US, this is a reasonable upper limit. The salary range is estimated to reflect this maximum while accounting for experience and location. The AI-identified benefits are derived from common offerings in large corporations like Builders FirstSource and the explicit mention of "competitive, affordable benefits designed to make life better."

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials Distribution & Services. Builders FirstSource is a leading supplier to residential and commercial contractors. Company Size: Large enterprise (likely hundreds or thousands of employees, given it's a national supplier). Founded: The company has a significant history, implying a well-established operational structure and corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The Design department is a key functional unit within the company, likely reporting up through an Operations or Engineering leadership structure.
• The Design Manager will lead a team of individual contributors (design engineers/technicians) and may report to a Director of Design, VP of Engineering, or similar senior operational leader.
• Collaboration is expected across various departments, including Sales, Production, Logistics, and Customer Service, to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on leveraging data from design software and project outcomes to inform decisions and drive improvements.
• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on refining workflows, utilizing technology, and improving efficiency within the design and production lifecycle.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to address complex challenges in design, manufacturing, and construction.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction by delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality designs.

Company Website: https://careers.bldr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Builders FirstSource is positioned as a large, established player in the building materials industry. The company emphasizes its role in "transforming the future of home building" and making home ownership more achievable. This suggests a culture that values innovation, efficiency, and a people-first approach, aiming for both business growth and employee development. The mention of "friendly, people-first environment" and "empowered to try new things" indicates a supportive, growth-oriented culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level management position within the operations and engineering functions. It requires a blend of technical expertise in design and engineering software, coupled with proven leadership and administrative capabilities. The scope involves managing a team and overseeing a critical operational process.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Engineering, Director of Operations, or a similar senior leader responsible for technical design and operational efficiency. They will, in turn, manage a team of Design Engineers and Technicians.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct impact on the company's operational efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Effective design management ensures that projects are accurately specified, materials are efficiently utilized, production timelines are met, and customer expectations are exceeded, all of which contribute to revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management Roles: Potential advancement to Director of Design, Director of Engineering, or similar leadership positions overseeing larger departments or broader operational functions.
• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific design software, construction technologies, or project management methodologies, leading to a Senior Technical Specialist or Principal Engineer role.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into roles in Operations Management, Project Management, or even Sales Engineering, leveraging a strong understanding of the company's products and processes.
• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and potentially certifications to stay abreast of the latest advancements in design technology and engineering practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "professional development is a high priority" and investing in "latest training, tools, and technologies" suggests a commitment to employee growth. The "variety of opportunities" available within a large national distributor like BFS indicates clear pathways for career progression beyond the immediate role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a dedicated office space within a Builders FirstSource facility. This could be in a corporate office, a regional hub, or an operational facility where design teams are co-located with other business functions.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: 13234 AIRPARK DRIVE, ELKWOOD, VA 22718.
• Builders FirstSource has numerous locations across the United States, indicating potential for internal mobility in the long term.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The work environment is described as "highly collaborative," suggesting an open-plan office layout or shared workspaces designed to facilitate interaction among team members and with other departments.
• Technology Rich: Access to modern computer-assisted engineering and design software, hardware, and other necessary technological tools will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers in sales and production, and management.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week.
• The on-site nature requires adherence to the company's standard operating hours, though some flexibility might be available for managing team schedules or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "people-first environment" and emphasis on collaboration suggest a supportive and interactive workspace. As an on-site role, candidates should expect a traditional office setting within a larger operational framework, with direct access to necessary equipment and team members.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience match.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on leadership experience, technical aptitude in design software, problem-solving skills, and understanding of operational processes.
3. Technical/Team Interview: Potential for an interview with senior engineering staff or peers to evaluate technical depth and collaborative fit. This may involve discussing past projects or hypothetical design challenges.
4. Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on design projects, process improvements, and leadership examples.
5. Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, company culture alignment, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Showcase how your management of design teams directly led to improved project outcomes, efficiency gains, or cost savings.
• Demonstrate Process Optimization: Present clear case studies of design process improvements you've implemented, quantifying the impact (e.g., reduced turnaround time, fewer errors).
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the specific design software and tools you and your team use, highlighting your expertise and any training initiatives you've led.
• Focus on Collaboration: Use examples that illustrate your ability to work effectively with sales, production, and other departments to achieve shared goals.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects and initiatives (e.g., "Reduced design errors by 15%," "Improved project completion rate by 10%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Workflow Simulation: Be prepared for a scenario-based question asking how you would handle a specific design challenge, manage a team conflict, or improve a particular part of the design process.
• Technical Problem-Solving: You might be asked to analyze a design problem and propose solutions, demonstrating your technical acumen and critical thinking.
• Management Scenarios: Expect questions about how you would motivate a team, handle underperformance, or implement a new process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "computer assisted engineering and design software" and managing "work originated and generated by personnel" means the interview will likely probe both technical understanding and operational management skills. A strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in technical environments and process efficiency will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, SketchUp, or similar. Experience in managing a team that utilizes these tools is essential.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software: Familiarity with BIM platforms, especially if the company works on complex construction projects.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for task management, scheduling, and team coordination.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking Tools: Ability to use or oversee the use of tools to track design team KPIs, project progress, and efficiency metrics.
• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting reports and dashboards to communicate department performance to management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not directly managing CRM, understanding how design integrates with sales cycles and customer data managed in a CRM is beneficial.
• Potential for Workflow Automation: Awareness of opportunities to automate repetitive design tasks or approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is expertise in "computer assisted engineering and design software." This suggests that the candidate should be hands-on with relevant software and capable of guiding a team's usage. The mention of "engineering and design tasks" implies a need for tools that support these functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for design outcomes and team performance.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technological advancements, and actively seeking ways to enhance design processes and product offerings.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding customer expectations through high-quality designs and responsive service.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of design and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with sales, production, and customer service teams to ensure alignment and efficient project delivery.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue and feedback loops within the design team and with other departments.
• Problem-Solving Partnerships: Engaging in collaborative problem-solving sessions to address design challenges and operational bottlenecks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Builders FirstSource highlights a "people-first environment" and "working together to solve problems and find better ways to continually grow our business and careers." This indicates a culture that values employee well-being, teamwork, and a proactive approach to challenges and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Ensuring timely design deliverables without compromising accuracy or adherence to specifications, especially under pressure from sales or production demands.
• Managing Diverse Skill Sets: Leading a team with varying levels of experience and expertise in different design software and engineering disciplines.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with rapidly evolving design software, engineering tools, and construction technologies.
• Cross-Departmental Dependencies: Navigating potential bottlenecks or communication gaps with other departments (e.g., sales providing incomplete requirements, production facing material shortages).
• Resource Management: Optimizing the allocation of design resources to meet fluctuating project demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Access to courses and certifications for specialized design and engineering software relevant to the building materials industry.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management skills, strategic planning, and team motivational techniques.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events related to construction technology, design innovation, and building materials to gain industry insights and network.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior engineering or operations leaders within Builders FirstSource.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicit mention of investing in "latest training, tools, and technologies" and empowering employees to "try new things, gain new experiences" directly translates into significant growth potential for individuals in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Operations Management: "Describe your approach to managing a design team using CAD/BIM software. How do you ensure efficiency and quality in their output?" (Focus on workflow, review processes, and team motivation).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "How would you handle a situation where the sales team provides incomplete or conflicting requirements for a design project? What steps would you take to resolve this?" (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and process adherence).
• Technical Problem-Solving: "Imagine a design project is significantly delayed due to a complex technical issue. What is your strategy for diagnosing the problem, involving your team, and finding a resolution?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking and leadership under pressure).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Builders FirstSource and our mission in the building materials industry?" (Research company values, industry impact, and connect to your career goals).
• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a technical team?" (Provide examples of team-building activities, open communication strategies, and encouraging new ideas).
• "How do you measure the success of your design team and your own performance as a manager?" (Discuss KPIs, project completion rates, customer feedback, and team development).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Case Studies: Present 2-3 key projects that highlight your management of design processes, team leadership, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution, the tools used, your role, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced design revision time by X%", "Increased project throughput by Y%").
• Demonstrate Technical Understanding: Be ready to discuss the software and technologies involved in your presented projects and how they were leveraged effectively.
• Showcase Leadership: Explain how you guided your team, resolved conflicts, or fostered professional growth during these projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical design management skills and operational leadership. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their strategies for managing technical teams, optimizing design workflows, and ensuring quality output, drawing heavily on their portfolio and past experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager Engineering position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Builders FirstSource careers portal (https://careers.bldr.com) and submit your application for the Design Manager Engineering role.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in design engineering, management of technical teams, proficiency with CAD/BIM software, and any process improvement initiatives you've led. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a selection of your best work that showcases your design projects, leadership experience, and contributions to process optimization. Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio in detail.
• Research Builders FirstSource: Understand the company's mission, values, products, and position in the building materials industry. Familiarize yourself with their emphasis on innovation and customer service.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to team management, technical problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and your portfolio. Practice articulating your achievements and leadership style clearly.

⚠️ 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.