Design Manager - Plumbing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Plumbing

Company: AMPAM Parks Mechanical

Location: Carson, CA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-19

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with 3-5 years in leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive plumbing design process for large-scale multi-family residential and commercial construction projects, ensuring adherence to all client specifications, building codes, and energy efficiency standards.

• Manage a team of plumbing engineers, designers, and drafters, fostering a collaborative environment focused on technical excellence and efficient project delivery from concept through construction documentation.

• Drive technical decision-making, conduct rigorous design reviews, and ensure seamless integration of plumbing systems with architectural, structural, and other MEP disciplines through advanced BIM coordination.

• Serve as a key point of contact for plumbing design-related matters, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with clients, consultants, and internal project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the successful technical execution of plumbing systems within large construction projects. The "Design Manager" title in a construction context often implies a blend of technical expertise, project management, and team leadership, directly impacting project timelines, budgets, and quality.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the plumbing design process, encompassing fixture unit calculations, equipment and pipe sizing, pump selection, material specification, joinery, installation methods, and comprehensive plumbing system specifications.

• Oversee the development and preparation of detailed construction drawings, specifications, schematics, and schedules, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Guarantee that all plumbing designs strictly adhere to applicable codes, standards (including ASHRAE, UPC, ASPE, IECC, CBC, CPC, NEFC, ADA, and local energy codes), and specific client requirements.

• Provide expert technical guidance, mentorship, and support to the plumbing design team, fostering professional growth and ensuring high-quality output.

• Manage and mentor plumbing engineers, designers, and drafters, effectively assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and conducting regular design reviews to ensure accuracy, constructability, and efficiency.

• Facilitate proactive coordination with architectural, structural, and other MEP teams to ensure seamless integration of plumbing systems within the overall project design.

• Monitor and maintain project schedules and budgets specifically allocated for plumbing design deliverables, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Manage Request for Information (RFIs) and change orders related to plumbing design, ensuring timely and accurate responses and resolutions.

• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA and site safety standards throughout the design coordination process.

• Provide pre-construction support by assisting in the preparation of design proposals, cost estimates, and value engineering options to optimize project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role requiring deep technical knowledge of plumbing systems, strong project management skills for design phases, and significant team leadership capabilities, all within the context of large-scale construction projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (required).

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the relevant state (required).

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in plumbing design.

• At least 3-5 years of experience in a dedicated leadership or management role within a design or engineering capacity.

• Proven track record of successful plumbing design for multi-family new construction projects.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Revit MEP for building information modeling and design.

• Strong command of AutoCAD for 2D drafting and design documentation.

• Expertise in plumbing design calculation software for system analysis and sizing.

• Comprehensive knowledge of all plumbing systems, including sanitary, drainage, venting, exhaust, rainwater, domestic water, indirect waste, interceptors, and fixtures.

• In-depth understanding of water efficiency and sustainability principles in plumbing design.

• Familiarity with local building codes, energy codes, and applicable ASHRAE standards.

• Experience with BIM coordination processes and clash detection methodologies.

• Proficiency in Navisworks for clash detection and 3D model review.

• Demonstrated ability in Bluebeam for efficient document control and collaboration.

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.

• Effective communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design-build or integrated project delivery (IPD) methodologies.

• Familiarity with project management software beyond design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a PE license and 8+ years of experience, with a significant portion in leadership, alongside specific software proficiencies like Revit MEP and Navisworks, clearly defines this as a senior engineering management position within the construction operations domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed case studies of complex multi-family plumbing design projects, highlighting your leadership role and technical contributions.

• Present examples of plumbing system designs that demonstrate compliance with various building and energy codes, illustrating your code expertise.

• Include documentation illustrating your approach to BIM coordination and clash detection, potentially with examples of resolved conflicts using Navisworks.

• Provide evidence of value engineering initiatives you've led or contributed to, demonstrating cost savings and efficiency improvements in plumbing system design.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of your workflow for leading a plumbing design team, from initial concept to final construction documentation, emphasizing collaboration and quality control checkpoints.

• Illustrate your process for conducting design reviews, including feedback mechanisms and how you ensure constructability and efficiency.

• Document your approach to managing RFIs and change orders within the plumbing design lifecycle, showcasing problem-solving and risk mitigation strategies.

• Provide a framework for how you ensure safety compliance and integrate OSHA standards into the design coordination process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of technical skills, leadership in design processes, and successful project outcomes is crucial. This role requires not just theoretical knowledge but also proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle and team effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $175,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

• The role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Design Manager role with the specified experience and licensure requirements in the Southern California region. Benefits are typical for a full-time position at a large construction firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Contracting. AMPAM Parks Mechanical is a significant player in California's construction sector, specializing in large-scale multi-family residential and commercial projects.

Company Size: 1,500+ employees across multiple business units. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and a structured operational framework.

Founded: [Company Founded information not provided]. However, the company's size and scope suggest a long-standing presence and established reputation in the market.

Team Structure:

• The Plumbing Design team is likely structured with a Design Manager overseeing a group of Plumbing Engineers, Designers, and Drafters.

• This role will report to a higher-level engineering director or project executive, depending on the organizational hierarchy.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the emphasis on design calculations, code compliance, and energy efficiency standards.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing design teams and project timelines effectively.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially through the use of BIM software and coordination tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AMPAM's focus on large-scale projects and its substantial employee base suggest a professional, process-oriented environment where efficiency, quality, and safety are paramount. The operations context here is deeply embedded within the construction project lifecycle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Engineering Management. This role represents a significant step up from individual contributor engineering roles, demanding leadership, strategic planning, and team management. It sits at the intersection of technical design and project execution operations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering or a VP of Operations/Pre-construction, with direct reports comprising the plumbing design team. This position is crucial in the pre-construction phase, directly influencing project feasibility and execution.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on project profitability and success by ensuring designs are cost-effective, compliant, and constructible. Efficient and accurate plumbing design minimizes costly rework, delays, and change orders during the construction phase, directly contributing to the company's bottom line and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director of Engineering, VP of Pre-construction, or a senior project executive role, overseeing broader engineering or project management functions.

• Opportunities to lead larger, more complex, or specialized MEP design projects.

• Potential to develop expertise in emerging areas like sustainable design, advanced BIM implementation, or specific project delivery methods.

• Mentorship roles for junior engineers and designers, contributing to talent development within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a key leadership position within the operational framework of a large construction firm, offering substantial career progression opportunities within engineering management and project execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role, requiring a professional workspace within AMPAM's facilities. This environment is conducive to focused design work, team collaboration, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Carson, California. This location serves as the primary operational hub for this role.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate focused design work using advanced software on powerful workstations.

• Collaboration spaces will be available for team meetings, design reviews, and coordination sessions with other disciplines.

• Access to company-wide project management and communication tools will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to manage project deadlines.

• Occasional extended hours may be necessary during critical design phases or for urgent coordination meetings.

• The role requires a consistent on-site presence to effectively manage the team and collaborate with project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the collaborative and hands-on nature of managing design within a construction environment, where direct interaction and oversight are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications for minimum qualifications (degree, PE license, years of experience).

• Hiring Manager Interview: Expect a technical interview with the hiring manager (e.g., Director of Engineering) focusing on plumbing design principles, code knowledge, team management experience, and problem-solving scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present specific projects from their portfolio, detailing their role, design challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical step to assess practical experience and leadership.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Interviews with key team members (e.g., senior designers) and collaborators (e.g., project managers, structural engineers) to assess technical acumen, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Pre-construction) to discuss strategic fit, company vision, and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio by project type or complexity. For each project, clearly state the scope, your role, key technical challenges, design solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, code compliance).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you led a team, managed design processes, mentored junior staff, or resolved significant design conflicts. Use "I led," "My team achieved," "I implemented" to showcase your active role.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design calculations, code interpretations, material selections, and system integrations. For plumbing, this means discussing fixture counts, pipe sizing rationale, pump curves, and drainage calculations.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Briefly explain how you utilized tools like Revit MEP, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam to achieve project goals and improve design efficiency.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate your achievements. For example, "Reduced design time by 15% through efficient BIM coordination," or "Achieved $50,000 in value engineering savings on Project X."

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for hypothetical design scenarios or problem-solving questions related to plumbing systems in multi-family construction. For example, "How would you address a complex pipe routing conflict in a high-density residential building?" or "What are the critical code considerations for domestic water systems in California?"

• Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and manage engineering teams.

• Review common plumbing system issues in construction and how to proactively design them out.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process strongly emphasizes practical experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to articulate technical contributions and process management skills through a portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit MEP: Essential for 3D modeling, design development, and creating construction documents. Proficiency in creating families, system creation, and worksharing is expected.

• AutoCAD: For 2D drafting, reviewing legacy drawings, and potentially for specific design tasks where Revit may not be fully utilized.

• Plumbing Design Calculation Software: Tools for fixture unit calculations, pipe sizing (e.g., for domestic water, drainage, vent systems), pump selection, and pressure loss calculations. Specific software may vary but the underlying principles are key.

• Navisworks: Critical for BIM coordination, clash detection, and 3D model review. Ability to manage federated models and identify/resolve interdisciplinary conflicts is vital.

• Bluebeam Revu: For efficient document review, markup, comparison, and control of PDFs, essential for managing design deliverables and RFIs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design management role, but an understanding of how design interfaces with construction project management software and ERP systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of industry-standard MEP design and coordination software is a non-negotiable requirement for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and constructible plumbing designs that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Safety First: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and promoting a safety-conscious design culture.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work effectively across disciplines to achieve common project goals.

• Efficiency & Innovation: Striving for optimized design processes, embracing new technologies, and finding innovative solutions to design challenges to improve project outcomes and company profitability.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring accountability for design decisions and project deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and Integrated: Encouraging early and continuous engagement with architectural, structural, and other MEP teams to identify and resolve potential design conflicts before they impact construction.

• Open Communication: Maintaining clear, concise, and timely communication channels with all stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal project teams.

• Solution-Oriented: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset, working collaboratively to find efficient and effective solutions.

• Feedback-Driven: Cultivating a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, as inferred from industry best practices and the role's responsibilities, emphasize a professional, collaborative, and results-oriented approach to construction project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Designs: Overseeing the design of intricate plumbing systems for large-scale multi-family projects with tight space constraints and demanding performance requirements.

• Code Evolution: Staying abreast of rapidly changing building and energy codes, particularly in California, and ensuring designs remain compliant.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing conflicts and ensuring seamless integration with architectural, structural, and other MEP systems in a BIM environment.

• Team Leadership: Motivating and guiding a team of engineers and designers, balancing individual development needs with project delivery pressures.

• Cost Optimization: Balancing high-performance design with budget constraints, often requiring innovative value engineering solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Design Software: Deepening expertise in Revit MEP, Navisworks, and other advanced design and simulation tools.

• Code Specialization: Becoming a go-to expert on specific plumbing codes and energy efficiency standards relevant to California construction.

• Project Delivery Methods: Gaining experience and knowledge in design-build, IPD, and other modern construction delivery approaches.

• Leadership Development: Participating in leadership training programs, gaining experience in managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending relevant industry events to stay updated on best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex technical challenges and developing advanced leadership and project management skills within a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex plumbing system you designed for a multi-family project. What were the key challenges, your design approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical depth, and results).

• "How do you ensure your plumbing designs comply with California's Title 24 energy code and other local regulations?" (Demonstrate code knowledge and process for compliance).

• "Walk me through your process for coordinating plumbing designs with architectural and structural teams using BIM. How do you resolve clashes?" (Highlight BIM proficiency and collaborative approach).

• "How do you manage and motivate a team of engineers and designers to meet demanding project deadlines while maintaining design quality?" (Assess leadership and team management style).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AMPAM Parks Mechanical and this specific role?" (Research the company's projects and values).

• "How do you approach collaboration with external consultants and internal project management teams?" (Align your style with their emphasis on teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and success in multi-family plumbing design.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, schedule adherence, compliance with specific standards).

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your responsibilities and contributions to each project, especially your leadership and decision-making.

• Explain Processes: Briefly describe the design and coordination processes you followed, highlighting how you used tools like Revit MEP and Navisworks effectively.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, calculations, and code interpretations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise in plumbing design, strong leadership capabilities, and a proactive, collaborative approach to project execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the ADP WorkForce Now portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of plumbing design experience, specifically mentioning your 3-5 years in a leadership role. Emphasize your PE license and proficiency in Revit MEP, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam. Use keywords from the job description such as "multi-family construction," "building codes," "energy efficiency," and "BIM coordination."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing your most relevant plumbing design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your leadership, technical problem-solving skills, code compliance knowledge, and use of design software. Prepare to discuss specific examples in detail.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common interview questions related to plumbing design, team management, code compliance, and project coordination. Be ready to articulate your approach to design challenges and present your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AMPAM Parks Mechanical's recent projects, company values, and overall mission. Understand their focus on large-scale multi-family and commercial projects in California. This will help tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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