Senior Design Manager, EPC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, EPC
Company: Redwood Materials
Location: McCarran, NV (Reno Area)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Engineering & Construction Operations / GTM Operations (Infrastructure Development)
Date Posted: October 07, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic Infrastructure Design & Execution: This role is pivotal in leading the end-to-end design and engineering efforts for new construction and infrastructure development projects, crucial for scaling Redwood Materials' global battery supply chain operations.
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: The Senior Design Manager will orchestrate complex, multi-disciplinary projects, driving collaboration between Process Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Facilities, and Production teams to ensure project objectives align with ambitious company priorities.
• Process Optimization & Efficiency: A core function involves distilling complex stakeholder requirements into clear project scopes, optimizing workflows, and implementing innovative engineering methodologies to accelerate aggressive program and construction schedules.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication: This position demands exceptional communication skills to translate scattered information into concise, actionable plans for both technical and non-technical audiences, fostering alignment and reducing ambiguity across dynamic programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager, EPC," the responsibilities and required skills align closely with a highly strategic Project Management or Program Management role focused on capital projects and infrastructure development within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or operational scaling context. The emphasis on "driving the full design and engineering efforts" and "translating scattered information into a concise and complete message" points to a role that bridges technical design with operational execution and strategic planning, common in Revenue Operations or GTM Operations when infrastructure is a key enabler.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Engineering Oversight: Manage and lead infrastructure and tool installation projects through all phases: conceptualization, feasibility, funding, detailed design (30%/60%/90%/IFC), change management, and engineering support during construction.
• Scope Definition & Management: Fundamentally understand stakeholder requirements and translate them into clear, well-defined project objectives and scope documentation, adapting effectively to a highly dynamic environment.
• Permitting & Documentation Management: Oversee permitting processes and manage construction documents, including transmittals, Requests for Information (RFIs), and other critical project documentation.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Co-manage the intake of customer requests from all site teams, ensuring timely and efficient integration into project planning and execution.
• Project Funding & Resource Allocation: Own the project funding request process for major infrastructure improvements and identify resource requirements, highlighting gaps and constraints across various project stages while influencing teams outside direct reporting structures.
• Schedule & Partner Management: Coordinate key project schedule requirements with Procurement and Construction partners to ensure overall project schedule success and timely delivery.
• Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with various cross-functional teams to ensure overall program alignment and effective execution.
• Delivery Method Strategy: Define strategies for project delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build, Integrated Project Development, and Fast-Track projects, optimizing for speed and quality.
• Lean Construction & BIM Integration: Understand and apply lean construction principles and fully integrated design methodologies using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance project efficiency and outcomes.
• Innovation Implementation: Implement innovative engineering and design methodologies to support aggressive programs and construction schedules, driving continuous improvement.
• Feasibility & Value Engineering: Support and lead feasibility studies, value engineering efforts, and options analysis to ensure optimal project solutions and cost-effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project lifecycle management, stakeholder alignment, and driving execution in a fast-paced, capital-intensive environment. This role requires not just technical design oversight but also strategic program management capabilities, akin to a GTM Operations leader focused on scaling physical infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Preferred: Master of Science (M.S.) in a relevant engineering field.

Experience:

• Required: At least 5 years of experience managing multi-disciplinary scopes within A/E (Architecture/Engineering) or Design Engineering firms.
• Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) License.

Required Skills:

• Engineering & Design Fundamentals: Comprehensive understanding of all engineering disciplines and the ability to manage engineering resources effectively.
• Project Management Excellence: Advanced project management skills, with demonstrated application of project and program management fundamentals to complex engineering problems.
• Communication & Documentation: Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to understand complex problems and distill messages into clear plans for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse cross-functional teams, influencing stakeholders outside of direct reporting structures.
• Infrastructure Design: Experience designing manufacturing facilities and site infrastructure, including tool installation (e.g., building, utilities, installation of manufacturing equipment).
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Ability to thrive under pressure and in ambiguous environments, effectively executing parallel tasks and projects.
• Stakeholder Requirement Analysis: Skill in understanding stakeholder requirements and translating them into clear project objectives and manageable scopes.
• Lean Construction & BIM: Understanding of lean construction principles and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for integrated design.

Preferred Skills:

• Jurisdictional & Code Navigation: Experience working with codes and jurisdictions, with the ability to build strong relationships with external partners.
• Fast-Track Project Management: Experience with fast-track project methodologies and aggressive construction schedules.
• Value Engineering & Feasibility Studies: Proven ability to lead and contribute to value engineering and feasibility studies.
• Aggressive Program Support: Experience supporting and driving very aggressive programs and construction schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise and robust project management capabilities. The mention of "influencing various teams outside of direct reporting structure" and "driving collaboration between Process Engineering disciplines, Construction, Manufacturing, Facilities, and Production" strongly indicates a need for operational leadership skills beyond traditional design management, aligning with GTM or Revenue Operations' need to align disparate teams for successful scaling.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Lifecycle Management: Showcase a portfolio demonstrating experience managing infrastructure and tool installation projects from conceptualization through design, construction, and commissioning.
• Scope Definition & Translation: Provide examples of how you have translated complex stakeholder requirements into clear, actionable project objectives and documented scope statements.
• Cross-Functional Project Delivery: Present case studies of projects where you successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams (e.g., Process Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Facilities) to achieve project goals.
• Process Improvement Documentation: Include documentation or case studies highlighting the implementation of lean construction principles, BIM, or innovative engineering methodologies to improve project efficiency and accelerate timelines.
• Risk & Resource Management: Demonstrate experience in identifying project risks, resource constraints, and developing mitigation strategies within dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing and optimizing workflows for project intake, design review (30%/60%/90%/IFC), RFI management, and permitting processes.
• Implementation & Automation: Examples of implementing project delivery methods (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Integrated Project Development, Fast-Track) and leveraging tools like BIM for integrated design.
• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Documentation outlining how project performance, schedule adherence, and resource allocation were tracked and analyzed, with a focus on driving efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies, not just lists of projects. The emphasis should be on the process used to manage complexity, drive alignment, and achieve aggressive timelines, mirroring the strategic planning and execution required in GTM or Revenue Operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a high-demand, specialized field like battery manufacturing infrastructure, and considering the McCarran, NV location (part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area), the estimated salary range is $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of EPC project management, the critical infrastructure development required for a rapidly scaling company like Redwood Materials, and the cost of living in Northern Nevada.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Financial Security: Competitive salary, potential for bonuses or equity, and 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and potential for flexible scheduling where operational needs allow.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.
• Unique Perks: Exposure to cutting-edge battery technology and participation in a mission-driven company focused on sustainability and the energy transition.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the demanding and fast-paced nature of the role, coupled with aggressive program schedules, may require extended hours and flexibility to meet project deadlines and critical operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for similar roles in engineering and construction management in the Reno, NV area. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits are typical for a full-time role at a growing technology company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Materials / Battery Technology / Renewable Energy & Sustainability. Redwood Materials is at the forefront of localizing the battery supply chain, focusing on recovery, reuse, and recycling to drive the energy transition. This industry context means a focus on innovation, sustainability, and rapid scaling. Company Size: Redwood Materials is a rapidly growing company, likely in the scale-up phase, indicating a dynamic and evolving work environment. This means opportunities for impact but also a need for adaptability and resilience. Founded: 2019. As a relatively young company, Redwood Materials likely fosters a culture of agility, innovation, and a "build-it-as-we-go" mentality, common in high-growth startups aiming to disrupt established industries.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Engineering Focus: The role sits within the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team, which is critical for building out the company's manufacturing and recycling infrastructure.
• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Design Manager typically reports to a Director or VP of Engineering, Construction, or Operations. They will manage external A/E firms and coordinate closely with internal leads across various departments.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close collaboration with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, Production, Procurement, and potentially Finance and executive leadership for funding approvals.

Methodology:

• Agile Project Delivery: Given the emphasis on "aggressive programs" and "record speed," expect methodologies that prioritize rapid iteration, flexible planning, and continuous feedback loops, potentially incorporating elements of Agile or Lean principles in project execution.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: While the role is design-focused, decisions regarding scope, funding, and delivery methods will likely be supported by data analysis, feasibility studies, and value engineering, aiming for optimized outcomes.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: The company culture emphasizes pulling people together and collaborative solutions, suggesting a proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges through cross-functional teamwork.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Redwood Materials' mission-driven focus on sustainability and the energy transition is a significant cultural driver. Candidates should be able to articulate their passion for this mission and how their operational and engineering skills contribute to it. The "build-it-as-we-go" aspect implies a need for comfort with ambiguity and a proactive approach to defining processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level individual contributor role with significant management responsibilities over external design and engineering partners and internal project alignment. It represents a critical juncture for professionals looking to lead major infrastructure development in a high-growth, impactful industry.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report into a Director or VP of Engineering/Construction/Operations. They will manage relationships with external A/E firms and contractors, acting as the primary internal point of contact for design and engineering aspects of capital projects. Direct reports are not indicated but could be added as the team grows.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and substantial. By successfully managing the design and engineering of infrastructure, the Senior Design Manager directly enables Redwood Materials' ability to scale production capacity, implement new recycling processes, and achieve its mission of localizing the battery supply chain. This role is fundamental to the company's ability to meet market demand and drive the energy transition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into Director-level roles overseeing larger programs, multiple projects, or specific engineering disciplines (e.g., Director of Facilities Engineering, Director of Process Infrastructure).
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like battery manufacturing facility design, advanced recycling infrastructure, or lean construction implementation.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into broader Program Management, Operations Management, or even GTM Strategy roles where infrastructure scaling is a key component.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to the development of the next generation of operations and engineering talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career advancement within a rapidly scaling company at the intersection of cleantech and advanced manufacturing. The ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion in a high-stakes environment is a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Redwood Materials' factory in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), Reno, Nevada. This implies a hybrid work environment, with significant time spent on-site at the manufacturing and recycling facility, interacting directly with operations, construction, and engineering teams.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), McCarran, Nevada. This is a large industrial park located east of Reno, Nevada.
• Accessibility: Candidates should consider commuting to this location. Access typically involves driving, and public transportation options may be limited.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-on & Collaborative: Expect a dynamic workspace that blends office-based design work with frequent site visits to active construction areas and manufacturing floors. This requires comfort with both detailed design reviews and on-site problem-solving.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard engineering design software (CAD, BIM tools), project management platforms, and communication tools will be essential. The company's specific technology stack will be relevant.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse set of internal teams (Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, Production) and external partners (Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Vendors).

Work Schedule:

• Full-time: Standard 40-hour work week is the baseline.
• Flexibility & Pace: Given the "aggressive programs and construction schedules," candidates must be prepared for demanding periods that may require working beyond standard hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet critical project milestones and deadlines. This flexibility is often inherent in roles driving rapid infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical. Candidates must be comfortable working in an industrial environment and be willing to spend substantial time at the facility. This hands-on approach is key to understanding and solving on-the-ground challenges effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications and cultural fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, technical skills, project management methodologies, and understanding of the role's complexities. Expect questions about managing stakeholders and driving projects.
3. Portfolio Review & Case Study: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, highlighting key projects, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This may involve a specific case study or problem-solving exercise related to infrastructure development in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
4. Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Process Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, and potentially Operations leadership to assess collaboration skills and understanding of interdependencies.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Engineering/Operations) to assess strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact & Process: Don't just list projects; detail the process you used to manage them. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced design cycle time by X%," "delivered project Y under budget by Z%").
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Highlight specific challenges encountered (e.g., stakeholder misalignment, scope creep, technical hurdles) and demonstrate how you collaboratively developed and implemented solutions.
• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership: Emphasize instances where you successfully influenced or led teams outside your direct reporting line to achieve project objectives.
• Highlight Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you managed projects in dynamic or ambiguous environments, aligning with Redwood Materials' fast-paced culture.
• Tailor to Redwood's Mission: Connect your project experience and passion to Redwood Materials' mission of sustainability and energy transition.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions like: "How would you manage conflicting requirements from the manufacturing and process engineering teams for a new facility layout?" or "Describe a time you had to accelerate an aggressive construction schedule – what steps did you take?"
• Technical/Design Acumen: Be ready to discuss design considerations for manufacturing facilities, utilities, and tool installations, as well as your understanding of codes and permitting.
• Communication Skills: Prepare to articulate complex technical or project management concepts clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a non-technical executive.
• Lean/BIM Application: Be ready to discuss practical applications of lean principles or BIM in your past projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely a critical gate. Candidates should prepare a concise presentation (e.g., 10-15 slides) that clearly articulates 2-3 impactful projects, focusing on their role in managing complexity, stakeholder alignment, and driving successful outcomes within aggressive timelines.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, or similar Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is essential for design review and collaboration.
• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, MS Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for managing project schedules, tasks, documentation, and collaboration.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, for real-time communication and document sharing across distributed teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for visualizing project performance metrics.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting dashboards for project progress, budget tracking, and schedule adherence.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/Procurement Systems: While not directly CRM, experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or procurement systems used for managing vendor contracts, purchase orders, and project finances is beneficial.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, transmittals, and RFIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, candidates should highlight proficiency in industry-standard CAD/BIM software and robust project management platforms. Demonstrating an understanding of how these tools facilitate collaboration and process efficiency is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Redwood Materials' mission of enabling the energy transition through sustainable battery supply chains.
• Agility & Speed: A culture that values rapid execution, adaptability, and the ability to move quickly in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on pulling people together, fostering strong relationships, and solving problems collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Detail-Oriented & Quality Focus: While speed is important, there's a critical need for meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality outcomes in design and construction.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of new ideas and methodologies to improve processes, efficiency, and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Influential: The role requires actively engaging with stakeholders, anticipating needs, and influencing decision-making even without direct authority.
• Transparent & Communicative: A style that prioritizes clear, consistent, and open communication to ensure all parties are informed and aligned on project status, risks, and objectives.
• Solution-Oriented: A focus on identifying problems and working collaboratively to find practical, effective solutions that drive project success.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Deep integration with various departments, bridging the gap between design intent and operational reality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align their personal values and collaboration style with the company's emphasis on mission, speed, and collaboration. Demonstrating an ability to work effectively in a "demanding and fast-paced environment" with "ambiguity" will be crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Aggressive Timelines: Meeting extremely aggressive program and construction schedules in a rapidly evolving industrial setting.
• Ambiguity & Dynamic Scope: Managing projects where requirements may shift, and processes are still being defined in a high-growth startup environment.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring alignment and buy-in from numerous stakeholders with potentially competing priorities across engineering, manufacturing, and facilities.
• Resource Constraints: Identifying and securing necessary resources (internal personnel, external partners, budget) for ambitious infrastructure projects.
• Scaling Infrastructure: Designing and overseeing the construction of facilities that must scale rapidly to meet increasing demand for battery materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in battery manufacturing infrastructure, advanced recycling processes, and large-scale industrial construction.
• Leadership Skills: Develop advanced project and program management capabilities, stakeholder influence, and team leadership within a high-impact domain.
• Process Innovation: Gain experience implementing cutting-edge design methodologies (e.g., advanced BIM, lean construction) in a real-world, high-stakes environment.
• Sustainability & Energy Sector: Contribute directly to the energy transition and gain invaluable experience in a critical, rapidly growing sector.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by experienced leaders and to mentor emerging talent within Redwood Materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also represent key areas for professional growth. Candidates who thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments and are eager to learn and adapt will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Management Philosophy: "Describe your approach to managing complex, multi-disciplinary EPC projects from concept to completion, especially in a fast-paced, evolving environment." Focus on your process for scope definition, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure alignment and manage conflicting requirements among diverse stakeholders (e.g., Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities) for critical infrastructure projects?" Be ready with examples of influencing without direct authority.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: "Describe a situation where you faced significant ambiguity or unexpected challenges in a project. How did you navigate it, and what was the outcome?" Highlight your ability to distill information and drive clarity.
• Process Improvement: "Tell me about a time you implemented a new process, methodology (like Lean or BIM), or innovative design approach to improve project delivery speed or quality." Quantify the impact if possible.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "What interests you about Redwood Materials' mission, and how does your background in engineering and construction management align with it?"
• Pace & Ambiguity: "How do you typically operate in a demanding, fast-paced environment with evolving requirements? Can you provide an example?"
• Collaboration Style: "Describe your ideal working relationship with cross-functional teams and external partners. How do you build trust and ensure effective collaboration?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation around 2-3 key projects, using a clear narrative: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Process -> Challenges -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.
• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk mitigation).
• Process Focus: Emphasize the methodologies, tools, and collaboration strategies you employed. Explain why you chose certain approaches.
• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (diagrams, timelines, photos if appropriate) to support your presentation.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, decision-making processes, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Redwood Materials will likely assess not only technical and project management skills but also cultural fit, particularly the ability to thrive in a high-growth, mission-driven environment. Be prepared to discuss your passion for sustainability and how you approach challenges with a "can-do" attitude.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager, EPC position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Redwood Materials careers page or the provided Greenhouse link and submit your application through their official portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience in managing multi-disciplinary EPC projects, infrastructure development, tool installations, stakeholder management, and any experience with lean construction or BIM. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases 2-3 impactful projects. Focus on your role, the processes you followed, the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable results achieved. Be ready to present this compellingly.
• Research Redwood Materials: Understand their mission, recent achievements, and their role in the battery supply chain. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and objectives.
• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your skills in project management, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability, particularly in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

⚠️ 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.