Program Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Design Manager

Company: Faith Technologies

Location: Menasha, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Program Management / Engineering Design

Date Posted: June 23, 2026

Experience Level: 8-12+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads complex program development from concept through engineering completion, serving as the primary client-facing design lead.

• Drives technical strategy and execution by ensuring alignment between design intent, manufacturing capabilities, and constructability.

• Manages cross-functional teams, including engineering, BIM, and operations, to achieve program objectives and deliver successful solutions.

• Facilitates design reviews, coordination meetings, and planning workshops, ensuring clear documentation of requirements, decisions, and risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Program Design Manager," the responsibilities and required experience strongly indicate a role that bridges design engineering, project management, and client relations within a structured, engineered-to-order (ETO) or Design-Build environment. This role is crucial for translating client needs into actionable engineering and construction plans within the company's core industries (construction, engineering, manufacturing, renewable energy).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the holistic development of complex programs from initial concept, through detailed engineering, and final handoff to execution teams.

• Act as the primary client-facing design lead, managing stakeholder relationships, defining project requirements, and driving design solutions.

• Facilitate and lead design reviews, coordination meetings, and planning workshops to ensure stakeholder alignment and timely decision-making.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive Program Requirements Documentation, serving as the definitive source of truth for all program design elements.

• Drive standardization and continuous improvement across programs by integrating lessons learned and reusable design strategies.

• Collaborate closely with Estimating, Procurement, and Engineering to evaluate cost impacts, explore design alternatives, and identify value engineering opportunities.

• Manage team budgets and cost estimates, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with program scope.

• Proactively identify, track, and mitigate design-related risks throughout the program lifecycle.

• Ensure seamless integration and transition from the design phase to program execution, maintaining continuity and efficiency.

• Verify design compliance with all relevant codes, specifications, and customer-specific requirements.

• Ensure alignment between design intent, manufacturing capabilities, and constructability to optimize production and installation.

• Perform other related duties as required to ensure successful program design and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core emphasis is on program leadership and design oversight, requiring a blend of technical acumen, project management discipline, and strong communication skills. The role is client-centric, demanding extensive stakeholder management and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into executable plans.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

• Associate's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field highly preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 12+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting is required if holding a High School Diploma or GED.

• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting is required if holding an Associate's Degree.

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting is required if holding a Bachelor's Degree.

• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary projects from concept through execution is essential.

• Proven ability to lead client-facing meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project teams.

• Experience in managing project schedules, coordinating diverse stakeholders, and driving design decisions to successful completion. Required Skills:

• Program Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead the conceptualization and development of complex, multidisciplinary programs.

• Client Relationship Management: Expertise in serving as the primary client-facing design lead, managing expectations, and fostering strong partnerships.

• Cross-functional Team Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading and coordinating diverse teams across engineering, BIM, manufacturing, and construction.

• Technical Strategy Development: Ability to define and drive the technical direction of programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Project Schedule Management: Proficiency in developing, monitoring, and managing intricate project timelines.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Skill in identifying potential risks early and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

• Documentation & Communication: Excellent ability to clearly document requirements, decisions, and communicate technical information to various stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Engineered-to-Order (ETO) Design: Deep understanding of ETO product design principles and execution.

• Design-Build & Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): Familiarity and experience with Design-Build and IPD methodologies.

• Mission Critical Infrastructure: Knowledge of design and construction for mission-critical facilities.

• BIM Coordination: Experience working with and coordinating Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes.

• Value Engineering: Skill in identifying and implementing cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or function.

• Budget & Cost Management: Experience in developing and managing program budgets and cost estimates.

• Constructability Analysis: Ability to assess and optimize designs for efficient manufacturing and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tiered experience requirement based on education level is a common practice to attract candidates with varying academic backgrounds but equivalent practical expertise. The "Required Skills" focus on leadership and project execution, while "Preferred Skills" highlight specialized methodologies critical to Faith Technologies' service offerings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Program Design Leadership: Showcase examples of leading complex programs from inception to completion, detailing your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Demonstration of Cross-functional Team Coordination: Present projects where you effectively managed and aligned diverse teams (engineering, BIM, manufacturing, construction) to achieve design goals.

• Client Engagement & Requirements Definition Examples: Include instances where you acted as the primary client-facing lead, defining requirements and driving design decisions.

• Documentation of Design Solutions: Provide examples of Program Requirements Documentation or similar artifacts that served as a single source of truth for program designs.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Highlight instances where you drove standardization, leveraged lessons learned, or implemented continuous improvement in design processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your ability to map out and refine design workflows, from concept initiation through engineering handoff.

• Stakeholder Alignment & Decision-Making: Document processes you've used to facilitate design reviews, coordinate stakeholders, and drive timely decisions.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation Procedures: Illustrate your systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks.

• Requirements Consolidation Methods: Detail how you ensure all program requirements, assumptions, constraints, and decisions are captured and communicated effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Program Design Manager" role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, process management capabilities, and ability to deliver tangible results in complex design environments. Emphasis should be on how they managed processes and led teams to successful design outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (8-12+ years), location (Menasha, WI), and the demanding nature of program design management in specialized industries, a competitive salary range is estimated. For a highly experienced professional in this role, the estimated salary range in Menasha, Wisconsin, would typically fall between $110,000 and $150,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Flexible and Robust Benefits Package: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Career Development Programs: Opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and advancement within the organization.

• Continued Education Programs: Support for ongoing learning, certifications, and advanced training relevant to the role and industry.

• Merit-Based Compensation: Competitive salary structure with potential for performance-based bonuses and merit increases.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): For mental health and well-being support.

Working Hours:

• Standard work hours are typically between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility is required, as work may need to be performed at any time on any day of the week to meet business needs, project deadlines, and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for Program Managers with significant experience in specialized engineering and construction sectors in the Midwest US. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The listed benefits are drawn directly from the company's description, highlighting their commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Faith Technologies operates across multiple critical sectors, including Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy. This diverse portfolio allows for integrated solutions and a broad scope of project types, from traditional construction to advanced energy systems and custom manufacturing.

Company Size: Faith Technologies is a substantial organization, indicated by its "one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America" recognition and its need for a Program Design Manager, suggesting a significant operational footprint and project volume. The company likely employs several hundred to over a thousand individuals.

Founded: Founded in 1970, Faith Technologies has a long history of growth and adaptation, building a strong reputation and a deep understanding of its core markets. This longevity suggests stability, established processes, and a commitment to long-term success.

Team Structure:

• The Program Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated design team, potentially comprising engineers, BIM specialists, designers, and project coordinators.

• This role implies a matrixed reporting structure, where the manager reports to a higher-level executive (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Operations) while also coordinating closely with project managers, sales teams, and execution leads.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with significant interaction expected across departments such as Estimating, Procurement, Manufacturing, Construction, and Sales to ensure holistic program success. Methodology:

• Faith Technologies emphasizes a "Culture of Care," suggesting a workplace that prioritizes employee well-being, professional development, and a supportive environment.

• The company's approach to projects likely involves a blend of traditional engineering practices and innovative solutions, particularly in renewable energy and manufacturing.

• A strong focus on client satisfaction and delivering integrated solutions across its diverse service offerings is a core methodology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and broad industry reach mean candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment with diverse project challenges. The "Culture of Care" is a significant differentiator and should be considered by applicants when assessing cultural fit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level management position within the design and engineering function. It requires significant experience and the ability to lead complex, high-stakes programs. It's beyond a standard engineering or project management role, focusing on the strategic oversight and client-facing leadership of the entire design lifecycle for substantial programs.

Reporting Structure: The Program Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership position, such as a Director of Engineering, Director of Operations, or Vice President of a relevant division. They will be responsible for directing the efforts of design teams and collaborating extensively with other functional leaders (Sales, Estimating, Procurement, Execution).

Operations Impact: The Program Design Manager has a profound impact on the company's revenue and business success by:

• Ensuring designs are cost-effective, constructible, and meet client expectations, directly influencing project profitability and win rates.

• Driving innovation and standardization in program design, leading to greater efficiency and competitive advantage.

• Building strong client relationships through effective design leadership, fostering repeat business and positive referrals.

• Minimizing risks associated with design flaws or misalignments, thereby reducing costly rework and project delays. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into executive roles such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or lead larger, more strategic programs.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing processes, or mission-critical infrastructure design.

• Operational Excellence: Chance to contribute to and lead initiatives for process improvement, technology adoption, and operational efficiency across the organization.

• Client Relationship Expansion: Developing a broader portfolio of high-profile clients and managing even more complex, multi-faceted projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a well-established company. Candidates should highlight their experience in strategic decision-making, leadership, and their ability to influence business outcomes through effective program design management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Menasha, WI, suggesting a professional office environment. Given Faith Technologies' focus on engineering, manufacturing, and construction, this office likely houses design studios, project management spaces, and administrative functions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Menasha, WI. However, the role requires 10-50% travel, indicating potential visits to client sites, manufacturing facilities, construction projects, or other Faith Technologies offices to support program needs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office design likely supports collaboration, with meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open spaces for team interaction, essential for cross-functional design work.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (CAD, BIM), project management tools, and communication platforms will be available to support the role's demands.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, designers, project managers, estimators, and sales representatives, will be standard.

Work Schedule: While standard business hours are specified, the role demands flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for extended hours, occasional weekend work, and travel to meet project deadlines and client requirements, which is common in program management and complex engineering environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and travel percentage indicate a hands-on role that values in-person collaboration and direct engagement with project elements and stakeholders. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of office-based work and field/client visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by HR to assess alignment with minimum qualifications and core responsibilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to delve into your experience, leadership style, technical expertise, and understanding of program design principles. Expect questions about how you've managed complex projects, led teams, and interacted with clients.

• Portfolio Presentation/Technical Interview: A crucial stage where you will likely present selected case studies from your portfolio. This will focus on your problem-solving approach, technical solutions, process management, and demonstrated impact. You may also be asked to walk through specific design challenges or processes.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Sales, Estimating, Construction) to assess your collaboration skills and ability to build relationships across the organization.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your leadership in program design, client management, and cross-functional team coordination.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (processes used), the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction, risk reduction).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, driving decisions, and managing stakeholder expectations. Use "I" for your direct actions and "We" for team achievements.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or documents. Include diagrams, timelines, or dashboards where appropriate to illustrate complex information.

• Tailor to Faith Technologies: Research Faith Technologies' core industries and project types. If possible, frame your examples to resonate with their business (e.g., ETO, Design-Build, renewable energy).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design a solution or address a challenge within a program. Focus on your structured approach, considerations, and decision-making process.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting stakeholder priorities or difficult client conversations.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you would implement or improve design processes within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that go beyond simply listing responsibilities and instead showcase their strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and proven impact in program design leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, or similar for detailed design and visualization.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit MEP, Navisworks) for design coordination and clash detection.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Monday.com for schedule development, tracking, and resource management.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning or Manufacturing Resource Planning systems for managing integrated project data (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analytics Tools: Ability to interpret data from design, cost, and schedule reports. Familiarity with Excel for advanced analysis and reporting is essential.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to visualize program progress, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) integrate with project data and client interactions can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of tools or methodologies that can automate repetitive design or documentation tasks to improve efficiency.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and document sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role in engineering, manufacturing, and construction implies a need for robust CAD/BIM software, project management platforms, and strong analytical skills. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with relevant industry-standard technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Culture of Care: This is Faith Technologies' overarching value, emphasizing employee well-being, mental, physical, and spiritual health. It translates to a supportive, respectful, and safety-conscious work environment.

• Integrity & Trust: As a long-standing company, a strong ethical foundation and reliability are likely paramount. Operations professionals are expected to be trustworthy and uphold company standards.

• Innovation & Excellence: In industries like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, a drive for continuous improvement, embracing new technologies, and striving for high-quality outcomes is essential.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Given the multidisciplinary nature of programs, effective teamwork and open communication are critical for success. Operations professionals are expected to be team players.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, meeting commitments, and delivering on program objectives is a key expectation for all team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative style, actively engaging with sales, estimating, procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams to ensure seamless program execution.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving among team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to foster collective growth and improve overall operational efficiency.

• Client-Centric Approach: All collaborative efforts are ultimately aimed at meeting and exceeding client expectations, ensuring the delivered solutions are effective and valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Culture of Care" is a strong identifier for Faith Technologies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they align with and contribute to such a culture, demonstrating empathy, teamwork, and a commitment to well-being alongside professional performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating diverse teams and technical disciplines (engineering, manufacturing, construction) with potentially competing priorities presents a significant challenge. Mitigation involves clear communication, robust process documentation, and proactive stakeholder management.

• Balancing Client Demands with Technical Feasibility: Translating ambitious client requirements into designs that are technically sound, cost-effective, and manufacturable/constructible requires careful negotiation and creative problem-solving.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies & Standards: Staying current with advancements in engineering software, construction methods, renewable energy technologies, and regulatory standards in a dynamic industry. Continuous learning and professional development are key.

• Driving Standardization in Custom Environments: Balancing the need for standardized processes and reusable design elements with the often unique requirements of Engineered-to-Order (ETO) projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized industry certifications.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in specific engineering disciplines, BIM technologies, or renewable energy systems through company-sponsored training or external courses.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training focused on strategic leadership, team building, negotiation, and executive communication.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to stay abreast of trends and build professional connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for someone who thrives on complex problem-solving and enjoys driving initiatives that have a tangible impact on project success and company growth. The challenges are significant but come with ample opportunities for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex program design from concept through to execution handover. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)

• "How do you ensure alignment and effective communication across multiple disciplines (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, construction) when managing a program design?" (Highlight your collaboration strategies and communication techniques.)

• "Walk me through your process for defining and documenting program requirements to serve as a single source of truth." (Demonstrate your systematic approach to documentation and information management.)

• "How do you approach value engineering and cost optimization within a design process without compromising quality or client satisfaction?" (Showcase your ability to balance cost, quality, and client needs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Faith Technologies' 'Culture of Care,' and how do you see yourself contributing to it?" (Research the culture and articulate how your values align.)

• "How do you handle situations where client requirements conflict with technical feasibility or budget constraints?" (Focus on your negotiation and problem-solving skills.)

• "Describe your experience with ETO, Design-Build, or Mission Critical projects." (Tailor your response to their specific industry focus.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, use a clear structure: Situation/Problem -> Your Role & Actions -> Solutions Implemented -> Results/Impact.

• Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced design cycle time by 15%", "saved $X through value engineering", "achieved 98% client satisfaction").

• Focus on Process & Methodology: Explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Detail the processes, tools, and leadership approaches you employed.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical details, decision-making rationales, or challenges encountered during your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical understanding, strategic thinking, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase practical application of these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Program Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided link and complete the online application form. Ensure all fields are accurately filled out.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience aligning with the core responsibilities and requirements, particularly emphasizing program design leadership, client engagement, cross-functional team management, and your specific industry experience (engineering, preconstruction, contracting, ETO, Design-Build).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your ability to lead complex programs from concept to execution. Prepare concise case studies detailing your approach, challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present these during the interview process.

• Research Faith Technologies: Thoroughly review the Faith Technologies website, focusing on their company culture, core industries (construction, engineering, manufacturing, renewable energy), and recent projects. Understand their "Culture of Care" and how your values align.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience with program design, leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.