Project Design Manager - MEP

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager - MEP

Company: Tippmann Group

Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Operations / Engineering Management

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design and coordination of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems for specialized design-build projects, focusing on temperature-controlled and food processing facilities.

• Bridge the critical gap between the design and construction phases, ensuring seamless integration of MEP engineering deliverables with overall project objectives.

• Manage and oversee the performance of external subcontractors and internal vendor teams responsible for MEP system implementation and integration.

• Drive the successful commissioning of all MEP systems, verifying they meet stringent project requirements and operational standards.

• Provide essential technical leadership and project oversight, combining deep engineering knowledge with effective on-site project management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Project Design Manager within the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) domain, specifically for design-build projects. The emphasis on temperature-controlled and food processing facilities indicates a niche within the construction and engineering sectors, requiring specialized knowledge of industrial systems and stringent compliance standards. The role requires a blend of technical design oversight and practical construction management, suggesting a need for candidates who can translate complex engineering plans into tangible, operational systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough upfront due diligence on existing and new site utility networks, assessing availability, capacity, and coordinating with local utility providers to ensure project feasibility.

• Spearhead the planning, coordination, and execution of all MEP design and construction activities, ensuring alignment with design-build project timelines and quality standards.

• Oversee and meticulously coordinate the efforts of internal engineering teams, external consultants, appointed engineers of record, and specialized subcontractors to guarantee the seamless integration of MEP systems with architectural, structural, and process designs.

• Facilitate and lead critical design and coordination meetings involving clients, design partners, and construction teams, ensuring clear communication and timely decision-making.

• Provide robust support to field teams during the installation, testing, and commissioning phases, offering expert technical guidance and proactively resolving any design or coordination issues that arise.

• Collaborate closely with estimating and preconstruction teams to meticulously develop detailed MEP scopes, accurate budgets, and realistic schedules essential for competitive design-build estimates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to MEP project management within a design-build framework. The emphasis on due diligence, coordination meetings, and field support indicates a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships. The collaboration with estimating and preconstruction teams suggests an involvement in the early stages of project acquisition and planning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in managing the design and installation of MEP systems.

• Demonstrated experience with design-build delivery methodologies is highly preferred, showcasing an understanding of integrated project lifecycles. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in MEP systems design, encompassing HVAC, refrigeration, process utilities, electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for design and drafting, with a strong understanding of its application in project documentation.

• Familiarity with key building codes (e.g., IBC), industry standards (e.g., NFPA, ASHRAE), and food safety regulations relevant to industrial facilities.

• Excellent communication, coordination, and teamwork skills, essential for managing multidisciplinary project teams and client interactions.

• Strong leadership capabilities to guide design and construction teams effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities within a fast-paced construction environment.

• Detail-oriented with robust problem-solving and critical decision-making capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in industrial, food processing, cold storage, or other temperature-controlled facility projects is highly advantageous.

• Familiarity with advanced design and coordination tools such as Revit, Bluebeam, or other BIM (Building Information Modeling) coordination platforms.

• Experience in preconstruction, estimating, and scope development for MEP systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering knowledge and practical project management experience. The preference for design-build and specific facility types (food processing, cold storage) suggests a need for candidates who can adapt to specialized project requirements. Proficiency in AutoCAD is mandatory, with BIM tool familiarity being a significant plus, indicating a move towards more sophisticated design coordination methods.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed case studies of past MEP design-build projects, clearly outlining your role, responsibilities, and contributions to project success.

• Include examples of MEP system designs, coordination drawings, and technical specifications that demonstrate your technical acumen and attention to detail.

• Present evidence of successful project delivery, highlighting how you managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations for MEP components.

• Demonstrate your approach to problem-solving and issue resolution within complex MEP projects, using specific project examples to illustrate your methodology. Process Documentation:

• Document a typical workflow for leading MEP design coordination from initial concept through to construction handover, including key milestones and decision points.

• Outline your process for managing subcontractor performance, including selection criteria, scope management, and quality control measures.

• Detail your methodology for conducting constructability reviews and identifying potential design conflicts or inefficiencies prior to installation.

• Describe your approach to system testing, commissioning, and final project turnover, emphasizing the verification of operational performance against design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial to validate hands-on experience with MEP systems in a design-build context. The emphasis should be on demonstrating the ability to manage the entire lifecycle of MEP systems within specialized facilities, from initial design and coordination through to final commissioning. The documentation of processes should reflect a structured and systematic approach to project execution and team management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary for a Project Design Manager - MEP in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with 3-5 years of experience, typically ranges from $85,000 to $110,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Midwest region, considering the specialized nature of design-build for industrial facilities and the required engineering qualifications.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary.

• Performance-based quarterly bonus program, rewarding successful project outcomes and company performance.

• Company Vehicle Plan, providing a vehicle for business use and potentially personal use.

• Seven paid holidays, offering time off for national observances.

• Paid vacation time, accrued based on tenure and company policy.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance to provide income protection.

• Life insurance coverage to support families in the event of an employee's passing.

• 401k retirement savings plan with a company match, facilitating long-term financial planning. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule is 40 hours per week.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines and critical deadlines, particularly during peak construction phases or for urgent issue resolution.

• Travel is expected, averaging 3-5 nights per month, to project sites, client facilities, and vendor locations, which may impact the standard work schedule on those weeks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Project Design Managers with MEP expertise in the Midwest US, factoring in the specialized industry focus. The benefits package is robust, including performance incentives and a vehicle plan, which are common in construction and engineering management roles. The working hours are standard but include an explicit mention of travel requirements, which is a significant factor for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Services, specializing in Design-Build for temperature-controlled and food processing facilities. This sector demands precision, adherence to strict regulations, and a deep understanding of operational efficiency for clients in the food and beverage industry.

Company Size: Tippmann Group operates as a medium-sized enterprise, likely employing between 50-250 individuals based on typical industry structures for specialized construction firms. This size often fosters a close-knit team environment while possessing the resources to undertake significant projects.

Founded: [Company Founded Date - Information not provided in the input] Tippmann Group has a history that likely imbues it with established expertise and a strong reputation within its niche market.

Team Structure:

• The MEP design team is likely composed of specialized engineers (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and designers/drafters who collaborate closely.

• The Project Design Manager will report to a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a Senior Project Executive, overseeing a cross-functional project team.

• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with architectural teams, structural engineers, process engineers, construction superintendents, project managers, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for due diligence, system performance evaluation, and troubleshooting.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing the design-build process, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery of MEP systems.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in design coordination (e.g., BIM) and project management, aiming to reduce errors and improve construction timelines.

Company Website: https://tippmann-group.breezy.hr

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in temperature-controlled and food processing facilities suggests a culture that values technical expertise, quality, and safety. A medium-sized company often offers a balance between structure and agility, providing opportunities for direct impact. The methodology section infers how operations and engineering principles are applied within the company's project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Level Management position. It requires a solid foundation of technical engineering skills combined with the ability to manage project scope, timelines, and team coordination. The focus is on leading the design aspects of MEP systems within specific project types, bridging engineering principles with construction realities.

Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager - MEP typically reports to a senior leader within the engineering or project management department, such as a Director of Engineering, Vice President of Operations, or a Senior Project Executive. They, in turn, will lead and coordinate the efforts of internal engineers, external consultants, and subcontractors.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant. By ensuring the accurate and efficient design and integration of MEP systems, the Project Design Manager directly influences project budgets, construction timelines, operational costs for the client (energy efficiency, system reliability), and the overall success and safety of the facility. Their work is critical for delivering functional, high-performance buildings that meet the demanding needs of the food processing and temperature-controlled industries.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific MEP systems (e.g., advanced refrigeration, industrial automation controls) or specific facility types (e.g., ultra-low temperature storage, complex food processing lines).

• Project Leadership: Progression into Senior Project Design Manager roles, overseeing larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects, or transitioning into a full Project Management role with broader construction oversight responsibilities.

• Management Track: Potential to move into leadership positions such as Engineering Manager, Director of MEP, or even VP of Operations, managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training and development in new technologies, design software, and evolving industry standards within the food processing and cold chain sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Project Design Manager - MEP is clearly defined, offering pathways for both technical specialization and broader management responsibilities. The role's impact is tied directly to project success and long-term operational efficiency, making it a critical function. Growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those who excel in managing specialized projects and developing strong leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily office-based at the corporate headquarters in Fort Wayne, IN, involving design coordination, meetings, and administrative tasks. However, it requires significant travel to project sites, which can range from active construction zones to existing operational facilities.

Office Location(s): Fort Wayne, Indiana, serves as the primary office location. Travel is expected to various project sites across different regions, necessitating flexibility in work location for periods averaging 3-5 nights per month.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with shared workspaces or dedicated team areas for design and project coordination. Access to necessary design software, BIM tools, and communication platforms is standard.

• Project site visits will involve working in diverse environments, from controlled office settings for client meetings to potentially active construction sites requiring appropriate safety gear and awareness.

• Opportunities for interaction with a multidisciplinary team, including engineers, project managers, estimators, and site personnel, are abundant, fostering a dynamic and communicative work setting. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility is required to accommodate project demands, which may include occasional extended hours or weekend work, especially during critical construction phases or for urgent site issues.

• The travel component (3-5 nights per month) means the work schedule will vary week-to-week, with time spent both in the Fort Wayne office and at remote project locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role combines office-based design work with significant travel, offering a dynamic work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with both sedentary design tasks and on-site project engagement. The expectation of travel is a key factor in understanding the day-to-day work reality.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications and experience requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your MEP engineering knowledge, experience with design-build projects, familiarity with specific systems (HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing), and proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, Revit). Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Project/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-2 key projects, detailing your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes achieved, particularly focusing on MEP system integration and performance.

• Behavioral & Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your leadership style, communication skills, ability to collaborate with diverse teams (clients, subcontractors, internal staff), and how you handle pressure and manage priorities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Operations) to discuss overall fit with the company culture, long-term career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in MEP design-build for temperature-controlled or food processing facilities. Highlight your specific contributions.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.

For example, "Reduced installation time by 15% through improved BIM coordination" or "Achieved 10% energy savings through optimized HVAC design."

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project background and scope
  • Your specific responsibilities and design approach
  • Key challenges encountered (technical, coordination, budget, schedule)
  • Solutions and strategies implemented
  • Measurable results and lessons learned

• Highlight Design-Build Nuances: Emphasize how you managed the integration of design and construction phases, coordinated with different disciplines, and resolved conflicts proactively.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your command of AutoCAD and any familiarity with Revit, Bluebeam, or BIM coordination, explaining how these tools aided your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical MEP design challenge for a food processing facility and asked to outline your approach to designing a key system (e.g., a refrigeration loop, an electrical distribution network). Focus on your thought process, code compliance, and system efficiency considerations.

• Coordination Problem: Be prepared to discuss how you would resolve a conflict between architectural requirements and MEP system installation, or how you would manage a subcontractor falling behind schedule. Your response should demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate technical expertise, project management capabilities, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant MEP design-build experience is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate their problem-solving strategies and quantify their project contributions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Mandatory for drafting and design work. Proficiency is expected for creating and reviewing technical drawings.

• Revit (Preferred): Familiarity with Revit for 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) is highly beneficial for enhanced design coordination and clash detection.

• Bluebeam Revu (Familiarity): Useful for document management, markup, and collaboration on drawings and specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not the primary focus, understanding project cost tracking and schedule adherence reports is essential.

• Experience with project management software that offers reporting features (e.g., Procore, MS Project) is advantageous for tracking MEP progress. CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a direct CRM role, but understanding how project data flows from preconstruction/estimating into project execution systems is important.

• Automation within the design process, such as leveraging BIM for automated quantity take-offs or clash detection, is a key area of focus.

• Integration between design tools and project management platforms is crucial for seamless workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a baseline requirement. Experience with Revit and BIM coordination tools will significantly differentiate candidates, indicating an ability to work with modern design and collaboration technologies. Familiarity with project management software that supports construction workflows is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, subcontractors, and team members, ensuring transparency in design and project execution.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable MEP systems that meet or exceed project specifications and client expectations.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where all team members, from engineers to field staff, feel empowered to contribute and support each other.

• Innovation and Efficiency: Continuously seeking ways to improve design processes, integrate new technologies, and enhance project delivery efficiency to provide greater value.

• Safety First: Prioritizing the safety of all personnel on project sites and ensuring designs comply with all relevant safety codes and regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with architectural, structural, and process engineering teams to ensure MEP systems are holistically integrated into the project design.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and internal project teams to manage expectations and resolve issues swiftly.

• Constructive Feedback: Encouraging a culture where feedback on designs and processes is welcomed and used for continuous improvement, both for individual projects and organizational learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across the team to elevate the collective expertise within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, technical competence, and a collaborative spirit, essential for successful design-build projects in demanding industries. The focus on teamwork and efficiency suggests a performance-driven environment that values continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• MEP System Complexity: Designing and integrating intricate MEP systems (especially refrigeration and process utilities) within specialized facilities while adhering to strict food safety and operational standards.

• Design-Build Integration: Effectively managing the interplay between design and construction phases, mitigating potential conflicts, and ensuring constructability throughout the project lifecycle.

• Subcontractor Coordination: Ensuring timely and quality execution by multiple MEP subcontractors, often in fast-paced construction environments with tight deadlines.

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in MEP technologies, BIM software, and energy-efficient design strategies relevant to temperature-controlled and food processing applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced MEP System Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in specialized areas like industrial refrigeration systems, advanced HVAC controls, or complex electrical distribution for processing plants.

• BIM and Design Software Certifications: Pursuing formal training and certifications in Revit, Navisworks, or other advanced BIM and design coordination tools.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certifications: Developing formal project management skills to enhance leadership capabilities.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Attending events focused on food processing facility design, cold chain logistics, or MEP engineering best practices to stay current with industry trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges related to technical complexity and project coordination, which are inherent in specialized construction projects. However, these challenges also provide significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in high-demand areas of MEP engineering and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing MEP design within a design-build project. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process for integration, coordination, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams, subcontractors, and clients throughout a project lifecycle?" (Highlight your communication strategies, meeting facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "Walk me through a complex MEP design or coordination issue you encountered and how you resolved it. What was the impact of your solution?" (Prepare a specific, quantifiable example that showcases your technical acumen and problem-solving approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Tippmann Group and our specialization in temperature-controlled and food processing facilities?" (Research the company's projects, values, and market position. Connect your interests to their specialization.)

• "How do you approach working with different personalities and working styles within a project team, especially when dealing with external subcontractors?" (Demonstrate adaptability, diplomacy, and a collaborative mindset.)

• "How do you ensure that MEP designs are not only technically sound but also cost-effective and aligned with the client's operational goals?" (Emphasize your understanding of budget constraints, value engineering, and operational efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome. Make it engaging.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and leadership, rather than just describing the project generally.

• Visualize Data: Use charts, diagrams, or screenshots of drawings/models to illustrate key points, design concepts, or coordination resolutions.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about the systems you designed, the software you used, and the codes you applied.

• Connect to Tippmann's Needs: Subtly link your experiences and demonstrated skills to the specific requirements and challenges of Tippmann Group's projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of MEP design-build processes, strong technical skills, and effective project leadership. Candidates should be ready to articulate their problem-solving methodologies and quantify their achievements using concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Design Manager - MEP position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link: https://tippmann-group.breezy.hr/p/829b1af3ea9c-project-design-manager-mep

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific MEP systems experience, design-build project involvement, proficiency in AutoCAD and any BIM tools, and experience with temperature-controlled or food processing facilities. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities. Organize them with clear project descriptions, your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes, focusing on MEP design and coordination.

• Research Tippmann Group: Understand their specialization, recent projects, and company culture to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions about MEP systems and design-build processes, behavioral questions about teamwork and leadership, and be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ 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.