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: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience 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 buildings and food processing facilities.

• Serve as a critical liaison between the design and construction phases, ensuring seamless integration of MEP engineering deliverables, effective management of subcontractors and vendors, and precise commissioning of all systems to meet stringent project specifications.

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

• Oversee and orchestrate the execution of MEP design and construction activities, fostering collaboration among internal engineering teams, external consultants, engineers of record, and construction crews.

• Facilitate crucial design and coordination meetings involving clients, design partners, and construction teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Engineering & Operations Management due to its blend of technical MEP expertise and project leadership responsibilities within a construction and design-build context. The emphasis on design-build delivery and specialized facilities (temperature-controlled, food processing) indicates a need for a candidate who can manage complex projects from conception through completion, requiring a strong understanding of both engineering principles and construction project lifecycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the planning, coordination, and execution of all MEP design and construction activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines and quality standards for temperature-controlled and food processing facilities.

• Manage and direct the work of internal engineering teams, external consultants, registered engineers of record, and MEP subcontractors to guarantee the seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with overarching architectural, structural, and process designs.

• Conduct and lead regular design and coordination meetings with key stakeholders including clients, design partners, and construction teams to ensure project alignment and address any emerging issues.

• Provide essential technical guidance and support to field teams during the installation, testing, and commissioning phases of MEP systems, proactively resolving design or coordination challenges that may arise.

• Collaborate closely with estimating and preconstruction teams to meticulously develop comprehensive MEP scopes, budgets, and project schedules, particularly for design-build estimates.

• Perform detailed upfront due diligence regarding existing and new site utility networks, evaluating their availability and coordinating effectively with local utility providers to ensure successful project integration.

• Ensure adherence to all relevant building codes, industry standards (e.g., NFPA, ASHRAE), and food safety regulations throughout the design and construction process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and multifaceted role, requiring not only technical oversight but also strong coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills. The emphasis on "up-front due diligence" and "collaboration with estimating and preconstruction teams" suggests a key role in the early stages of project development, influencing scope, budget, and schedule from the outset, which is typical for a Project Design Manager in design-build environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Prior experience with design-build project delivery methods is highly preferred, demonstrating an understanding of integrated project lifecycles.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD for MEP design and documentation.

• Solid understanding of HVAC, refrigeration, process utilities, electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.

• Working knowledge of key building codes, NFPA standards, ASHRAE guidelines, and relevant food safety standards.

• Excellent communication, coordination, teamwork, and leadership skills essential for managing diverse project teams.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced construction environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D design coordination.

• Experience with Bluebeam or other digital markup and collaboration tools.

• Proficiency in BIM coordination processes and software.

• Experience with system commissioning processes and procedures.

• Familiarity with estimating and preconstruction processes for MEP scopes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements suggest a candidate who is not only technically competent but also possesses practical, hands-on experience in the specific sectors Tippmann Group serves. The preference for design-build experience and industrial/food processing background indicates the need for specialized knowledge beyond general MEP design. The inclusion of specific software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam points to the necessity of practical, current technical skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of MEP system designs for industrial or specialized facilities (e.g., cold storage, food processing) showcasing complexity and innovative solutions.

• Case studies detailing the management of MEP design-build projects from concept through completion, highlighting coordination with other disciplines and stakeholders.

• Evidence of successful utility network due diligence and coordination with external providers, demonstrating foresight and problem-solving in infrastructure integration.

• Examples of technical guidance provided to field teams during installation, testing, and commissioning, illustrating problem resolution and system optimization efforts.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed workflows outlining the MEP design and coordination process from initial client requirements to final design package submission.

• Methodologies for conducting utility network due diligence and integrating findings into project design and execution plans.

• Protocols for managing subcontractor and vendor performance, ensuring quality, schedule adherence, and budget compliance in MEP installations.

• Procedures for effective communication and coordination meetings, including documentation of decisions, action items, and follow-ups to ensure project momentum.

• Strategies for supporting field installation, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities, emphasizing efficient resolution of on-site challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Design Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just design capability but also project management acumen, especially within the design-build framework. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing how the candidate has successfully integrated MEP systems, managed complex coordination, and contributed to project success from a design and technical leadership perspective. Documenting their role in problem-solving and optimizing systems during construction is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Project Design Manager with 3-5 years of experience in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area, the estimated annual salary range is likely between $85,000 and $115,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role (MEP, design-build, food processing), the required technical expertise, and the regional cost of living and labor market for engineering and construction management positions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Performance-based quarterly bonus program, rewarding successful project outcomes and individual contributions.

• Comprehensive Vehicle Plan, likely including a company vehicle or allowance for business travel.

• Seven paid holidays per year, providing time for rest and personal activities.

• Paid vacation time, offering flexibility for personal time off and work-life balance.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, providing financial protection against unforeseen health events.

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

• 401k retirement savings plan with a company match, contributing to long-term financial security.

Working Hours: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions in the engineering and construction industry. However, project demands may necessitate occasional overtime or extended hours, particularly during critical project phases or to meet tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the US Midwest region, considering the specialized nature of MEP design and management in industrial/food processing sectors. Tippmann Group's benefits package is robust, with a notable performance-based bonus and a vehicle plan, indicating a focus on rewarding high performance and supporting the mobile nature of the role. The standard 40-hour work week is noted, but the note on potential overtime is crucial for candidates to understand the demands of project-driven work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Tippmann Group operates within the Construction and Engineering sector, with a specialized focus on Design-Build projects for temperature-controlled facilities and food processing plants. This niche requires a high degree of technical expertise, precision, and an integrated approach to project delivery. The company's expertise bridges complex engineering requirements with practical construction execution.

Company Size: Tippmann Group is described as a company with 100-250 employees. This mid-size range typically offers a balance between the resources and stability of a larger organization and the agility and close-knit atmosphere of a smaller firm. For operations professionals, this often means opportunities for broader involvement, direct impact, and closer collaboration across departments.

Founded: The company was founded in 1959. With a long history spanning over six decades, Tippmann Group possesses significant industry experience, a well-established reputation, and a deep understanding of the construction and design-build landscape. This longevity suggests a stable company culture and a commitment to long-term client relationships and project success.

Team Structure:

• The MEP Design team likely consists of specialized engineers and designers focused on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, working collaboratively with project managers, estimators, and construction crews.

• The reporting structure for a Project Design Manager would typically involve reporting to a Director of Engineering, a Senior Project Manager, or a VP of Operations, with direct oversight of design consultants and subcontractors.

Methodology:

• Data analysis is crucial for upfront due diligence on utility networks, site assessments, and evaluating design options based on performance and cost.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to managing the design-build process efficiently, ensuring MEP systems are integrated seamlessly with other project components.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed through the use of BIM software for clash detection, improved design accuracy, and streamlined coordination, reducing rework and enhancing project delivery speed.

Company Website: https://tippmann-group.breezy.hr (Note: This appears to be a careers portal; the primary company website may be different, e.g., tippmanngroup.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in temperature-controlled and food processing facilities is a critical differentiator. Operations professionals should highlight their experience in industrial environments, understanding of food safety standards, and ability to manage projects demanding high levels of precision and compliance. The mid-size company structure suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role, Project Design Manager – MEP, sits at an intermediate to advanced level within the engineering and construction management career path. It requires a foundation of technical engineering knowledge combined with proven project management capabilities. Professionals in this role are expected to lead design efforts, manage external resources, and ensure technical aspects of projects are successfully integrated into the construction phase. It bridges the gap between pure design engineering and on-site project execution, making it a key role for driving project success.

Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager – MEP will likely report 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 will, in turn, manage and coordinate the work of MEP engineers, designers, external consultants, and subcontractors, acting as the primary technical lead for MEP systems on their assigned projects. This structure emphasizes leadership and accountability for the MEP scope.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant, directly influencing project profitability, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction. Effective MEP design and management are critical for ensuring facilities operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with industry regulations. By minimizing design errors, optimizing system performance, and controlling MEP-related costs, this role contributes directly to the financial success and operational integrity of Tippmann Group's projects and enhances the company's reputation for delivering high-quality, specialized facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific MEP systems relevant to food processing or cold storage, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the company for these complex areas.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or multiple design-build projects simultaneously, potentially moving into roles like Senior Project Manager or Director of Project Management.

• Operational Strategy: Contribute to the development and refinement of MEP design and construction methodologies, influencing company-wide best practices and operational efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader exposure to other aspects of the design-build process, such as estimating, procurement, and site operations, preparing for more holistic leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for a Project Design Manager in this specialized field is strong. The role provides a solid foundation for advancing into senior project management or leadership positions, especially within companies like Tippmann Group that focus on niche, high-value construction projects. The emphasis on design-build suggests opportunities to master integrated project delivery, a highly sought-after skill set.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily office-based within Tippmann Group's corporate office in Fort Wayne, IN. This environment would typically be a professional setting conducive to design work, team collaboration, and administrative tasks. However, the role also requires significant time spent on project sites, which can range from active construction zones to operational facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Fort Wayne, Indiana. This central hub serves as the base for design coordination, team meetings, and administrative duties. Travel to project sites is an integral part of the role, averaging 3-5 nights per month, indicating that while the home base is Fort Wayne, the work environment extends to various project locations as needed.

Workspace Context:

• The corporate office provides a collaborative environment where the Project Design Manager can interact with other engineering disciplines, project management teams, and support staff. Access to necessary design software and IT infrastructure is expected.

• Project sites will offer a dynamic and often challenging work environment. This will involve direct interaction with construction crews, site supervisors, and subcontractors, requiring adaptability and the ability to navigate active construction scenarios.

• The combination of office and site work means the workspace context shifts from a controlled design setting to a hands-on, field-oriented operational setting, demanding flexibility and a dual mindset.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of the construction industry, especially in design-build, there may be instances where extended hours or weekend work are necessary to meet critical deadlines, ensure proper installation, or address urgent site issues. Flexibility and a commitment to project success are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for a hybrid work environment that blends office-based design and coordination with frequent travel to project sites. The "3-5 nights per month" travel expectation is a significant factor for work-life balance and should be carefully considered. The on-site component means exposure to active construction environments, requiring safety awareness and the ability to adapt to varying conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application, focusing on relevant MEP design experience, project management skills, and familiarity with design-build and specialized facility types.

• Technical Interview: Likely with a senior engineer or engineering manager to assess your technical proficiency in MEP systems, AutoCAD, BIM tools, and understanding of relevant codes and standards. Expect questions related to specific design challenges or problem-solving scenarios.

• Project Management Interview: This stage will focus on your ability to manage projects, coordinate teams, handle client interactions, and manage budgets and schedules. Behavioral questions about past project experiences will be common.

• Portfolio Review Session: You will be expected to present and discuss your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your specific contributions, and the outcomes achieved. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in action.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best represent your experience in MEP design management for industrial, cold storage, or food processing facilities, ideally with a design-build component.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions within each project, distinguishing your work from that of the broader team.

• Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: Detail the design process, coordination efforts, challenges encountered, and how you successfully resolved them. Emphasize your ability to integrate MEP systems with architectural, structural, and process designs.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, improvements in energy efficiency, cost savings achieved through design optimization, reduction in installation issues, or successful commissioning outcomes.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with AutoCAD, and your familiarity with Revit, Bluebeam, and BIM coordination tools, providing examples of how you've used them effectively.

• Code & Standards Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your understanding and application of relevant building codes (e.g., IBC), industry standards (e.g., NFPA, ASHRAE), and food safety regulations.

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 solving it, including initial steps, key considerations, and potential solutions.

• Coordination Exercise: A scenario requiring coordination between MEP, architectural, and structural elements might be presented, testing your ability to identify clashes and propose resolutions.

• Budget/Schedule Discussion: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage MEP budgets and schedules, including strategies for cost control and schedule adherence in a design-build context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a cornerstone of the application process for this role. Candidates must be prepared to articulate not just what they did, but how they did it, and what the impact was. Demonstrating an understanding of the specific challenges and requirements of temperature-controlled and food processing facilities will be key. The interview process is structured to assess technical depth, project management capabilities, and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and modifying 2D MEP drawings, schematics, and layouts. Proficiency is a must for this role.

• Revit (Familiarity Preferred): Crucial for Building Information Modeling (BIM). Experience with Revit is highly beneficial for 3D design, clash detection, and enhanced coordination among project disciplines.

• Bluebeam (Familiarity Preferred): A powerful tool for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management, often used for reviewing design documents, RFIs, and submittals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, data analysis will be part of the role. This could involve using spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for calculations, budget tracking, and utility data analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Tippmann Group may use a Project Management Information System (PMIS) or a specific construction management software for project tracking, document control, and communication. Familiarity with such systems is advantageous.

• Automation in this context primarily relates to the efficiencies gained through BIM software for design coordination and clash detection, reducing manual checks and potential errors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD is a hard requirement. Familiarity with Revit and Bluebeam is highly desirable, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design and project management in the construction industry. The emphasis on BIM suggests that candidates with experience in 3D modeling and clash detection will be strongly considered.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, accurate, and efficient MEP system designs that meet stringent industry standards and client needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with internal teams (engineering, estimating, field operations) and external partners (clients, consultants, subcontractors) to achieve project goals.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, with an openness to innovative solutions that improve project outcomes and efficiency.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings and taking ownership of responsibilities related to design, coordination, and project success.

• Safety Focus: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations and on-site activities, ensuring compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Approach: Working closely with architects, structural engineers, and process engineers to ensure MEP systems are seamlessly integrated, avoiding conflicts and optimizing space utilization.

• Open Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and timely communication with all project stakeholders, including clients, through regular meetings, reports, and direct correspondence.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging and actively participating in design reviews and coordination meetings, providing constructive feedback to improve designs and processes, and being receptive to feedback from others.

• Proactive Engagement: Engaging with field teams early and often to provide support, address installation queries, and ensure designs are practical and constructible, fostering a partnership between design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tippmann Group's culture likely values a blend of technical expertise and collaborative spirit, essential for success in the design-build environment. The emphasis on integrity, safety, and client focus are hallmarks of reputable construction firms. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional approach and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Specialized Facilities: Designing MEP systems for temperature-controlled environments and food processing plants involves unique challenges related to precise temperature control, humidity management, hygiene standards, and process integration, requiring specialized knowledge.

• Balancing Design Rigor with Project Speed: The design-build model demands rapid design development while maintaining high technical standards and avoiding costly errors or rework during construction.

• Coordination Across Multiple Disciplines: Effectively coordinating MEP systems with architectural, structural, and process engineering requirements, particularly in complex industrial settings, requires meticulous attention to detail and strong communication skills.

• Managing Subcontractor and Vendor Performance: Ensuring that subcontractors and vendors execute MEP installations according to design specifications, quality standards, and project timelines can be challenging, requiring effective oversight and problem-solving.

• Adapting to Site Conditions: Field adjustments and unforeseen site conditions can necessitate rapid design modifications, demanding flexibility and quick decision-making under pressure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced MEP System Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas such as industrial refrigeration systems, advanced HVAC controls, process piping, or specific food-grade electrical and plumbing requirements.

• Design-Build Methodologies: Gaining comprehensive experience in all facets of the design-build project delivery method, enhancing skills in integrated project management and client relations.

• BIM and Digital Construction Tools: Expanding proficiency with advanced BIM software, virtual reality (VR) for design review, and other digital tools that enhance design accuracy, collaboration, and construction efficiency.

• Project Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on leadership roles for larger or more complex projects, develop strategic thinking, and potentially mentor junior engineers.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), LEED accreditation, or specialized training in food safety facility design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges in a specialized sector. The challenges presented are inherent to high-stakes construction projects, and overcoming them will foster valuable skills and experience, leading to advanced career opportunities within Tippmann Group or the broader industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• MEP Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to designing MEP systems for a new food processing facility. What are your initial steps, key considerations, and how do you ensure compliance with food safety standards and ASHRAE guidelines?" (Prepare to discuss due diligence, system selection, energy efficiency, and integration with process equipment.)

• Design-Build Project Management: "Walk me through a design-build project where you managed the MEP scope. What were the biggest coordination challenges, and how did you resolve them? How did you balance design requirements with construction realities and client expectations?" (Focus on your role, communication strategies, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• Problem-Solving in Construction: "Imagine a scenario where a critical MEP component is delayed or unavailable during installation. How would you approach finding a solution that minimizes project impact on schedule and budget?" (Demonstrate your analytical skills, decision-making process, and resourcefulness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Tippmann Group: "Why are you interested in Tippmann Group specifically, and what attracts you to our focus on temperature-controlled and food processing facilities?" (Research the company's projects, values, and history. Align your interests with their specialization.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with architects, structural engineers, and process engineers on a complex project. How did you ensure effective communication and integration of MEP systems?" (Highlight your teamwork and cross-functional communication skills.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your MEP designs and project management efforts? What metrics do you typically track, and how do you demonstrate value to stakeholders?" (Focus on quantifiable results, efficiency gains, and client satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your MEP design management skills in relevant contexts. Prioritize projects with clear objectives, challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a story: the challenge (client needs, site constraints), your approach (design strategy, coordination methods), your actions (specific tasks, problem-solving), and the results (successful installation, efficiency, client satisfaction, cost/schedule impact).

• Visual Aids: Use drawings, diagrams, or even 3D models (if available) to illustrate your design concepts and coordination efforts. Highlight key sections or details.

• Technical Depth & Clarity: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs and decisions, but also explain them clearly to a potentially mixed audience. Focus on the "why" behind your choices.

• Highlighting Soft Skills: Weave in examples of your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills throughout your project descriptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical MEP expertise, strong project management capabilities within a design-build context, and an understanding of the specific demands of specialized industrial facilities. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical experience and problem-solving acumen.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Design Manager - MEP position:

• Submit your application through the Tippmann Group careers portal.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in MEP design, project management, design-build delivery, and any experience with temperature-controlled or food processing facilities. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest projects that demonstrate your capabilities in MEP design management. Be ready to discuss your specific role, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the project outcomes. Ensure it aligns with the requirements outlined in the "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section.

• Research Tippmann Group: Familiarize yourself with the company's projects, history, and values. Understand their specialization in design-build for temperature-controlled and food processing facilities. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership, and collaboration. Practice articulating your portfolio projects 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.