Project Design Manager - MEP

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager - MEP

Company: Tippmann Group

Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: July 24, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Drive the integration of MEP systems with architectural and structural designs, ensuring seamless project delivery from initial concept through final turnover, with a strong emphasis on client satisfaction and project efficiency.

• Oversee and manage a team of internal engineers, external consultants, and subcontractors, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve project milestones and maintain high-quality engineering deliverables.

• Conduct thorough up-front due diligence, including analysis of existing site utility networks and coordination with local providers, to establish project feasibility and inform design strategies.

• Act as a key technical liaison between clients, design partners, and construction teams, facilitating clear communication and proactive problem-solving to mitigate risks and ensure project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the operations and engineering functions, specifically focusing on the technical design and execution of MEP systems for specialized industrial facilities. The emphasis on design-build delivery and direct management of engineering resources indicates a need for strong technical leadership and project coordination skills, aligning it with a senior engineering or project management track within operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Lead and manage the work of internal engineering teams, external consultants, and subcontractors, ensuring seamless integration of MEP systems with architectural, structural, and process designs through effective collaboration and oversight.

• Conduct and facilitate critical design and coordination meetings with clients, design partners, and construction teams, ensuring clear communication, alignment on objectives, and timely resolution of interdisciplinary issues.

• Provide essential technical guidance and support to field teams during installation, testing, and commissioning phases, proactively identifying and resolving design or coordination challenges to maintain project momentum.

• Collaborate closely with estimating and pre-construction teams to develop accurate MEP scopes, budgets, and schedules, contributing expertise to secure design-build estimates and proposals.

• Perform up-front due diligence on existing and new site utility networks, assessing availability and coordinating with local providers to ensure infrastructure supports project requirements and to identify potential constraints early in the process.

• Ensure all MEP designs comply with relevant building codes, industry standards (e.g., NFPA, ASHRAE), and food safety regulations, maintaining a high level of technical integrity and operational compliance.

• Review and approve MEP design documents, submittals, and shop drawings, verifying that they meet project specifications and performance criteria before implementation.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for MEP design and construction processes to enhance efficiency and consistency across projects.

• Manage vendor relationships and equipment procurement for MEP systems, ensuring timely delivery of materials and adherence to specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, project management, and client-facing interaction. The emphasis on "leading the design and coordination" and "overseeing engineering deliverables" points to a managerial aspect of the role, requiring not just technical proficiency but also the ability to direct and mentor engineering staff and external partners.

🎓 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 managing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems design and installation.

• Demonstrated experience in managing projects using a design-build delivery method is highly preferred.

• Prior background in industrial, food processing, cold storage, or temperature-controlled facility projects is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• MEP Systems Design: Comprehensive understanding and practical experience in designing mechanical (HVAC, refrigeration), electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, overseeing scope, schedule, budget, and quality from inception to completion.

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD for creating and reviewing technical drawings and schematics.

• BIM Familiarity: Working knowledge and familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools such as Revit for design coordination and clash detection.

• Coordination Tools: Experience with coordination software like Bluebeam for document management, review, and markup.

• Technical Codes & Standards: Solid working knowledge of relevant building codes, NFPA standards, ASHRAE guidelines, and food safety standards applicable to industrial facilities.

• Communication & Leadership: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong coordination, teamwork, and leadership capabilities to effectively manage diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of making sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Revit Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Revit, including complex modeling and BIM coordination workflows.

• Commissioning Experience: Hands-on experience with the testing, balancing, and commissioning of MEP systems to ensure optimal performance.

• Process Utilities Knowledge: Familiarity with specialized process utilities common in food processing environments.

• Design-Build Management: Specific experience leading MEP efforts within design-build project frameworks.

• Vendor & Subcontractor Management: Proven track record in effectively managing subcontractors and vendors to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "3+ years of experience managing MEP systems design and installation" combined with a preference for "design-build delivery" and "industrial/food processing" projects suggests that candidates with direct experience in these specialized environments will be strongly favored. The required proficiency in AutoCAD and familiarity with Revit/Bluebeam/BIM indicates a need for candidates who can leverage modern design and coordination technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation: Examples of MEP design packages, including schematics, single-line diagrams, and equipment schedules, demonstrating a clear understanding of system requirements and integration.

• Coordination Case Studies: Demonstrations of how complex MEP coordination challenges were identified and resolved using BIM or other coordination tools, showcasing problem-solving skills and collaborative efforts.

• Project Management Artifacts: Samples of project plans, schedules, or budget breakdowns for MEP scopes, illustrating project planning capabilities and financial management acumen.

• Technical Specifications: Examples of technical specifications or detailed design reports for HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems, highlighting attention to detail and adherence to industry standards.

• Due Diligence Reports: Evidence of site utility due diligence, including reports on availability, capacity assessments, and coordination efforts with local utility providers.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Documentation illustrating the candidate's approach to designing and optimizing MEP workflows, emphasizing efficiency and integration with broader project processes.

• Subcontractor Management Protocols: Examples of processes used for selecting, onboarding, and managing MEP subcontractors, including performance tracking and quality assurance measures.

• Commissioning & Testing Procedures: Documentation outlining systematic approaches to testing, balancing, and commissioning MEP systems to ensure optimal performance and client satisfaction.

• Code Compliance Frameworks: Examples of how candidates ensure adherence to building codes, industry standards (NFPA, ASHRAE), and food safety regulations throughout the design and construction lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Project Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase technical drawings but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex projects, coordinate diverse teams, and deliver results. Evidence of process optimization and adherence to industry-specific standards (like food safety) will be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Project Design Managers with 3-5 years of experience in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the estimated annual salary range is $75,000 - $95,000. This range considers the specialized nature of MEP systems, food processing facilities, and the design-build delivery method.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A base salary that reflects the candidate's experience and the demands of the role.

• Performance-Based Bonus: A quarterly bonus program tied to individual and company performance, rewarding contributions to project success and profitability.

• Vehicle Plan: A company vehicle or allowance, acknowledging the travel requirements of the position.

• Paid Time Off: Seven paid holidays and dedicated paid vacation time, promoting work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Income Protection: Short-term and long-term disability insurance, alongside life insurance, providing financial security.

• Retirement Savings: A 401k plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time, on-site position are approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours based on project demands and travel schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area and the specified experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications, specific experience, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Tippmann Group operates within the Construction and Engineering sector, with a specialization in providing comprehensive solutions for temperature-controlled buildings and food processing facilities. This niche requires a deep understanding of specific industry needs, including stringent hygiene, precise temperature control, and complex logistical requirements.

Company Size: Tippmann Group is part of a medium-sized organization. This size typically fosters a culture where employees can have a significant impact, with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and direct interaction with leadership. It often balances the stability of a larger entity with the agility and personalized environment of a smaller one.

Founded: Tippmann Group was founded with a vision to provide integrated design-build services. Its history is rooted in developing expertise in specialized construction, particularly for cold storage and food processing, which has shaped its reputation for quality and reliability in this demanding sector.

Team Structure:

• The MEP Project Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Engineering or Pre-Construction department, working closely with architectural designers, structural engineers, project managers, and estimators.

• The reporting structure is expected to involve a direct report to a Director of Engineering or a Senior Project Executive, with leadership responsibilities over project-specific MEP engineering teams and subcontractors.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, requiring constant interaction with site operations, procurement, and client representatives to ensure seamless project execution. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizing the use of data from site assessments, utility provider information, and performance requirements to inform design decisions.

• Integrated Project Delivery: Utilizing a design-build approach that encourages early collaboration between design and construction teams to optimize project outcomes.

• Process Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve design, coordination, and construction processes through feedback loops, technology adoption, and lessons learned from past projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in temperature-controlled and food processing facilities suggests a culture that values precision, safety, and efficiency. The "design-build" model implies a collaborative and integrated approach to project delivery, where communication and teamwork are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Project Design Manager or Lead MEP Engineer, requiring significant technical expertise and project management capabilities. It sits above entry-level engineering positions, demanding the ability to lead complex projects, manage external resources, and contribute to strategic project planning. The scope involves overseeing critical MEP systems that directly impact the functionality and operational efficiency of specialized facilities.

Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering or project executive leader. They will, in turn, be responsible for the technical direction and coordination of project-specific MEP engineers, designers, drafters, and external consultants or subcontractors. This structure emphasizes leadership and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The MEP systems designed and managed by this role are critical to the core operations of Tippmann Group's clients. Proper design of HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems directly impacts product integrity, operational uptime, energy efficiency, and compliance with food safety regulations. Therefore, this role has a substantial impact on the client's business success and Tippmann Group's reputation for delivering high-quality, functional facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific MEP systems or advanced design technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, energy modeling, sustainable design) relevant to cold storage and food processing.

• Project Leadership: Transition into larger, more complex, or multi-site project leadership roles, potentially managing multiple high-value projects concurrently.

• Management Track: Advance into a departmental management role, such as Director of MEP Engineering or Head of Design, overseeing larger engineering teams and strategic planning for the department.

• Business Development Support: Contribute technical expertise to pre-construction and business development efforts, assisting in winning new design-build projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Project Design Manager in this specialized field typically involves progressing from managing individual projects to overseeing larger programs or leading an entire engineering discipline. The emphasis on design-build suggests opportunities to grow into roles that bridge design and construction management more broadly.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Tippmann Group's corporate office in Fort Wayne, IN. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, designed to support engineering and project management functions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Fort Wayne, Indiana. This role requires significant travel, averaging 3-5 nights per month, to project sites, client facilities, and vendor locations across various project geographies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workstations, and access to design software and technology.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to necessary engineering software, including AutoCAD and familiarity with BIM tools like Revit, as well as communication platforms for remote collaboration and project management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a dedicated team of engineers, project managers, and support staff, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of project-based work and travel requirements may necessitate flexibility, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or travel periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for travel is a significant aspect of this role, indicating a need for adaptability and the ability to manage work effectively both in the office and on project sites. The office environment should support the technical demands of MEP design and project coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to involve multiple stages to assess technical acumen, project management skills, and cultural fit:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to gauge qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with engineering leads or senior managers focusing on MEP systems knowledge, design principles, and problem-solving scenarios. This may include reviewing specific design challenges or code compliance questions.

• Project Management & Coordination Interview: An assessment of your ability to manage projects, lead teams, coordinate with stakeholders, and handle complex logistical issues. Behavioral questions exploring past project experiences will be common.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Be prepared to discuss your design rationale and coordination strategies.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and assess alignment with Tippmann Group's values and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in MEP design, project management, and work within industrial, cold storage, or food processing environments.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority on each project.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present specific challenges encountered (e.g., site constraints, design clashes, code issues) and detail the steps you took to resolve them, emphasizing your technical and collaborative solutions.

• Showcase Coordination: Provide examples of how you effectively coordinated MEP systems with architectural, structural, and process elements, using BIM or other tools as evidence.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the results of your work, such as cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency improvements, or successful commissioning.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss design choices, code interpretations, and technical trade-offs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge for a temperature-controlled facility and asked to outline your approach to designing key MEP systems, considering site constraints and operational requirements.

• Coordination Exercise: A scenario involving conflicting design elements requiring you to explain your process for resolving clashes and ensuring integrated design.

• Project Management Case Study: A question about managing a challenging project phase, dealing with a difficult subcontractor, or resolving a critical project delay. Focus on your problem-solving methodology and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily emphasize practical application of skills. A strong portfolio demonstrating tangible project outcomes and a clear ability to articulate complex technical and managerial processes will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D design, drafting, and creating detailed MEP drawings and schematics. Proficiency is a requirement.

• Revit: Highly desirable for BIM modeling, 3D design, clash detection, and enhanced coordination among different building disciplines. Familiarity is expected, advanced skills are a plus.

• Bluebeam Revu: Crucial for document review, markup, collaboration, and PDF management across design and construction phases.

• BIM Coordination Software: Experience with platforms like Navisworks or similar tools for integrating models from various disciplines and identifying clashes before construction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for analyzing design data, cost estimates, and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team collaboration and project communication.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based or internal systems for storing and organizing project documentation, drawings, and submittals.

• ERP/Project Accounting Software: Knowledge of how MEP project data integrates with broader company financial systems for budgeting and cost control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core design and coordination tools common in the AEC industry. Proficiency in AutoCAD is mandatory, while Revit and BIM coordination tools are essential for modern project delivery and will be heavily scrutinized during the interview and portfolio review.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design and project management activities, ensuring honest communication and reliable deliverables.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound MEP designs and construction solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect are paramount for project success.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to continuously improve design processes, efficiency, and project outcomes.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizing safety in design and execution, adhering strictly to all relevant building codes, industry standards, and food safety regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A collaborative approach that seamlessly integrates MEP design efforts with architectural, structural, and process engineering disciplines, ensuring a holistic project solution.

• Proactive Communication: Valuing clear, consistent, and timely communication with all stakeholders, including clients, design partners, subcontractors, and internal teams, to preempt issues and maintain alignment.

• Feedback & Improvement: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement, where lessons learned from each project are captured and applied to future endeavors to enhance operational efficiency and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a professional and technically driven environment. Emphasis on integrity, excellence, and collaboration is typical for engineering and construction firms that handle critical infrastructure projects. The specific mention of safety and compliance is particularly relevant for food processing facilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Demands: Navigating the intricate MEP requirements for specialized facilities like food processing plants, which often involve unique process utilities, stringent hygiene standards, and precise temperature/humidity control.

• Design-Build Integration: Effectively managing the inherent complexities of the design-build model, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between design and construction phases to avoid scope creep or delays.

• Site-Specific Constraints: Overcoming challenges related to existing site conditions, utility availability, and local regulations during the up-front due diligence and design phases.

• Technology Adoption: Staying current with rapidly evolving MEP technologies, BIM software capabilities, and new construction methodologies to maintain a competitive edge and deliver optimal solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced MEP Specialization: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in areas like industrial refrigeration systems, advanced HVAC controls, energy-efficient design, or specialized electrical distribution for food processing.

• BIM & Digitalization: Training and development in advanced BIM workflows, computational design, and other digital tools that enhance design efficiency and project visualization.

• Project Leadership Training: Programs focused on enhancing leadership, negotiation, and strategic management skills for career advancement into senior project or departmental roles.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PE, LEED) and attending industry conferences to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in MEP engineering and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for specialized engineering roles in complex construction projects. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for professional development, from deepening technical expertise to advancing into leadership positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• MEP Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to designing the HVAC and refrigeration systems for a new cold storage facility. What are the key considerations for energy efficiency and product integrity?" (Prepare to discuss ASHRAE standards, refrigerant types, load calculations, and control strategies.)

• Design-Build Coordination: "How do you ensure effective coordination between MEP design and construction teams in a design-build project? Provide an example of a coordination challenge you resolved." (Focus on communication protocols, BIM usage, and proactive problem-solving.)

• Due Diligence Process: "Walk me through your process for performing up-front due diligence on site utilities for a new industrial facility. What information is critical, and who do you typically engage?" (Detail your steps for assessing power, water, sewer, and other essential services.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Specialization Understanding: "What interests you about working on temperature-controlled buildings and food processing facilities specifically?" (Connect your skills and career interests to Tippmann Group's niche.)

• Teamwork & Leadership: "Describe a situation where you had to lead a multidisciplinary team to overcome a significant design or construction obstacle. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method to illustrate your leadership and collaboration style.)

• Problem-Solving Approach: "Tell me about a time you encountered an unexpected technical issue during project execution. How did you diagnose the problem, develop a solution, and implement it?" (Highlight your analytical skills and decision-making process.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection Rationale: Clearly explain why you chose each project to present, linking it directly to the requirements of the Project Design Manager role at Tippmann Group.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, BIM models, photos) to illustrate your points. Focus on clarity rather than overwhelming detail.

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (project context, your role), middle (challenges, solutions, coordination), and end (outcomes, lessons learned).

• Quantifiable Results: Be prepared to discuss metrics such as budget adherence, schedule impact, energy savings, or compliance successes.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about your design choices, code interpretations, and system selection.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical MEP expertise, robust project management skills, and a clear understanding of the specialized requirements for food processing and cold storage facilities. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring a structured and data-driven approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link, ensuring your resume and any requested documents are attached.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with MEP systems design, project management, design-build projects, and work in industrial or food processing environments. Use keywords from the job description such as "MEP," "AutoCAD," "Revit," "BIM," "HVAC," "Refrigeration," and "design-build."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 relevant projects. For each project, clearly define your role, the design challenges, your solutions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to present and discuss these projects in detail during an interview.

• Research Tippmann Group: Familiarize yourself with Tippmann Group's history, core services (especially in cold storage and food processing), and recent projects. Understand their approach to design-build and their commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to MEP systems, project management, problem-solving, and teamwork, using the STAR method. Practice articulating your technical knowledge and project experiences 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.