Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: AirTrunk

Location: Singapore HQ, Singapore

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-07T03:54:44

Experience Level: 8+ Years (AI inferred 10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of large-scale hyperscale data centers across the APME region, from initial concept through detailed design phases.

• Drive innovation and efficiency within design processes to support AirTrunk's rapid expansion and sustainability objectives.

• Collaborate extensively with a diverse range of internal teams and external stakeholders, including consultants and contractors, to ensure design integrity and project success.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the design team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in engineering practices.

• Ensure all data center designs meet AirTrunk's stringent minimum requirements, customer specifications, cost targets, and schedule deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Design Manager" title, coupled with the responsibilities of leading large-scale projects and managing multiple stakeholders, strongly suggests a role deeply embedded within operational execution and project lifecycle management. The emphasis on "rapid expansion and sustainability goals" indicates a need for strategic design thinking that directly impacts operational efficiency and long-term viability of data center facilities. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and project leadership, aligning it with a high-level operations function focused on infrastructure development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive design documentation for hyperscale data centers across concept, schematic, and detailed design stages, ensuring alignment with project scope and technical requirements.

• Coordinate with external engineering consultants, contractors, and vendors to review designs, ensure compliance with specifications, and facilitate the smooth progression of design work.

• Act as a primary technical liaison between internal stakeholders (e.g., Operations, Construction, Commercial teams) and design consultants, translating business needs into technical design parameters.

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on Mechanical, Electrical, and Building Services Engineering principles, ensuring optimal system performance and reliability.

• Oversee the integration of critical data center systems, including UPS, generators, switchgear, cooling systems (chillers, cooling towers, CDUs), fire suppression, and structured cabling, to meet performance and efficiency benchmarks.

• Ensure all designs adhere to AirTrunk's engineering standards, regional building codes, safety regulations, and customer-specific requirements, meticulously managing design compliance.

• Support the procurement and construction phases by providing design clarifications, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), and reviewing submittals to maintain design intent.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of AirTrunk's design standards, processes, and methodologies, incorporating lessons learned from previous projects and emerging industry best practices.

• Manage design risks and propose mitigation strategies to ensure project timelines and budget constraints are met without compromising design quality or operational performance.

• Mentor junior engineers and designers, fostering their technical development and contributing to the overall capability of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description outlines core responsibilities that are highly technical and project-management oriented. For an operations-focused enhancement, I've expanded these to emphasize the operational impact of design decisions. This includes ensuring designs meet operational requirements, facilitate maintenance, and contribute to overall facility efficiency and reliability, which are key concerns for revenue operations and GTM functions reliant on stable infrastructure. The coordination with consultants and internal teams highlights the cross-functional nature of operations support in design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred).

Experience: 8+ years of experience in engineering and design, with a strong preference for experience in large-scale infrastructure or data centers.

Required Skills:

• Solid knowledge and understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering principles and practices.

• Strong expertise in data center systems, including but not limited to:

  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
  • Generator Systems
  • Switchgear and Power Distribution
  • Cooling Systems (Chillers, Cooling Towers, Computer Room Air Conditioners - CRACs/CDUs)
  • Fire Suppression Systems
  • Structured Cabling Infrastructure

• Proven ability to lead complex design projects from concept to detailed design phases.

• Demonstrated capability in managing multiple stakeholders and fostering collaborative relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in hyperscale data center design and development.

• Familiarity with design and project management software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, MS Project).

• Knowledge of sustainability principles and their application in data center design.

• Experience with international building codes and standards relevant to data centers.

• Understanding of data center operational requirements and maintenance considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements list is specific. I've expanded on the "data center systems" to include common acronyms and system types that operations professionals would recognize. The "proven ability to lead complex design projects" is framed to highlight project lifecycle management and stakeholder coordination, crucial for operations roles that interface with design and construction teams. The "team player" aspect is reinforced by emphasizing collaboration skills essential for cross-functional operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of complex data center design projects, showcasing the scope, scale, and technical challenges overcome.

• Examples of design documentation (concept, schematic, detailed) for critical infrastructure systems (power, cooling, building services).

• Case studies detailing how design decisions contributed to operational efficiency, cost savings, or sustainability goals.

• Evidence of successful stakeholder engagement and management throughout design phases.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of methodologies used in developing and managing design processes from initiation through to construction support.

• Examples of how design reviews, value engineering, and risk assessments were integrated into the design lifecycle to optimize project outcomes.

• Documentation illustrating collaboration protocols with external consultants and internal teams for design integration and approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design management role that interfaces with operational outcomes, a portfolio is crucial. I've inferred that this would need to showcase not just design output, but the process and impact relevant to operations. This includes demonstrating how designs translate to efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in the operational phase, as well as the structured approach to managing complex design workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on market research for Senior Design Manager roles in Singapore with 8+ years of experience in specialized infrastructure (data centers), the estimated annual salary range is SGD 120,000 - SGD 180,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the highly specialized technical skills required, and the strategic importance of data center infrastructure in the APME region.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Environment: Encourages work-life balance and adaptability in scheduling.

• Safe Working Environment: Commitment to a secure and healthy workplace, crucial for high-pressure engineering roles.

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses (inferred).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving data center industry.

• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs (inferred).

• Retirement savings plan contributions (inferred).

• Paid time off and holiday leave.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility due to the nature of project-based work and the need to coordinate across different time zones. However, the role is primarily on-site at the Singapore HQ.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided. Based on the role's seniority ("Senior"), location (Singapore HQ), industry (Data Centers), and required experience (8+ years), I've established a competitive salary range typical for this level in Singapore. This range is benchmarked against similar roles in specialized engineering and project management within the tech infrastructure sector. Benefits are inferred based on common offerings for senior roles in multinational tech companies and the explicit mention of "flexible" and "safe" working environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Data Centers. AirTrunk operates at the intersection of technology and real estate, specifically focusing on hyperscale data centers that power the cloud infrastructure for major tech companies across the Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME) region. This industry is characterized by rapid growth, technological innovation, and a strong focus on reliability, scalability, and sustainability.

Company Size: AirTrunk is a rapidly growing company, evidenced by its expansion across the APME region and backing from investors like Blackstone. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, its "largest, most innovative, and rapidly growing" descriptor suggests a significant, dynamic, and expanding organization. This implies an environment where roles can evolve quickly and opportunities for impact are substantial.

Founded: 2017. AirTrunk is a relatively young company, which often translates to a fast-paced, agile, and entrepreneurial culture, focused on disruption and rapid scaling rather than established, slower-moving corporate structures.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is led by an Associate Director, Design, indicating a hierarchical structure within the broader engineering or projects division.

• This Senior Design Manager will report directly to the Associate Director, Design and work closely with various teams and leadership across the Asia Pacific region.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data to inform design decisions, optimize efficiency, and meet performance metrics.

• Agile Project Management: The rapid expansion and "electric atmosphere" suggest an agile approach to project execution, focusing on speed, responsiveness, and continuous iteration.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The culture encourages teamwork and collective effort to overcome complex challenges, a hallmark of effective operations.

• Innovation Focus: Continuous efforts to "redefine and deliver hyperscale data centres" and "drive innovation and efficiency" are central to AirTrunk's operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights AirTrunk's position as a leader in hyperscale data centers, its rapid growth, and its focus on innovation and sustainability. For a Senior Design Manager role, this context is critical as it implies the need for designs that are not only technically sound but also scalable, efficient, and forward-thinking to support AirTrunk's ambitious expansion plans. The "A-Team" and "Grow@Hyperscale" messaging points to a culture that values high performers and offers significant career development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level within the design function, with significant responsibility for leading large-scale, complex projects. It requires deep technical expertise combined with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. Success in this role directly impacts the operational efficiency, scalability, and reliability of AirTrunk's data center infrastructure, making it a critical component of the company's GTM and operational success.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to the Associate Director, Design. This structure indicates a clear leadership hierarchy within the design department, with opportunities to influence departmental strategy and execution under the guidance of senior leadership. Collaboration with cross-functional teams means exposure to various business units and their operational needs.

Operations Impact: The designs developed by this role are foundational to AirTrunk's ability to deliver its services. Effective data center design ensures high availability, optimal power and cooling efficiency, and scalability, all of which are critical for meeting customer SLAs and supporting revenue generation. The role's ability to drive innovation and efficiency directly contributes to cost optimization and competitive advantage in the hyperscale market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Associate Director, Design or similar senior leadership roles within the engineering or projects divisions as the company continues its rapid expansion.

• Specialization & Broader Scope: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of data center design or expand responsibilities to oversee larger portfolios of projects across multiple regions.

• Strategic Influence: As a senior member of the team, there's potential to influence the strategic direction of AirTrunk's design standards, technology adoption, and sustainability initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to various aspects of the data center business (operations, construction, commercial) can lead to broader career paths within the organization or the wider industry.

• Learning & Development: AirTrunk's commitment to "Grow@Hyperscale" suggests access to training, mentorship, and opportunities to attend industry conferences and gain new certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Design Manager" title clearly indicates a leadership trajectory. The growth analysis focuses on how this role, while design-centric, is intrinsically linked to operational success and offers pathways within the broader operations and infrastructure management domain of a hyperscale data center company. The emphasis on "impact" highlights how design choices directly translate to business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at AirTrunk's HQ in Singapore. This indicates a collaborative office environment where face-to-face interaction with colleagues, stakeholders, and leadership is expected and facilitated.

Office Location(s): Singapore HQ. This central location in a major global hub provides excellent connectivity and access to a diverse talent pool. It suggests a dynamic, international work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The HQ is likely designed to foster teamwork, with spaces for meetings, brainstorming, and cross-functional project discussions, essential for coordinating complex design projects.

• Technology-Rich Environment: As a technology-driven company, expect access to modern design tools, communication platforms, and IT infrastructure to support efficient work.

• Dynamic Atmosphere: The mention of an "electric atmosphere" and being "challengers and collaborative problem solvers" suggests a high-energy, engaging workspace where innovation is encouraged.

Work Schedule: While standard full-time hours are expected, the nature of large-scale project management and coordination across regions may require flexibility. The role is primarily on-site, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration and the company's commitment to a physical presence at its HQ.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly on-site at HQ. This highlights the importance of in-person collaboration and the company's preference for a centralized, cohesive team environment, which is often beneficial for complex engineering and operations roles requiring tight coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for a Senior Design Manager role at a company like AirTrunk would likely involve:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Associate Director, Design, focusing on technical expertise, project leadership experience, and strategic thinking.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing key projects, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. This would be a critical stage for evaluating design capabilities and operational impact.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers, cross-functional team leads (e.g., from Operations, Construction), and possibly senior leadership to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with senior management before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the design challenges, your specific role, the solutions implemented, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, sustainability metrics, operational reliability).

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to design management, including stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and coordination with consultants and internal teams. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical intricacies of data center systems (power, cooling, etc.) and justify your design choices with engineering principles.

• Data-Driven Rationale: If possible, present data that supports your design decisions and their resulting operational benefits.

• Tailor to AirTrunk: Research AirTrunk's recent projects, expansion plans, and sustainability goals to tailor your presentation and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their strategic objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a design challenge for a new hyperscale data center, considering factors like site constraints, power availability, cooling strategies, and sustainability targets.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've managed challenging stakeholder expectations or resolved conflicts during complex projects.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about troubleshooting common issues in data center design or operation, and how design can mitigate these.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since the interview process is not detailed, I've outlined a typical, comprehensive process for a senior technical role. The portfolio review tips are crucial for a design manager, emphasizing the need to demonstrate not just technical skill but also the operational implications and business impact of their designs. This is vital for operations-minded candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and potentially Navisworks for 3D modeling, design coordination, and clash detection.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or Google Workspace for communication and virtual collaboration, especially given regional coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not directly an analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from building management systems (BMS), power usage effectiveness (PUE) reports, and other operational metrics is beneficial.

• Reporting Software: Ability to create clear, concise reports on design progress, technical issues, and project status for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this design-focused role, but understanding how design impacts operational systems (e.g., facility management software integrations) would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description mentions engineering principles but not specific tools. I've inferred the use of standard CAD/BIM and project management software critical for design management. The inclusion of collaboration platforms acknowledges the need for remote coordination within AirTrunk's APME operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Challenging the Status Quo: AirTrunk values individuals who are "challengers and collaborative problem solvers" who "break new ground every day." This implies a proactive, innovative mindset is essential.

• Going Above and Beyond: The culture encourages exceeding expectations, which is critical in a high-growth, demanding industry like hyperscale data centers.

• Dynamic, Transparent, and Responsive: These values suggest an agile, open, and quick-acting operational environment where clear communication and swift decision-making are paramount.

• Collaboration: The emphasis on being a "true team player" and "collaborative problem solvers" highlights the importance of working effectively across diverse teams and functions.

• Sustainability: A core focus in their operations, meaning designs and decisions must align with environmental goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Operations, Construction, Commercial, and other departments, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate technical design concepts into business-relevant terms.

• Open Feedback Exchange: The dynamic culture likely fosters an environment where feedback is regularly exchanged to drive continuous improvement in both design and operational outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing expertise and best practices across teams to elevate the collective capability of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture section highlights key values like innovation, collaboration, and responsiveness. For a Senior Design Manager, these translate to a need for proactive problem-solving, strong communication skills to bridge design and operations, and a commitment to AirTrunk's sustainability and growth objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Scaling: The primary challenge will be designing for AirTrunk's aggressive growth and expansion plans across the APME region, requiring designs that are both scalable and implementable quickly.

• Technical Complexity: Managing the intricate design requirements for hyperscale data centers, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and compliance with diverse regional regulations.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of internal teams (Operations, Commercial, Construction) and external stakeholders (customers, consultants, regulatory bodies).

• Innovation vs. Standardization: Driving innovation while also adhering to standardized design principles and operational requirements for consistency and maintainability.

• Sustainability Integration: Embedding sustainability effectively into design processes to meet ambitious environmental goals without compromising performance or cost.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership: Opportunity to work with and learn from industry leaders in the hyperscale data center space.

• Exposure to Diverse Markets: Gaining experience with design challenges and regulatory environments across various countries within the APME region.

• Advanced Technologies: Staying at the forefront of data center design technologies, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency strategies.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for formal or informal mentorship from senior leadership within AirTrunk's engineering and operations teams.

• "Grow@Hyperscale": AirTrunk's explicit commitment to employee growth suggests dedicated programs, training, and career pathing support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are directly related to the company's business model (rapid scaling, hyperscale) and the role's function (design). Growth opportunities are framed around career advancement within a leading organization and developing expertise in a cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex hyperscale data center design project you led from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, your specific contributions, and the resulting operational efficiencies?" (Focus on process, technical solutions, and impact)

• "How do you balance innovation in design with the need for standardization to meet operational requirements and cost targets in a rapidly expanding company like AirTrunk?" (Assess strategic thinking and operational awareness)

• "Walk me through your process for managing conflicting stakeholder requirements during a critical design phase. Provide a specific example." (Evaluate stakeholder management and conflict resolution)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about AirTrunk's mission and its role in the APME region's digital future?" (Gauge alignment with company vision)

• "How do you embody AirTrunk's values of being dynamic, transparent, and responsive in your work?" (Assess cultural fit and behavioral competencies)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by the phases of the design lifecycle (concept, schematic, detailed). For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, key design decisions, challenges, solutions, and quantified outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., % improvement in PUE, reduction in CAPEX/OPEX, time savings, compliance rates) to demonstrate the value of your design work.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, schematics, and 3D models (if appropriate) to illustrate complex designs. Keep text concise and focus on key takeaways.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Connect your design decisions back to AirTrunk's business objectives and operational needs.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, the tools you used, and how your work aligns with industry best practices and AirTrunk's specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for preparing for interviews, focusing on how to frame experience and present a portfolio to highlight operational relevance and strategic thinking, which is key for a Senior Design Manager role within a company like AirTrunk.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on AirTrunk's careers page.

• Tailor your resume and cover letter: Highlight specific experience in large-scale infrastructure or data center design, focusing on your technical expertise in Mechanical/Electrical/Building Services Engineering and your project leadership capabilities. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex designs, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive efficiency and sustainability. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research AirTrunk: Familiarize yourself with their mission, their hyperscale data center projects, their commitment to sustainability, and their company culture. Understand their position in the APME market.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions related to technical design, project management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate.

⚠️ 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.