Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Redwood Materials

Location: Carson City, NV, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Construction Operations

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design and engineering initiatives for critical infrastructure and manufacturing facility development, ensuring alignment with Redwood Materials' rapid expansion goals.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Process Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Facilities, and Production teams to translate complex stakeholder requirements into actionable project objectives and documentation.

• Manage the full lifecycle of infrastructure and tool installation projects, from conceptualization and feasibility through design, funding, change management, and construction engineering services.

• Champion the adoption of innovative engineering and design methodologies, including lean construction principles and Building Information Modeling (BIM), to accelerate project delivery and enhance quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team, indicating a strong focus on the practical execution of large-scale industrial projects. The emphasis on "record speed" and "aggressive programs" suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring exceptional project management and problem-solving skills. The "Senior" title implies a need for leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence teams outside direct reporting lines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate stakeholder requirements into clear, concise project objectives and manage scope definition and documentation in a dynamic environment.

• Lead infrastructure and tool installation projects through all phases: conceptualization, feasibility studies, funding requests, 30%/60%/90%/IFC design, change management, and engineering support during construction.

• Oversee the management of permitting processes and construction documentation, including transmittals and Requests for Information (RFIs).

• Coordinate and manage the intake of customer requests from all site teams, ensuring timely and effective project initiation.

• Own and manage the project funding request process for significant infrastructure improvements.

• Collaborate closely with Procurement and Construction partners to align key project schedule requirements and ensure overall project success.

• Identify resource requirements, highlight gaps and constraints across project stages, and influence teams outside of direct reporting structures to achieve project goals.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure comprehensive program alignment and seamless integration of design and construction efforts.

• Define and implement project delivery strategies, including Design-Bid-Build, Integrated Project Development, and Fast Track projects.

• Champion the understanding and application of lean construction principles and fully integrated design using Building Information Modeling (BIM).

• Implement innovative engineering and design methodologies to support aggressive programs and construction schedules.

• Support and lead feasibility studies, value engineering efforts, and options analysis to optimize project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, robust project management, and strong stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on "distilling scattered information into concise, complete documentation" and "pulling people together" points to a critical need for communication and leadership skills beyond pure technical expertise. Managing RFI's and transmittals indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and process adherence within construction documentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience desired, specifically managing multi-disciplinary scopes within Architectural/Engineering (A/E) or Design Engineering firms.

• Experience designing manufacturing facilities and site infrastructure, including tool installation (e.g., building, utilities, installation of manufacturing equipment).

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects from concept to completion, utilizing advanced project and program management methodologies.

• Infrastructure & Facility Design: Expertise in designing manufacturing facilities, site infrastructure, and integrating tool installations, including utilities and equipment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse teams (Process Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Facilities, Production) and influence stakeholders outside direct reporting lines.

• Documentation & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to understand complex technical problems and distill them into clear, concise documentation and actionable plans for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) License: Preferred, indicating a higher level of technical expertise and professional accreditation.

• Lean Construction Principles: Understanding and ability to implement lean construction methodologies for efficiency and waste reduction.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Proficiency in fully integrated design using BIM for enhanced visualization, coordination, and collaboration.

• Value Engineering: Experience in leading and supporting value engineering efforts to optimize project costs and performance.

• Permitting & Jurisdictional Navigation: Experience working with building codes, local jurisdictions, and building strong relationships with external regulatory partners.

• Fast-Paced Environment Acumen: Ability to thrive under pressure, in ambiguous environments, and effectively execute parallel projects and tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" suggest a preference for candidates with a strong technical foundation and professional licensing, indicating the complexity and critical nature of the infrastructure being designed. The emphasis on "5 years' experience desired" in managing multi-disciplinary scopes within A/E or design firms, combined with a B.S. in engineering, sets a clear benchmark for the expected technical and managerial capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Lifecycle Management: Showcase projects where you managed the entire design and engineering lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through detailed design, permitting, and construction support.

• Cross-functional Project Integration: Present case studies demonstrating your ability to effectively coordinate and integrate design efforts across multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical) and collaborate with construction, manufacturing, and facilities teams.

• Documentation & Communication: Include examples of how you translated complex stakeholder requirements into clear project documentation, scope definitions, and actionable plans. Highlight your ability to distill technical information for diverse audiences.

• Process Improvement & Innovation: Provide examples of how you implemented innovative engineering or design methodologies (e.g., BIM, lean construction principles) to accelerate project delivery, improve quality, or optimize processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in defining project delivery methods (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Integrated Project Development, Fast Track) and optimizing workflows for efficiency and speed.

• Requirements Gathering & Management: Showcase your process for understanding stakeholder needs, distilling them into clear objectives, and managing scope documentation effectively, especially in dynamic environments.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Present how you tracked project progress, managed RFIs and transmittals, identified resource gaps, and reported on project status and key performance indicators to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly illustrates their experience in managing complex industrial design and construction projects. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating problem-solving skills, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive projects forward in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Specific examples of successful project outcomes, cost savings through value engineering, or efficiency gains from lean construction/BIM implementation will be highly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

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

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policy.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education relevant to engineering and project management.

• Stock Options/Equity: Potential for equity participation in a rapidly growing company.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for qualified candidates.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position with standard working hours typically expected to be around 40 hours per week. However, given the demanding nature of infrastructure development and aggressive project timelines, occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the region and industry, considering the experience level and responsibilities outlined. Redwood Materials is a rapidly growing company in a critical industry, which often translates to competitive compensation packages and benefits, including potential equity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Storage, Battery Recycling, Sustainable Manufacturing. Redwood Materials is at the forefront of localizing the U.S. battery supply chain, focusing on recovery, reuse, and recycling to drive the energy transition.

Company Size: Redwood Materials is a rapidly growing company, likely categorized as a mid-to-large enterprise, with a significant and expanding workforce dedicated to scaling its operations.

Founded: 2017, indicating a relatively young but fast-evolving company with a mission-driven approach to critical environmental and industrial challenges.

Team Structure:

• EPC Team: The Senior Design Manager will be part of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team, which is central to building and scaling the company's manufacturing and processing facilities.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities Management, Production teams, and potentially external A/E firms and construction partners.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Design Manager typically reports to a Director or VP of Engineering/Construction, or the head of the EPC function.

Methodology:

• Rapid Scalability: A core operational methodology is rapid scaling of infrastructure to meet demand, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and robust design.

• Integrated Supply Chain: Focus on seamless integration of recovery, reuse, and recycling processes within a localized supply chain.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly detailed for this role, industrial operations of this scale typically rely on data analysis for process optimization and project planning.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Redwood Materials operates in a highly innovative and mission-critical sector. The company culture is likely characterized by a fast-paced, problem-solving orientation, a strong emphasis on engineering excellence, and a commitment to sustainability. The "can-do mindset" and ability to thrive in "ambiguous environments" are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the Engineering and Construction Operations domain. It signifies a leadership role responsible for significant project outcomes, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise, advanced project management capabilities, and strong interpersonal skills to influence and guide cross-functional teams. The role is pivotal in translating strategic company goals into tangible infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the EPC or Engineering department, such as a Director of Engineering, Director of Construction, or VP of Operations. They will, in turn, manage and guide external design consultants and potentially internal design engineers or coordinators.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager's work directly impacts Redwood Materials' ability to scale its battery supply chain operations. Successful design and engineering management are critical for achieving production targets, reducing costs, ensuring operational efficiency, and meeting aggressive timelines for facility expansion and tool installation. Their contributions are foundational to the company's growth and mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Director of Design Engineering, Director of EPC, or VP of Operations, managing larger teams and more complex capital projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of industrial facility design, sustainable manufacturing processes, or advanced battery materials production infrastructure.

• Strategic Project Involvement: Opportunities to lead design strategy for new global facilities or groundbreaking technology integration projects.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers and project managers, developing future leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation and the critical nature of infrastructure development for Redwood Materials suggest this role offers significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a high-growth, impactful industry. The ability to influence strategy and lead major projects positions this role as a key stepping stone for future leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Redwood Materials' factory in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), Reno, Nevada. This indicates a hybrid work environment that will likely involve significant time spent both at a dedicated office space within the facility and on the manufacturing floor or construction sites.

Office Location(s): TRIC, Reno, Nevada. This is a major industrial park, suggesting a location with logistical advantages for manufacturing and distribution.

Workspace Context:

• On-Site Presence: Expect a hands-on environment requiring regular site visits to construction areas and operational facilities to oversee design implementation, address issues, and ensure quality.

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to office spaces designed for team collaboration, project meetings, and documentation review, likely equipped with necessary technology for design reviews and stakeholder presentations.

• Industrial Setting: A dynamic and potentially demanding industrial environment where safety protocols and operational efficiency are paramount. Access to advanced manufacturing equipment and processes will be part of the day-to-day context.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position. While standard business hours are expected, the nature of construction and manufacturing projects often necessitates flexibility, with potential for extended hours, weekend work, and on-call availability to address urgent site issues or meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in an industrial setting like TRIC emphasizes the need for a candidate who is comfortable working in a hands-on environment, understands industrial safety protocols, and can effectively manage projects from a physical site perspective, not just from a remote office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications, particularly experience in managing multi-disciplinary design scopes and relevant engineering backgrounds.

• Technical Interview(s): Deep dive into your experience with industrial facility design, infrastructure projects, tool installations, and project management methodologies. Expect questions on BIM, lean construction, value engineering, and your approach to managing engineering disciplines.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Assess your ability to handle pressure, navigate ambiguous environments, influence cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and communicate complex information. Questions will likely focus on past experiences demonstrating these skills.

• Portfolio Review: Prepare to present specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your project management capabilities, design leadership, problem-solving skills, and successful project outcomes. Focus on projects involving manufacturing facilities or complex infrastructure.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, clearly state the scope, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, quality improvements).

• Highlight Cross-Functional Leadership: Showcase instances where you successfully guided diverse teams, resolved conflicts, and ensured alignment across departments.

• Demonstrate Process & Systems Thinking: Explain your approach to project planning, scope management, risk assessment, and documentation. Use examples of how you leveraged BIM or lean principles.

• Tailor to Redwood Materials: Research Redwood Materials' mission, projects, and industry. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to highlight how your skills directly address their need for rapid infrastructure scaling and sustainable manufacturing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "How would you manage conflicting requirements from the production and facilities teams?" or "Describe a time you had to accelerate a project schedule without compromising quality."

• Design Problem-Solving: You might be asked to walk through your thought process for approaching a hypothetical design challenge related to a manufacturing facility or utility system.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would engage with and influence senior leaders, external vendors, and site personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both technical competence and the ability to execute in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates project successes and demonstrates the required skills is crucial for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• CAD & Design Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and potentially BIM platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) for design visualization, coordination, and review.

• Documentation & Collaboration Tools: Expertise in using platforms for document management, collaboration, and communication, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, Confluence, or SharePoint.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and financial reports. Familiarity with Excel for data analysis is essential.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting project status reports and performance dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design and construction projects integrate with broader company systems for procurement, budgeting, and project tracking is beneficial. Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems or project-specific financial management tools may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on design and construction management, proficiency in project management software and CAD/BIM tools is paramount. The ability to manage documentation and facilitate communication through digital platforms is also critical. The company's specific internal toolset will be revealed during the interview process, but a strong foundation in these general categories is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Speed & Agility: A core value is the ability to design and build infrastructure at "record speed" and execute "very aggressive" programs, reflecting a culture that prioritizes rapid progress and adaptability.

• Collaboration & Influence: Strong emphasis on "pulling people together," building relationships, and influencing cross-functional teams outside direct reporting lines to achieve shared objectives.

• Detail Orientation & Clarity: A requirement to be "detail oriented," "question requirements," and translate "scattered information into concise, complete documentation," underscoring a commitment to accuracy and clear communication.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: A culture that encourages identifying "real barriers" and implementing "innovative engineering and design methodologies" to overcome challenges.

• Mission-Driven: A passion for manufacturing infrastructure and contributing to the energy transition aligns with the company's overarching mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Integrated: The role requires proactive engagement with various site teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration of design into construction and operations.

• Influence-Based: Success depends on the ability to influence without direct authority, fostering consensus and driving action through clear communication and demonstrated expertise.

• Document-Centric: A strong reliance on clear, concise documentation to align teams, manage scope, and track progress, especially in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Redwood Materials likely fosters a culture of innovation, urgency, and high performance. Candidates should expect an environment that values initiative, strong execution, and the ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving industrial setting. The emphasis on collaboration suggests a team-oriented approach where individual contributions are amplified through collective effort.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Aggressive Timelines: Meeting extremely tight deadlines for infrastructure development and tool installation in a rapidly scaling manufacturing environment will be a primary challenge.

• Ambiguity & Dynamic Environments: Thriving and executing effectively in a fast-paced, often ambiguous startup environment requires resilience and adaptability.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless coordination and buy-in from diverse departments (Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, Production) with potentially competing priorities.

• Resource Constraints: Identifying and mitigating resource gaps and constraints across various project stages requires strategic planning and proactive problem-solving.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need to move quickly while maintaining high standards for design and construction quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Gain hands-on experience with advanced battery manufacturing processes and infrastructure development.

• Leadership in a High-Growth Sector: Develop leadership skills in a critical, rapidly expanding industry (sustainable energy and battery technology).

• Process Optimization Mastery: Deepen expertise in lean construction, BIM integration, and value engineering by applying them in a real-world, high-impact setting.

• Mentorship and Skill Development: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and potentially mentor junior team members, honing leadership and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to pace, complexity, and stakeholder management, but these are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for ambitious professionals. Overcoming these challenges will build a robust skillset highly valued in the industrial and engineering sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Execution: "Describe a complex infrastructure project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership).

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach gathering requirements from diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting needs? Provide an example of how you managed such a situation." (Prepare to discuss communication strategies, negotiation skills, and documentation methods).

• Design Innovation: "Tell me about a time you implemented an innovative design or construction methodology (like BIM or lean principles). What was the impact?" (Highlight your understanding of modern construction practices and their benefits).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "What interests you about Redwood Materials' mission to localize the battery supply chain and drive the energy transition?" (Research the company's mission and be prepared to articulate your passion for it).

• Adaptability: "This role requires thriving in ambiguous environments and under pressure. Describe a situation where you successfully navigated uncertainty or a high-pressure scenario." (Prepare to share examples of resilience and effective decision-making).

• Collaboration Style: "How do you build relationships and influence teams you don't directly manage?" (Focus on your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and build consensus).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: Project Goal, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design/Engineering Solutions, Collaboration Efforts, Process/Technology Used (BIM, Lean), Outcomes (Quantified: schedule, cost, quality), and Lessons Learned.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers and data whenever possible to demonstrate the tangible results of your work (e.g., "Reduced construction time by X%", "Achieved Y% cost savings through value engineering," "Managed a $Z million project budget").

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or simplified renderings (if appropriate and available) to explain complex designs or processes.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, making critical decisions, and driving projects forward, not just your technical contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strong understanding of industrial design and construction processes, coupled with exceptional project management and leadership skills. The interview will likely assess not only technical capability but also the cultural fit for a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in industrial facility design, infrastructure projects, tool installations, and project management. Use keywords from the job description such as "EPC," "BIM," "Lean Construction," "Value Engineering," and "Cross-functional Collaboration." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects demonstrating your ability to manage multi-disciplinary design scopes, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver complex infrastructure projects. Focus on projects involving manufacturing facilities or industrial processes.

• Research Redwood Materials: Understand the company's mission, its role in the battery supply chain, its recent news, and its culture. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific environment and goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and scenario-based questions that highlight your project management, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.