Technical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Manager

Company: ABB

Location: Remote (Preference for Houston, Dallas, or Kansas City)

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead technical design strategy and execution for ABB Electrification across the US market, focusing on key design firms to secure product specifications.

• Drive account growth and revenue targets by cultivating strategic, long-term partnerships with decision-makers at top design firms.

• Provide expert technical consultation and engineering guidance to influence project designs and proposal development.

• Lead, mentor, and align a distributed team of Field Application Engineers (FAEs) to enhance technical sales effectiveness.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration across ABB business units to deliver integrated, competitive solutions that meet diverse market needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Technical Design Manager," has strong GTM and Sales Operations implications. The focus on influencing specifications at design firms, managing account growth strategies, and aligning sales/FAE teams positions it as a critical revenue-generating function. The emphasis on technical expertise in electrical distribution and specific ABB solutions highlights its specialized nature within the GTM operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and nurture technical relationships with the top 10 strategically designated design firm headquarters accounts in the US, serving as the primary point of contact.

• Develop and implement comprehensive account growth strategies, identifying opportunities to increase ABB product and solution specifications within each firm's project pipeline.

• Own and manage budget targets for ABB project designs within assigned accounts, consistently monitoring performance against revenue goals.

• Provide in-depth technical consultation and engineering guidance to customer design teams during project specification and design phases.

• Lead and mentor Field Application Engineers (FAEs) across multiple US locations, sharing best practices, technical knowledge, and account intelligence to optimize their effectiveness.

• Collaborate closely with the sales team and local FAEs to drive coordinated account development strategies and maximize ABB's presence within target firms.

• Support proposal development, conduct design reviews, and deliver compelling technical presentations at the headquarters level.

• Respond to complex technical inquiries, coordinating solutions across various ABB business units to ensure comprehensive and competitive offerings.

• Ensure consistency in technical messaging and account approach across regional boundaries, acting as an escalation point for FAEs facing complex customer challenges.

• Align with the sales EPC team to maximize ABB's presence and influence within assigned design firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of technical sales enablement, strategic account management, and team leadership. The emphasis on "owning and managing budget targets for ABB project designs" suggests a direct link to revenue forecasting and performance management, a core function within GTM Operations. The requirement to "ensure consistency in technical messaging and account approach across regional boundaries" points to the need for standardized operational processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering strongly preferred). Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the electrical distribution industry.

• Demonstrated experience in technical design, engineering consultation, and influencing project specifications.

• Proven track record in account management, partnership building, and revenue target achievement.

• Experience leading or mentoring technical teams, preferably Field Application Engineers or similar roles. Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of MV/LV switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, transformers, and arc flash mitigation technologies.

• Industry Codes & Standards: Proficient knowledge of ANSI, IEEE, NEC, NEMA, NFPA 70E, UL.

• Account Management: Proven ability to establish and nurture long-term partnerships with engineering consulting firms.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a capability to resolve complex technical issues.

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively.

• Strategic Planning: Capability to develop and execute comprehensive account growth strategies.

• Self-Starter: Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and be accountable for results without detailed direction.

• Customer Focus: Enjoyment of problem-solving and new customer development initiatives.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous field, plant, or design engineering experience in electrical power systems within major oil and gas companies, electric utilities, or industrial facilities.

• Familiarity with ABB's specific product portfolio and solutions.

• Experience with CRM systems for account tracking and pipeline management.

• Knowledge of semiconductor, healthcare, data center, and commercial construction markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a technical foundation combined with strong GTM competencies like account management and strategic planning. The "preferred experience" points towards candidates with deep industry immersion, which is crucial for effectively influencing design specifications and understanding market nuances. The mention of "candidates must already possess authorization to work for ABB in the US" is a critical compliance requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Specification Influence: Showcase examples of how you successfully influenced project specifications for electrical distribution equipment and solutions. This could include case studies on securing preferred manufacturer status or overcoming technical objections.

• Account Growth Strategy: Present a strategic account plan developed for a key client or firm, detailing objectives, tactics, expected outcomes, and performance metrics.

• Technical Consultation Case Studies: Provide examples of complex technical challenges you resolved for clients, detailing your approach, the solution provided, and the positive impact on the project or client relationship.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Document instances where you mentored or led technical teams, highlighting improvements in team performance, skill development, or adoption of new technologies/processes.

Process Documentation:

• Specification Development Workflow: Illustrate your process for engaging with design firms to understand their specification requirements and how you ensure ABB's solutions are optimally positioned.

• Account Management Framework: Detail your methodology for managing a portfolio of strategic accounts, including planning, execution, performance tracking, and reporting.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Model: Outline your approach to collaborating with internal sales, engineering, and product teams to deliver integrated solutions and resolve customer issues.

• Technical Training & Enablement: Describe how you would develop and deliver technical training or enablement sessions to Field Application Engineers or design firm personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on influencing design firms, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to translate technical expertise into tangible business outcomes is essential. This includes showcasing strategic account management skills, successful technical consultation, and leadership in driving adoption of specific products. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the need for structured approaches to GTM activities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $119,000 - $190,400 annually.

Bonus Eligibility:

• Eligible for a short-term incentive plan/annual bonus. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Choice of two medical plan options (Copay Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA).
  • Choice of two dental plan options (Core and Core Plus).
  • Vision benefit.
  • Company-paid life insurance (2X base pay).
  • Company-paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance (1X base pay).
  • Voluntary life and AD&D insurance (employee-paid).
  • Company-paid Short-Term Disability (up to 26 weeks).
  • Company-paid Long-Term Disability (60% of pay, with option to "buy-up" to 66 2/3%).
  • Supplemental benefits (Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Pet Insurance - employee-paid).
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Health Advocate support resources (mental/behavioral health, general health navigation, virtual health, infertility/adoption).
  • Employee discount program.

• Retirement:

  • 401k Savings Plan with company contributions.
  • Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP).

• Time Off:

  • 11 paid holidays.

  • Permissive time away (vacation) policy for salaried exempt positions. Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the expected band for a Technical Design Manager with significant experience in a specialized industry and a remote work arrangement. The detailed benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for employee well-being and financial planning, which is attractive for senior-level operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, Energy Technology. ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, serving diverse sectors including utilities, industry, and transportation.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for global impact.

Founded: 1988 (merger of ASEA and BBC). ABB has a long history of innovation and technological advancement in its core sectors.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: This role reports to the US Director of Field Application Engineering, indicating a direct line into the technical sales support and enablement structure.

• Collaboration: Expected to collaborate closely with regional sales teams, local Field Application Engineers (FAEs), and various internal ABB business units to deliver integrated solutions.

• Focus: The team likely operates with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, customer-centric problem-solving, and driving market penetration for ABB's electrification products.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven: ABB's operations likely emphasize data analysis to understand market trends, customer needs, and sales performance.

• Process Optimization: A focus on refining technical sales processes, specification influence strategies, and FAE effectiveness.

• Innovation & Technology: Commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and engineering expertise to provide cutting-edge solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ABB's status as a global leader in electrification and automation suggests a culture that values technical expertise, innovation, and a strong customer focus. The large company size implies structured processes and opportunities for career development, while the specific reporting structure highlights the role's importance in the technical sales and GTM strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Strategic Contributor. This role operates at a senior level, managing key accounts and influencing strategic direction within a significant market segment. It requires a combination of deep technical knowledge and GTM strategy execution.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the US Director of Field Application Engineering, placing the role within the technical sales support and enablement function. This provides visibility to senior leadership and a direct impact on revenue generation.

Operations Impact: The Technical Design Manager directly impacts revenue by influencing project specifications at the design firm level, which dictates product selection for major construction projects across key markets. Success in this role translates to increased market share and predictable revenue streams for ABB's Electrification business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within Field Application Engineering, Sales Management, or Business Unit management at a regional or national level.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific high-growth markets (e.g., data centers, semiconductors) or advanced technologies within ABB's portfolio.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape ABB's engagement strategy with top-tier design firms and contribute to broader GTM strategy development.

• Mentorship & Development: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop technical talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical link between ABB's technical capabilities and market adoption. Its strategic importance in influencing design specifications offers significant growth potential into broader GTM leadership or specialized technical management roles within ABB.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote with a preference for specific US locations. This offers flexibility and autonomy.

Office Location(s): Preference for candidates located near Houston, Dallas, or Kansas City. These locations are chosen for proximity to key Design Firms.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy: The remote nature requires a high degree of self-discipline, time management, and independent work ethic.

• Technology: Access to ABB's standard collaboration tools, communication platforms, and potentially remote access to design and sales enablement resources.

• Collaboration: Frequent virtual collaboration with internal teams (sales, FAEs, product management) and external stakeholders (design firm engineers).

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or to meet client demands. The remote setup allows for some flexibility in managing daily schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work arrangement is a key feature, requiring candidates to be highly self-motivated and proficient in virtual collaboration tools and strategies. Proximity to major design hubs is a strategic preference, indicating a focus on in-person (though potentially infrequent) engagement with key accounts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and alignment with company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the US Director of Field Application Engineering to evaluate technical expertise, strategic thinking, account management approach, and leadership potential.

• Technical/Panel Interview: May involve interviews with key FAEs, sales leaders, or product managers to assess technical depth, problem-solving skills, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic account plan, a technical solution proposal, or a case study demonstrating past success in influencing design specifications.

• Final Interview: Potential discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss overall strategy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each portfolio item, clearly articulate the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., increased specification win rate by X%, secured Y dollars in new business, improved FAE performance by Z%).

• Showcase Strategy: Detail the strategic thinking behind your actions, especially in account management and influencing design firms. Explain why you chose certain tactics.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical nuances of your projects, demonstrating a solid understanding of electrical distribution systems and ABB's solutions.

• Process Clarity: Clearly outline the processes you followed for account management, technical consultation, and team leadership.

• Tailor to ABB: Where possible, align your examples with ABB's product lines, target markets, and strategic objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Account Strategy Development: Be ready to outline how you would approach developing a strategy for a new, high-potential design firm account.

• Technical Objection Handling: Prepare to discuss how you would address common technical objections or competitive pressures from other manufacturers.

• Team Leadership Scenario: Prepare to discuss a scenario where you had to motivate or guide a team of technical professionals through a challenging period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both technical acumen and GTM strategic execution. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results and strategic thinking will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Salesforce (or similar, e.g., Microsoft Dynamics) for account management, pipeline tracking, opportunity management, and sales forecasting.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for virtual communication, meetings, and team collaboration.

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for documentation, presentations, and data analysis.

• Project Management Software: Potentially used for managing specific initiatives or account plans (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Advanced Excel skills are essential. Familiarity with BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik Sense for analyzing sales performance, market data, and account metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and utilize data from CRM and other sources to create insightful reports for management.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce Sales Cloud: Or equivalent CRM for managing customer relationships and sales processes.

• Marketing Automation Tools: Understanding of how marketing automation (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) supports lead generation and nurturing, though direct use might be limited.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different systems (CRM, ERP, marketing automation) integrate to provide a unified view of the customer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, is paramount for managing key accounts and tracking GTM performance. Strong analytical skills using tools like Excel and BI platforms are also critical for demonstrating impact and informing strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of design firms and their end clients.

• Technical Excellence: Upholding high standards of engineering knowledge and providing accurate, reliable technical guidance.

• Integrity & Trust: Building long-term, trusted relationships with clients and internal stakeholders through transparent communication and ethical conduct.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, and teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Responsive: Engaging with design firms and internal teams proactively to anticipate needs and respond effectively to inquiries.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly across sales, engineering, and product management to deliver cohesive solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, best practices, and market intelligence with FAEs and the broader sales organization.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and analytics to guide decision-making and measure the effectiveness of strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: ABB's global presence suggests a culture that values professionalism, technical expertise, and a results-oriented approach. The emphasis on collaboration and integrity is key for building lasting relationships with design firms and internal partners.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Competitive Landscape: Navigating a highly competitive market with established players and evolving technologies in electrical distribution.

• Specification Influence: Gaining and maintaining preferred manufacturer status in project specifications requires continuous effort and strong technical advocacy.

• Managing Remote Teams: Leading and motivating a distributed team of FAEs across various regions demands effective communication and engagement strategies.

• Market Dynamics: Adapting to rapid changes in market demands, technological advancements, and economic fluctuations across diverse sectors.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across multiple ABB business units can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications related to electrical power systems, arc flash safety, or specific ABB technologies.

• GTM Strategy Workshops: Participating in internal or external training on advanced account management, strategic selling, and market penetration tactics.

• Leadership Development Programs: Engaging in ABB's leadership development initiatives to hone management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Attending key industry events to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and represent ABB.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within ABB or to mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to competitive market dynamics and the complexities of influencing large design firms. However, these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities, particularly in leadership and strategic GTM development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to identifying and prioritizing the top 10 design firms for engagement. What criteria would you use?"

• "How would you develop a 12-month strategy to increase ABB's specification share within a target design firm? Walk us through the key phases and deliverables."

• "Imagine a key FAE on your team is struggling to connect with a specific design firm's technical lead. What steps would you take to coach them and improve the situation?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of ABB, how would you align your technical design strategy with the company's broader electrification and automation goals?"

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with multiple internal departments to deliver a complex solution for a client. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you measure the success of your engagement with design firms beyond direct sales revenue?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: Structure your case studies using the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework to clearly articulate your contributions and outcomes.

• Focus on Influence: Emphasize your role in influencing design specifications, demonstrating your ability to impact the specification process and product selection.

• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics to back up your claims about success, such as percentage increases in specifications, revenue impact, or efficiency gains.

• Technical Narrative: Be prepared to explain the technical aspects of your projects clearly and concisely, showing your command of the subject matter.

• Strategic Rationale: For each example, explain the strategic thinking behind your actions and how it contributed to the overall objective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical understanding, strategic account management prowess, and strong leadership capabilities. The ability to articulate a clear, data-driven approach to influencing design specifications will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the ABB Careers portal link provided.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight experience directly relevant to electrical distribution, technical design, account management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., MV/LV switchgear, specification influence, design firms, FAE mentoring).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your ability to influence design specifications, manage strategic accounts, and drive revenue. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio items and answering strategy-based interview questions using the STAR method.

• Research ABB: Thoroughly research ABB's Electrification business, its key markets (healthcare, data centers, industrial), and its competitive landscape. Understand their stated values and recent innovations.

⚠️ 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.

---