Technical Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Engineering Design Manager

Company: Haag, a Salas O'Brien Company

Location: Baltimore, Maryland; Bethesda, Maryland; Charlotte, North Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 15+ years of design experience, 5+ years of management experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full lifecycle of complex, first-of-its-kind design-build programs, with a strong focus on secure, high-hazard, and federal government facilities.

• Manage design development milestones, ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, civil, process, security, and environmental engineering disciplines.

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients and stakeholders, translating mission requirements into actionable design plans and resolving complex cross-disciplinary conflicts.

• Drive value engineering, constructability reviews, and quality control to ensure design intent is accurately translated into construction-ready deliverables and executed in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on complex federal government projects (DOE/NNSA) requiring deep technical understanding of secure and high-hazard facilities. The "design operations" aspect comes from managing the intricate processes of design development, cross-discipline coordination, and ensuring the technical integrity of the final construction documents within a design-build framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the work of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, civil, process, security, and environmental engineering leads from concept development through construction-ready design.

• Manage the translation of client mission requirements, process information, and security/hazard classification criteria (e.g., ICD 705, IBC H-2) into a coordinated Basis of Design and progressive design packages.

• Oversee design-phase value engineering, constructability review, material selection, and long-lead item identification processes across all engineering disciplines.

• Resolve cross-disciplinary design conflicts (e.g., between security zoning and life-safety egress, or structural and process utility routing) to prevent issues during construction.

• Manage design quality control and progressive design review/comment-resolution cycles (15%, 35%, 65%, 95%, final).

• Act as the primary technical point of contact with client process engineering, security, and program management stakeholders.

• Coordinate with construction management, engineering support during construction (ESDC), and commissioning teams to ensure design intent is carried through into field execution.

• Manage the design schedule, staffing allocation, and budget performance across all engineering disciplines within the program.

• Prepare and present technical basis-of-estimate justifications, design narratives, and risk assessments for client cost and schedule reviews.

• Oversee and mentor discipline leads and their teams, providing technical guidance and quality oversight.

• Support proposal development, technical writing, and client presentations for new and existing work.

• Assist in business development, including client relationship management and participation in project interviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical engineering leadership and program management. For operations professionals, the emphasis on managing design processes, coordinating workflows across disciplines, and ensuring quality control and efficiency in design development are key operational aspects of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, Architectural, or a related Engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to secure, high-hazard, or federal government facility programs.

• A minimum of 5 years of project/program management experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Direct experience with design-build execution models and progressive design development (concept through construction-ready/IFC). Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Working knowledge of ICD 705, IBC hazardous occupancy classifications (H-2 or comparable), and DOE/NNSA facility requirements, or a demonstrated ability to rapidly develop this expertise.

• Experience coordinating with security, classification, and accreditation authorities on federal programs.

• Excellent work ethic, attitude, and sound engineering judgment, particularly when operating under ambiguity.

• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to translate complex, cross-disciplinary technical issues for both engineering teams and client leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and hold accountable a multidisciplinary team of senior and junior engineers.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, balance, and prioritize competing design deliverables and deadlines across multiple disciplines simultaneously.

• Proficiency with BIM/CAD coordination platforms (Revit, AutoCAD) and MS Office suite; familiarity with project scheduling and cost-tracking tools.

• Ability to obtain and maintain any security clearance required by assigned programs.

• Ability to travel as needed (10-20%). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with process engineering specifically within high-hazard environments.

• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) facility standards and requirements.

• Advanced degrees or specialized certifications in project management or relevant engineering fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The PE license and extensive experience in federal, high-hazard, and secure facilities are critical differentiators. For an operations role, the emphasis on process management, stakeholder alignment, and organizational skills for managing complex projects are paramount. The ability to "translate complex, cross-disciplinary technical issues" is a key operations skill for bridging communication gaps.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful leadership of complex, multidisciplinary design-build programs, ideally within the federal sector (DOE/NNSA, DoD).

• Provide evidence of managing design lifecycle processes, including concept development, progressive design reviews (35%, 65%, 95%, final), and construction-ready documentation.

• Highlight experience in resolving intricate, cross-disciplinary design conflicts and facilitating technical decision-making that impacts project timelines and budgets.

• Showcase examples of implementing value engineering and constructability review processes to optimize design outcomes and minimize construction challenges. Process Documentation:

• Exhibit a structured approach to documenting Basis of Design (BOD), design narratives, and risk assessments, ensuring clarity and alignment with client requirements.

• Present examples of workflow designs for managing design coordination, quality control, and comment resolution across multiple engineering disciplines.

• Detail experience in establishing and monitoring design schedules, staffing allocations, and budget performance for large-scale engineering programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an engineering management role, a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of design processes, workflow management, and risk mitigation will be crucial. Candidates should prepare to discuss how they've operationalized design development and ensured technical rigor through structured processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected base salary range for this role is $180,000 - $200,000 per year.

• Actual compensation will be determined based on a combination of factors including candidate skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location of employment. Benefits:

• Comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • 401(k) plan with a company match.

  • Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.

  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources.

  • Support for professional development and continuous learning. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project demands, including occasional overtime or adjusted schedules to coordinate with global teams or critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to this role and location. The benefits package is standard for a full-time professional role, with a notable emphasis on professional development, which is key for maintaining expertise in specialized engineering fields. The 10-20% travel requirement should be factored into the overall work-life balance consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Professional Services, with a strong focus on federal government facilities (DOE/NNSA, DoD), science and technology, and complex institutional/industrial projects.

Company Size: Haag, a Salas O'Brien Company is part of Salas O'Brien, which is an employee-owned firm with a significant number of employees across multiple locations. This size suggests a robust organizational structure with dedicated support functions.

Founded: Salas O'Brien was founded in 1975, indicating a long-standing history and established expertise in the engineering sector.

Team Structure:

• The Technical Engineering Design Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineering discipline leads and their respective teams. This implies a matrixed or hierarchical structure where direct reports are specialists in their fields (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.).

• The role involves close collaboration with program management, construction management, security/classification authorities, and client stakeholders, suggesting a highly cross-functional and integrated project team environment.

• Reporting is likely to a senior program director or executive within the firm, with significant interaction with client leadership. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes an "impact-driven" approach, focusing on making a difference for clients, the team, and the world, with a commitment to sustainability.

• Design methodology centers around design-build execution and progressive design development, requiring close integration between design and construction phases.

• A people-first approach to problem-solving and shared ownership are core values, fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.

Company Website: https://www.salasobrien.com/ (Note: The provided URL was to the benefits page, this is the main company site)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes employee ownership, impact, and a people-first approach. For operations professionals, this translates to a collaborative environment where efficiency and quality are valued, and individual contributions to project success are recognized. The focus on federal projects suggests a need for adherence to strict protocols and security clearances.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and project management spectrum. It is a critical leadership role focused on the operational execution of complex design projects. The "operations" aspect lies in managing the process of design development, ensuring its efficiency, quality, and adherence to stringent client requirements.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Engineering Design Manager will report to senior leadership within Haag, a Salas O'Brien Company, likely a Director of Engineering or Program Director. They will, in turn, lead and manage multiple discipline leads and their engineering teams. This structure requires strong leadership and delegation skills.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, constructible, compliant with all regulations, and delivered on schedule and within budget. Effective management of the design process directly influences project risk, cost, and client satisfaction, particularly in high-stakes federal projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to manage larger, more complex programs or a portfolio of related projects, potentially moving into a Program Director or VP of Engineering role.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert in specific areas of high-hazard or secure facility design, leading to specialized consulting or advisory roles.

• Business Development: Increased involvement in client relationship management, proposal development, and securing new projects, contributing to the growth of the firm.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to develop and mentor junior engineers and discipline leads, shaping the future talent pool within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Technical Engineering Design Manager," the role's core functions align with senior-level operations management within the design and construction lifecycle. Growth opportunities focus on scaling leadership responsibilities and strategic contributions to business development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, requiring active presence in one of the designated office locations (Baltimore, Bethesda, Charlotte, or Memphis). This on-site requirement is crucial for direct team leadership, client interaction, and managing sensitive project information.

Office Location(s):

• Baltimore, MD (21202)

• Bethesda, MD (20817)

• Charlotte, NC (28206)

• Memphis, TN (No specific zip code provided for Memphis) Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dynamic environment involving direct collaboration with engineering teams, potentially including shared office spaces for BIM/CAD work and project planning.

• Access to necessary technical tools and software (Revit, AutoCAD, MS Office, project scheduling/cost tracking tools) is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction will include team meetings, client presentations, site visits (if applicable), and cross-functional project reviews. Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is the baseline.

• Given the nature of complex, federal projects and design-build execution, flexibility to work beyond standard hours may be necessary to meet critical deadlines, coordinate with different time zones, or respond to urgent project needs. Travel is also a factor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, emphasizing the need for direct oversight, team engagement, and secure handling of project information. The chosen location will determine the specific regional team and client base interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications (degree, PE license, experience).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your leadership experience, technical background, and understanding of design-build processes for complex federal projects. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing multidisciplinary teams and resolving technical challenges.

• Technical/Team Interview: This may involve a panel of discipline leads or senior engineers. Expect questions about your technical judgment, problem-solving methodologies, and experience with specific project types (e.g., secure facilities, high-hazard). You might be asked to walk through a past project's design challenges and your role in resolving them.

• Client/Executive Interview: This final stage often assesses your ability to represent the company, manage client relationships, and articulate strategic vision. Questions might focus on business development, stakeholder management, and your understanding of the company's values and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: For this role, your portfolio should emphasize your ability to manage the design process effectively. Showcase case studies that detail:

  • The complexity of the projects and the multidisciplinary coordination required.
  • Specific design challenges encountered and your systematic approach to resolving them.
  • How you implemented value engineering and constructability reviews.
  • The outcomes: successful design delivery, cost savings, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your impact. Examples: "Reduced design conflicts by X% through enhanced BIM coordination," "Delivered project ahead of schedule by implementing Y process improvement," "Managed a design budget of $Z million."

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading, mentoring, and holding teams accountable. Provide examples of your leadership style and how you foster collaboration.

• Tailor to Federal Projects: If possible, include examples relevant to DOE/NNSA, DoD, or other secure/high-hazard federal facilities. Demonstrate understanding of relevant standards (ICD 705, IBC H-2).

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to resolve a complex cross-disciplinary design conflict or manage a project facing significant schedule pressure. Outline your step-by-step approach, considering stakeholder communication, technical analysis, and decision-making criteria.

• Leadership Scenarios: Think about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate underperforming team members, or manage difficult client expectations.

• Technical Depth: Brush up on relevant engineering principles and codes, especially those related to secure facilities and hazardous occupancies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely probe both technical engineering acumen and operational management skills. A portfolio that clearly articulates process management, leadership, and impact on complex federal projects will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM/CAD Platforms:

  • Revit: Essential for building information modeling, coordination, and clash detection. Proficiency in managing multi-disciplinary Revit models is critical.
  • AutoCAD: Foundational CAD software, likely used for 2D design, drafting, and interoperability.

• Project Management Software:

  • Familiarity with tools for project scheduling (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) and cost tracking is expected.

• MS Office Suite:

  • Word: For technical writing, design narratives, and reports.
  • Excel: For data analysis, budgeting, and tracking.
  • PowerPoint: For client presentations, technical reviews, and proposal development.
  • Outlook: For communication and calendar management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analytics role, the ability to interpret performance data from project management tools (schedule adherence, budget variance) and translate it into actionable insights for design process improvement is crucial. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems might be beneficial for business development aspects, though not a core requirement for the design management function.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools is a plus, especially for streamlining design review and approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM/CAD coordination platforms like Revit and AutoCAD is non-negotiable for managing design quality and integration. The ability to leverage project management software for operational oversight of schedule, budget, and resources is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A core value emphasizing the creation of meaningful, lasting solutions for clients, the team, and the world. Operations professionals here are expected to deliver tangible results that contribute to client success and national missions.

• People-First: A commitment to a supportive and collaborative work environment where individuals are valued, and problem-solving is approached with empathy and teamwork.

• Achieving: A focus on high performance, excellence, and delivering on commitments. Operations professionals are expected to drive results and meet rigorous project standards.

• Connecting: Emphasizing strong relationships, both internally among team members and externally with clients and stakeholders. Effective communication and collaboration are paramount.

• Sustainable Future: Integrating sustainable practices and long-term thinking into design and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Shared Ownership: As an employee-owned company, there's an inherent culture of collective responsibility and shared success. Operations professionals are encouraged to take initiative and contribute to the firm's overall goals.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The nature of design-build programs necessitates seamless collaboration across diverse disciplines (engineering, construction, security, client representatives). Operations professionals are key facilitators of this integration.

• Proactive Communication: Given the complexity and high-stakes nature of federal projects, a culture of proactive, clear, and consistent communication is vital for managing risks and ensuring alignment.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to review processes, solicit feedback, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values—Impact-Driven, People-First, Achieving, Connecting, Sustainable Future—should inform how operations professionals approach their work, emphasizing not just technical execution but also collaborative problem-solving and client relationship management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Federal Projects: Navigating stringent security requirements, classification protocols, and unique client needs within DOE/NNSA and DoD facilities presents a significant operational challenge requiring meticulous planning and execution.

• First-of-Its-Kind Designs: Leading the design for facilities where no direct government template exists demands exceptional technical judgment, innovative problem-solving, and robust risk management strategies.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Effectively synchronizing the efforts of numerous engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical demands, requires strong organizational and conflict-resolution skills.

• Balancing Design & Construction: The design-build model requires constant alignment between design intent and construction feasibility, demanding proactive communication and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.

• Client Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing expectations and technical input from diverse client stakeholders, including program managers and security authorities, is critical for project success.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Federal Sector Expertise: Gain unparalleled experience in designing for highly secure and critical government infrastructure, becoming a subject matter expert in this niche.

• Advanced Project Leadership: Develop skills in managing large-scale, high-risk programs, honing strategic planning, risk mitigation, and advanced stakeholder management capabilities.

• Mentorship & Technical Guidance: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior engineers, contributing to the firm's talent pipeline and refining your own leadership and communication skills.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge design and construction methodologies for specialized facilities, potentially including specialized training or certifications in areas like security design or hazardous material handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role provide significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in specialized federal project management and complex design operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary engineering team through a complex design-build project with unique federal requirements. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful coordination and technical integrity?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your systematic approach to managing design phases, conflict resolution, and stakeholder communication. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and quantify your impact.

• "How do you approach translating highly technical mission requirements and security classifications (e.g., ICD 705, H-2) into actionable design parameters for diverse engineering disciplines?"

  • Preparation: Emphasize your communication skills, ability to create clear Basis of Design documents, and your process for ensuring all disciplines understand and adhere to these critical parameters.

• "Walk me through your process for conducting design-phase value engineering and constructability reviews. How do you ensure these reviews are effective and lead to tangible improvements?"

  • Preparation: Detail your methodologies for identifying cost-saving opportunities and potential construction issues early in the design cycle. Provide specific examples of how your reviews positively impacted project outcomes.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Given our focus on being 'impact-driven' and 'people-first,' how would you foster a collaborative and high-achieving environment within your engineering team, especially when dealing with demanding federal projects?"

  • Preparation: Align your answer with the company's stated values. Discuss your leadership style, methods for team motivation, conflict resolution, and how you ensure accountability while maintaining a supportive culture.

• "How do you ensure effective communication and build strong relationships with diverse client stakeholders, including program managers and security authorities, on sensitive federal projects?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your stakeholder management strategies, negotiation skills, and ability to tailor communication to different audiences.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project, clearly outline:

  • Project Context: Type of facility, client, key requirements (security, hazard level).
  • Your Role & Responsibilities: Emphasize your leadership in design management and coordination.
  • Operational Challenges: Detail specific cross-disciplinary conflicts or process bottlenecks.
  • Your Solution/Process: Explain the systematic steps you took to address challenges, including methodologies for coordination, review, and decision-making.
  • Quantifiable Results: Showcase the positive outcomes (schedule adherence, cost savings, risk reduction, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Process Mastery: Demonstrate your understanding of the design lifecycle and your ability to manage its operational flow. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful to illustrate your process management approach.

• Focus on Technical Judgment & Leadership: Be ready to discuss your technical decision-making process and your approach to leading and mentoring engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples that showcase your operational management of design processes, your leadership in complex technical environments, and your ability to navigate the unique demands of federal projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ultipro link.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years of project/program management experience. Emphasize your work on secure, high-hazard, or federal government facility programs. Use keywords such as "design-build," "multidisciplinary team leadership," "DOE/NNSA," "ICD 705," "stakeholder management," and "technical leadership."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of projects that best demonstrate your ability to manage complex design processes, lead multidisciplinary teams, and deliver successful outcomes on federal or similar high-stakes projects. Be ready to discuss the operational aspects of these projects.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Salas O'Brien's values (impact-driven, people-first, achieving, connecting, sustainable future) and their work in specialized sectors like federal facilities. Understand their employee-owned structure.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to common interview questions, focusing on your experience with design management, federal projects, leadership, and problem-solving. Be ready to articulate your operational strategies for managing complex design workflows.

⚠️ 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.