VDC Electrical Assistant Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VDC Electrical Assistant Design Manager

Company: Power Design, Inc.

Location: Tampa Bay, FL, United States (St. Petersburg HQ)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) / Building Information Modeling (BIM) Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Preconstruction Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) process, focusing on electrical systems coordination and modeling.

• Develop detailed Building Information Modeling (BIM) models, installation designs, shop drawings, and construction documentation.

• Collaborate with internal project teams, customers, consultants, and trade partners to create innovative and code-compliant installation solutions.

• Facilitate clash detection, constructability reviews, and prefabrication planning to ensure efficient project execution.

• Maintain working knowledge of applicable codes, industry standards, and Power Design's best practices for electrical installations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Preconstruction phase of projects, emphasizing the operational aspects of design and coordination rather than direct site installation or project management. The "Assistant Design Manager" title suggests a supportive function, developing technical design deliverables under senior guidance, with a strong focus on BIM software proficiency and understanding of electrical systems installation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support assigned projects through preconstruction and design coordination phases, reporting to a VDC Design Manager or Project Executive.

• Develop and maintain detailed BIM models using Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks for electrical systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Conduct thorough 2D and 3D modeling and coordination for assigned electrical system scopes.

• Actively participate in clash detection processes and coordination meetings with project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, consultants, and trade partners.

• Review contract documents, BIM Execution Plans, scopes of work, specifications, and jurisdictional requirements to ensure code-compliant and cost-effective installation solutions.

• Generate coordination, fabrication, prefabrication, and installation drawings aligned with project requirements and Power Design's established standards.

• Collaborate directly with operations teams to support project execution, optimize installation planning, and conduct constructability reviews.

• Assist in maintaining project schedules, ensuring timely delivery of design deliverables, and contributing to production reporting.

• Communicate effectively with all internal and external project stakeholders to resolve design conflicts and achieve project objectives.

• Leverage BIM technologies and advanced workflows to enhance project coordination efficiency and overall quality.

• Maintain a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to delivering quality work on all project deliverables.

• Represent Power Design professionally and effectively in project meetings and during coordination efforts.

• Uphold Power Design's core values: Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork, Innovation, and Growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to BIM modeling and coordination, with a clear expectation of supporting operational execution through detailed design documentation. The collaboration with "operations teams" highlights the crucial link between design intent and field implementation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, industry certification, completion of a registered apprenticeship, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in construction, VDC, BIM modeling, detailing, or installation specifically within Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing systems. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Revit for BIM modeling and design.

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Navisworks for drafting and coordination.

• Ability to interpret complex construction drawings, specifications, submittals, and contract documents.

• Solid understanding of construction coordination processes, clash detection methodologies, and electrical installation best practices.

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, customers, consultants, and trade partners.

• Commitment to delivering high-quality work with exceptional attention to detail.

• Working knowledge of applicable building codes and industry standards relevant to electrical systems. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting prefabrication, fabrication, field layout, or installation planning.

• Familiarity with other BIM technologies beyond Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks.

• Experience in a VDC or BIM coordination role within an electrical contracting firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specific to construction/VDC/BIM and tied to MEP systems, with a clear preference for electrical. The software requirements are standard for VDC roles, with a strong emphasis on Revit. The "plus" for prefabrication/installation planning experience indicates a desire for candidates who understand the downstream impact of VDC deliverables.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed BIM models created in Revit, demonstrating proficiency in 3D modeling, system modeling, and object creation for electrical components.

• Include examples of coordination drawings and installation designs, highlighting how clashes were identified and resolved using software like Navisworks.

• Present documentation of shop drawings or fabrication drawings, emphasizing accuracy, clarity, and adherence to project specifications.

• Demonstrate experience with constructability reviews and how VDC input influenced installation planning and efficiency.

• Provide examples of collaboration with operations teams, illustrating how VDC deliverables supported field execution. Process Documentation:

• Document workflows for clash detection and resolution, detailing the process from identification to final sign-off.

• Illustrate processes for developing installation drawings and coordinating with other trades.

• Showcase methods for integrating BIM models with project schedules (e.g., 4D BIM) or cost estimation (e.g., 5D BIM) if applicable.

• Explain how VDC processes contribute to prefabrication planning and off-site fabrication efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should visually represent the candidate's ability to translate design intent into practical, constructible models and drawings. The emphasis is on the operational aspect of VDC – how it directly supports the physical installation of electrical systems efficiently and accurately.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a VDC Electrical Assistant Design Manager with 3+ years of experience in the Tampa Bay, FL area, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the demand for skilled VDC professionals, the specific technical requirements, and the cost of living in the region. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage

• Opportunities for Professional Development and Continuing Education

• Potential for Performance-Based Bonuses

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. On-site presence is required, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical mid-level VDC roles in a major Florida metropolitan area. Benefits are standard for a company of Power Design's apparent size and industry, tailored to attract and retain skilled technical talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Power Design, Inc. operates within the Electrical Contracting and Construction industry, a sector that is increasingly reliant on advanced technology and sophisticated project management techniques like VDC and BIM to improve efficiency, safety, and quality.

Company Size: As a national contractor, Power Design is a large organization, likely employing hundreds to thousands of individuals across multiple locations. This size suggests robust internal processes, established career paths, and a structured approach to project execution.

Founded: Founded in 1987, Power Design has a long-standing history in the industry, indicating stability, accumulated expertise, and a well-developed understanding of project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The VDC team likely comprises VDC Managers, Assistant VDC Managers, BIM Coordinators, and VDC Technicians, specializing in different disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing).

• This role reports to a VDC Design Manager or Project Executive, indicating a clear hierarchy and a focus on project-specific VDC leadership.

• Collaboration is expected with project managers, superintendents, operations teams, estimating departments, and external project stakeholders (architects, engineers, general contractors). Methodology:

• Power Design emphasizes a data-driven and technology-forward approach to project delivery, leveraging BIM for detailed design, coordination, and prefabrication.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to their VDC operations, aiming to streamline the construction process from preconstruction through installation.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated, particularly through the use of BIM software for modeling, clash detection, and generating fabrication-ready documentation.

Company Website: https://powerdesigninc.us/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and national presence suggest a professional environment with established operational procedures. The focus on VDC and BIM indicates a commitment to modern construction technologies, making this role critical for operational efficiency and project success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Mid-Level. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and some years of practical experience. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals looking to advance into more senior VDC management or specialized BIM coordination roles. The "Assistant" title implies a developmental path where leadership and strategic oversight are gradually introduced.

Reporting Structure: The VDC Assistant Design Manager reports to a VDC Design Manager or Project Executive. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight, allowing for skill development and learning of advanced VDC strategies and project execution nuances. The reporting line suggests close integration with preconstruction and project leadership.

Operations Impact: The VDC Assistant Design Manager's work directly impacts project operational efficiency and profitability. By ensuring accurate coordination and detailed installation designs, they minimize field conflicts, reduce rework, optimize material usage, and support prefabrication efforts. This leads to faster project completion times, improved safety, and enhanced client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific electrical systems or advanced BIM workflows (e.g., 4D/5D BIM, point cloud integration).

• Leadership: Progression to VDC Design Manager, overseeing VDC efforts for larger or more complex projects, and mentoring junior staff.

• Skill Development: Access to training on new BIM software, construction technologies, and project management methodologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to other MEP disciplines or project management aspects through cross-functional team involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory is clearly defined within the VDC/BIM field, with a path towards management and increased project responsibility. The role is a critical component of the company's operational strategy for efficient project delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring full-time presence at the Power Design, Inc. headquarters in St. Petersburg, FL. The environment is likely a professional office setting with dedicated VDC/BIM workstations and collaborative team spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Tampa Bay HQ in St. Petersburg, FL. Given the company's national reach, there might be other project offices or operational hubs, but this role is anchored to the HQ for preconstruction and design support functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The VDC team likely operates in an open-plan or shared office space designed to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members.

• Tools and Technology: Candidates can expect access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard VDC/BIM software (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks), large monitors, and potentially VR/AR equipment for model review.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with other VDC team members, project managers, estimators, and operations leadership is expected, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Given the demands of construction projects, there may be instances requiring overtime to meet critical deadlines, particularly during peak preconstruction or design coordination phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles deeply integrated into project coordination and team collaboration. The St. Petersburg HQ suggests a stable, central operational hub for the company's VDC efforts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: Candidates will meet with the hiring manager (likely a VDC Design Manager or Project Executive) and potentially senior VDC team members. This stage will focus on technical skills, software proficiency, and understanding of VDC processes. Expect questions related to Revit, Navisworks, clash detection, and electrical system coordination.

• Portfolio Review: A significant part of the interview process will involve presenting and discussing your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain your contributions, the challenges you faced, and how you applied VDC principles to achieve successful outcomes.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will assess problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and how you handle pressure and conflict.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with higher-level management to discuss career aspirations and alignment with the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role, focusing on electrical systems.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions within each project, distinguishing your work from team efforts.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: For each project, present a challenge (e.g., a complex clash, a design conflict) and detail your approach to resolving it using VDC tools and methodologies.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in RFIs, improved installation speed, avoided rework).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing, using high-quality screenshots, model views, and clear diagrams.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be ready to speak confidently and concisely about your projects, demonstrating your understanding of the underlying processes and technologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential technical assessment or a case study exercise. This might involve a quick modeling task in Revit, a clash detection scenario in Navisworks, or a request to outline a VDC coordination process for a specific electrical system.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically. Focus on demonstrating how you would approach a problem from a VDC operational perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates must be able to visually and verbally demonstrate their VDC capabilities and their understanding of how these operations support real-world construction execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: The core BIM authoring software for creating detailed 3D models of electrical systems. Proficiency is essential.

• Navisworks: Critical for model aggregation, clash detection, coordination, and visualization of complex BIM projects. Expect to use this extensively for identifying and resolving interdisciplinary conflicts.

• AutoCAD: Used for 2D drafting and potentially for importing/exporting design data. Working knowledge is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, VDC teams often utilize reporting features within Navisworks or dedicated BIM coordination platforms to track clashes, model progress, and coordination status.

• Excel or similar spreadsheet software will likely be used for data analysis, scheduling, and reporting on VDC deliverables. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this VDC role, as it's focused on design and coordination rather than sales or customer relationship management. However, understanding how VDC integrates with project management software or ERP systems could be beneficial.

• Potential use of project management software (e.g., Procore) for task tracking and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Autodesk BIM suite. Candidates must be demonstrably proficient in Revit and Navisworks, as these are the primary tools for executing the core responsibilities of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honest and ethical practices in all project dealings, from modeling accuracy to communication with stakeholders.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of VDC deliverables, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and problem resolution.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with internal project teams, VDC colleagues, and external partners to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and improved ways to leverage BIM and VDC technologies to enhance project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Growth: Commitment to personal and professional development, staying current with industry trends, and contributing to the growth of the VDC department and the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where VDC is seen as a critical partner to project management, estimating, and field operations. Open communication channels are essential.

• Process Review Culture: Teams likely engage in regular reviews of VDC processes and workflows to identify areas for improvement and share best practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, tips, and solutions within the VDC team and across project teams to foster collective learning and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated core values are directly applicable to the operational aspects of VDC. Successful candidates will demonstrate how they embody these values through their work ethic, collaborative approach, and commitment to continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Coordination: Handling intricate electrical systems within large-scale projects, requiring meticulous modeling and clash detection to avoid costly field errors.

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: Meeting tight project schedules while ensuring the high level of detail and accuracy required for effective VDC deliverables.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating differing priorities and technical understanding among various project stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors, operations teams).

• Technology Evolution: Staying current with rapidly advancing BIM software and VDC technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, Navisworks, and potentially explore related software for areas like prefabrication or site logistics.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining industry-recognized certifications in BIM or VDC.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced VDC Design Managers and Project Executives on project execution, client relations, and VDC strategy.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of project types and scales to broaden experience and technical knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of VDC roles in construction. The growth opportunities indicate that Power Design invests in its employees' development within the VDC field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electrical coordination challenge you encountered on a past project. How did you use Revit and Navisworks to resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your VDC deliverables effectively support field installation teams and prefabrication efforts?" (Demonstrate understanding of the operational link.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a clash detection review with multiple trades involved." (Detail your communication and coordination strategy.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Power Design, Inc., and why are you interested in our VDC operations?" (Research company projects, values, and VDC approach.)

• "How do you embody Power Design's core values of Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork, Innovation, and Growth in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples.)

• "How do you collaborate with project managers and field operations to ensure VDC aligns with project goals?" (Showcase your understanding of cross-functional collaboration.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly state the project type, your role, the tools used, the key challenges, your specific contributions, and the quantifiable results.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to explain specific modeling techniques, coordination strategies, and how you leveraged software features.

• Emphasize Operational Impact: Focus on how your VDC work contributed to efficiency, cost savings, safety, or improved installation quality. Connect your technical work to tangible project outcomes.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your work and be ready to elaborate or provide further context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on showcasing technical BIM/VDC skills, problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of how VDC operations support the broader construction project lifecycle.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this VDC Electrical Assistant Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD, electrical systems, BIM modeling, clash detection, and construction coordination. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 strong project examples that demonstrate your VDC skills, focusing on electrical systems. Be ready to present these visually and discuss your contributions.

• Research Power Design, Inc.: Understand their company values, recent projects, and their approach to VDC.

• Practice Interview Answers: Prepare for technical and behavioral questions, especially those related to your portfolio and how you handle coordination challenges.

⚠️ 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.

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