Design Manager

Position Overview

The Design Manager leads the design function for DSI's Off-Site Manufacturing division, taking mechanical (HVAC and plumbing) scope for mission-critical and data-center projects from concept through modularization, detailed design, shop fabrication packages, and field installation drawings. The role owns design quality, schedule, and constructability for prefabricated modules, skids, racks, and multi-trade assemblies, and is the primary design interface between customers, engineers of record, DSI project teams, and the fabrication shop.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

Lead modularization strategy for each project: define module boundaries, break points, transport envelopes, rigging/lifting provisions, and site connection points.

Manage development of module design packages P&IDs, general arrangements, piping isometrics, structural frame/skid drawings, hanger and support details, and bills of material.

Produce and release shop fabrication packages (spool drawings, weld maps, cut lists, nesting) to the fabrication floor on schedule; manage revision control and as-built close-out.

Coordinate design with engineers of record, structural engineers, and customer engineering teams; resolve RFIs and drive design decisions to closure.

Enforce compliance with contract drawings, project specifications, and applicable codes and standards (ASME B31.1/B31.9, ASHRAE, IMC/UPC, AWS D1.1, customer welding and passivation specifications).

BIM / VDC & Coordination

Own the OSM BIM execution plan; set modeling standards, LOD 400 detailing requirements, and Revit/Fabrication content libraries.

Run multi-trade clash detection and coordination sign-off for modules; ensure field-ready models feed layout, fabrication, and QA/QC.

Drive design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly (DFMA) practices to reduce shop hours, rework, and field labor.

Team Management

Hire, develop, and manage a team of design engineers, modelers, and detailers; set priorities, review work, and manage workload across concurrent projects.

Establish design KPIs hours per module, drawing release on-time %, rework/ECN rate, RFI cycle time and report them monthly.

Build standards, templates, and a library of typical module designs to accelerate repeat data-center product lines.

Preconstruction & Project Support

Support estimating and business development with conceptual module layouts, quantities, and design-hour estimates during pursuits.

Participate in project kickoff, constructability reviews, and factory acceptance testing; support commissioning with design documentation.

Coordinate with Production, Quality, Procurement, and Project Management to align design releases with the fabrication schedule and material lead times.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.

8+ years in mechanical (HVAC/plumbing/process piping) design or detailing, including 3+ years leading a design or BIM/VDC team.

Direct experience designing prefabricated or modular mechanical assemblies (skids, racks, CRAH/CDU modules, pump packages, pipe racks) for construction.

Expert proficiency in Autodesk Revit and Fabrication (CADmep/ESTmep/CAMduct), Navisworks, and AutoCAD; working knowledge of Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Strong command of piping, sheet metal, and structural support design; able to read and apply project specifications and industry codes.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet release schedules, and communicate clearly with customers and field teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Datacenter / mission-critical project experience with hyperscale customers.

Experience with Inventor, Plant 3D, or Stratus for fabrication workflows; familiarity with Smartsheet or Primavera for schedule integration.

Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, DFMA, and ISO 9001 quality systems.

Working knowledge of Vista or D365 for design-hour tracking and job cost.

Competencies

Technical judgment and constructability mindset designs that the shop can build and the field can install.

Leadership and coaching; builds a high-performing, accountable team.

Organized and schedule-driven; manages competing priorities without sacrificing quality.

Clear communicator with customers, engineers, and craft professionals alike.

Continuous improvement orientation; measures and reduces design and fabrication waste.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Office and fabrication-facility environment; regular presence on the shop floor and periodic visits to active construction sites.

Must wear required PPE in shop and field settings and comply with DSI and customer safety programs.

Travel up to 20%.

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