Construction Design Manager

About the role

Shield AI, a defense-tech company, is hiring a Construction Design Manager in Dallas. The role acts as the owner's representative for facility planning, programming, design development and project delivery of manufacturing, engineering, laboratory, office and secure facility projects. It is heavily focused on design management, directing external architecture and engineering firms through the project lifecycle, with the first assignment being a prototype laboratory facility.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as owner's lead representative for facility planning, programming and design execution.
• Manage and direct architecture, engineering, specialty consultant and design-build teams.
• Develop project requirements with engineering, manufacturing, operations, security and executive stakeholders.
• Lead programming, space planning, feasibility studies and conceptual design, then oversee design development through construction documents.
• Set design schedules, consultant deliverables, review cycles and design budgets.
• Lead design review meetings and resolve technical issues, scope gaps and coordination conflicts.
• Review architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and specialty system designs for constructability, maintainability, safety and lifecycle performance.
• Support permitting, entitlements and regulatory approvals, and provide technical leadership during procurement and contractor selection.
• Manage design-related RFIs, submittals and field modifications during construction.
• Use AutoCAD to review, coordinate and comment on design documentation.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related technical field.
• At least 10 years of experience in design management, owner's representation, architecture, engineering, facilities development or capital project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience managing architecture and engineering firms on complex facility projects.
• Experience supporting projects in active operational environments, including aviation or airfield facilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. SECRET security clearance.
• Able to lift 50 pounds or more and work in active construction sites.

Required skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Ability to review architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, calculations and technical documentation.
• Understanding of building systems, construction methods, codes and best practices.

Preferred: active U.S. SECRET clearance or higher, experience with advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense or technology environments, familiarity with ICD 705 and SCIF processes, design-build delivery experience, and professional registration such as PE, RA, PMP, CCM or LEED.