Design Manager

About Overwatch Mission Critical

Overwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor services for the mission-critical infrastructure industry. Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground.

At Overwatch, it's more than a job. It's a purpose.

Role Description

The Design Manager is responsible for overseeing multidisciplinary design execution for large-scale data center construction and development projects. This role manages external architecture and engineering consultants, coordinates design deliverables, and ensures alignment with project requirements, schedules, budgets, and quality standards. Working closely with development, construction, and engineering teams, the Design Manager drives design coordination from early planning through construction administration and project delivery.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design execution across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, civil, architectural, telecom, and security disciplines.
• Manage external architects, engineers, and design consultants to ensure timely delivery of coordinated, accurate, and constructible design packages.
• Oversee design schedules, budgets, milestones, and deliverables while identifying risks and resolving coordination challenges.
• Review design documents, drawings, specifications, and submissions to ensure compliance with project requirements, engineering standards, and quality expectations.
• Coordinate design activities with development, construction, engineering, and client teams to ensure alignment between design intent and construction execution.
• Manage design changes, scope modifications, RFIs, and technical issues while evaluating impacts to project cost, schedule, and quality.
• Lead design coordination meetings, milestone reviews, and quality assurance processes while providing regular updates to project leadership and stakeholders.

Key Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field, or additional significant relevant working experience in lieu of degree.
• 10+ years of experience in architectural or engineering design management, with a strong background leading multidisciplinary design efforts for data centers, mission-critical facilities, or other technically complex projects.
• 3+ years of experience working on large scale Data Center projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and managing external consultants.
• Experience managing design scope, cost, schedule, and change management processes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Advanced knowledge of the data center development, design, and construction principles and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of building systems and infrastructure, including MEP, structural, civil, and architectural disciplines.

Driver’s License Requirement

For roles that require on-site presence or travel between work locations as an essential function of the position, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.

Communication Skills

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and…