Design Manager

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Facilities Division is seeking a dynamic and experienced Design Manager to lead critical infrastructure projects that are integral to advancing world-class science at Berkeley Lab. This role is essential in ensuring the delivery of safe, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure and utilities that support the Lab’s cutting-edge research programs and user facilities.

In this role, you will serve as a ‘technical project manager’, leading the design scope from scoping to closeout in collaboration with the Project Delivery team. You’ll ensure high-quality deliverables, mitigate technical risks, and streamline processes to deliver projects on time, within scope, and on budget. Your portfolio will cover various technical disciplines, including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural design, with projects ranging from new construction to infrastructure upgrades. You’ll manage multiple projects, collaborate across disciplines, and oversee technical scope, timelines, and budgets. This position offers opportunities for career growth, skill development, and impactful contributions to infrastructure projects supporting LBNL’s mission.

This hybrid position requires a minimum of two days on-site, with flexibility of up to five days based on project and collaboration needs. (Could be subject to change)

What You Will Do:

• Serve as a strategic leader and key influencer in design and construction, guiding and coordinating cross-functional teams without direct supervisory responsibilities to achieve project goals and LBNL's mission
• Manage the technical scope, schedule, and budget for infrastructure and capital projects, ensuring all deliverables meet high standards and align with long-term goals.
• Oversee external consultants and collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop cost-effective, innovative solutions that support LBNL’s scientific and infrastructure needs. 
• Drive the development and implementation of complex projects, ensuring alignment between stakeholders, senior leadership, and project strategies for seamless execution.
• Facilitate design meetings to clearly articulate project objectives and foster shared understanding among team members.
• Ensure alignment among stakeholders and leadership, track and manage design schedules, monitor processes for efficiency, and lead process improvement initiatives
• Organize and lead comprehensive design reviews, actively addressing technical challenges and allocating resources to ensure successful project outcomes. 
• Foster a culture of innovation within teams, promoting creative problem-solving and the development of novel design solutions that embody LBNL's dedication to collaboration and teamwork.
• Resolve technical issues, manage design-related risks, and identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Conduct financial reviews, provide strategic insights, and promote responsible fiscal management as part of project oversight. 
• Foster transparent communication, celebrate successes, and maintain an innovative culture. 
• Monitor industry trends to support continuous improvement and LBNL’s goals, while facilitating design reviews and promoting creative problem-solving within teams.
• Ensure compliance with LBNL and DOE requirements and relevant codes and standards to achieve project goals.

What is Required:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of related experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline related to construction industry, Architecture, or a relevant field OR an equivalent 12 years combination of education and/or related experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer or licensed Architect in the State of California or the ability to transfer a License from another state within 6 months.
• Minimum 4 years of Project/Design Management experience.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams in the preparation of construction drawings, technical specifications, and engineer’s cost estimates.
• Significant experience in design management with a focus on infrastructure and utilities, including project planning, scheduling, professional services estimates, and adherence to completion dates.
• Experience leading and developing project or initiative teams.
• Experience in design project management construction environment.
• Advanced MEP Engineering knowledge, including advanced knowledge of applicable state and national construction codes and standards.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are necessary to collaborate in a team environment effectively, explain technical information, and provide advice to management. 
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills are necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management effectively.
• Advanced knowledge of the design, construction, and operation of laboratory facilities, including electrical distribution systems, as well as engineering principles and practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and experience with Bluebeam Revu in a collaborative design review process.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, or Architecture. 
• Multidisciplinary construction/design experience (Architecture, Structural, Civil, MEP)
• Strong knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems.
• Experience utilizing design, bid, build, and design-build project delivery. 
• Experience with laboratory building design. 
• Experience with constructibility reviews.
• Experience with design of temporary utilities.
• Integrated project delivery experience.
• Experience with Design-Build Institute of America’s guidelines and best practices to deliver a Progressive Design-Build project.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable state and national construction codes and standards, including California Energy Code, NFPA 70 & NFPA 70E.
• Demonstrated proficiency using ProCore construction management software.
• Knowledge and application of DOE orders. 
• Experience in risk management. 
• Advanced knowledge of the design, construction, and operation of laboratory facilities, including electrical distribution systems and HVAC systems, as well as engineering principles and practices.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The  Design Manager position is expected to pay $174K- $210K annually, which fits into the full range of $138,984 - $234,528 for the job classification of G31.4.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer