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Design Manager Jobs in Groton, CT (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Old Saybrook, CT

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Design Engineer We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join an engineering and ... Manage engineering revisions and product release documentation. * Utilize product data management ...

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Old Saybrook, CT

$41 - $44/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Design Engineer We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join an engineering and ... Manage engineering revisions and product release documentation. * Utilize product data management ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Groton, CT

Design Manager information

See Groton, CT salary details

$41.8K

$113.8K

$200.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Groton, CT is $113,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $143,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design manager?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What does a design manager do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design manager?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

How does a design manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a design manager a stressful job?

A design manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing creative teams, managing project deadlines, and balancing client expectations. The level of stress varies depending on company size, project scope, and workload, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage pressure effectively.
More about Design Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Groton, CT?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Groton, CT are:

What cities near Groton, CT are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Groton, CT with the most Design Manager job openings:

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Groton, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,846 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Attack Submarine Deputy Ship Design Manager (DSDM) - Groton, CT

Serco USA

Groton, CT • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Description & Qualifications
If you seek a rewarding, high profile and challenging position supporting projects for the US Navy then Serco has a wonderful opportunity for you!
As the Attack Submarine Deputy Ship Design Manager (DSDM), you will be on a dynamic team, supporting Team Submarine in Groton, CT, where you will provide programmatic support to one of our NAVSEA customers with primary focus on SSN 812 supporting Naval Architecture & Engineering Department, Submarine Design and Engineering- System Integration Team (SIT) Team in PMS450, the VIRGINIA Class Submarine program office. This is an opportunity to join our growing team to contribute and influence the Navy's future, premier attack submarine. Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact towards our military defense and safety of our sailors
In this role, you will:
  • Direct design and engineering projects on submarine/submersible programs of National importance, with a primary focus on SSN 812.
  • Direct project teams and development efforts for program assignments that require the highly skilled application of scientific and systems engineering theories, concepts, and principles.
    • The programs are of extensive scope, producing new and novel products based on proven and unproven concepts of rapidly advancing technology, and requires significant technological oversight of a variety of organizations and contractors.
    • These functions deal fundamentally with the broad aspects of Ship Design, Ship Hydrodynamics, Ship Systems, Platform integration, Ship Structural Integrity, and Ship Stability.
  • Direct the formulation and execution of systems engineering functions on major engineering development programs or projects.
  • Ensure assigned project engineers adhere to technical policy requirements and program office policy and procedures.
  • Develop engineering policy for compliance by Navy project engineers and contractors developing and constructing submarine/submersible systems to meet our Nation's vital security needs.
  • Chair naval architecture-related integrated product teams (IPTs) and visits laboratories and contractor facilities to obtain reports of program status to ascertain progress toward completion.
  • Direct the assessment of high-risk high-value technical issues to determine the range of acceptable solutions and thresholds for submarines and submersible systems.
  • Develop and interpret the application of engineering policy to arrive at critical program/project decisions to resolve conflicts and determine courses of action and the scope of risk reduction efforts.
  • Identify technically acceptable options, and negotiate the resolution of challenging technical, resource, and requirement issues directly with program managers, top-level engineers, and key project personnel.
  • Support the Ship Design Manger (SDM) who is the single individual responsible to approve the scope of engineering effort required to support submarine and submersible system designs.
  • Be a National-level senior technical expert that speaks for the Navy in assigned areas of design systems engineering and naval architecture.
  • Be a National-level senior technical expert in assigned areas of design systems engineering and naval architecture and explain and advocate the application of these principles on assigned programs.
  • Explain and advocate the application of these principles on assigned programs.
  • Represent higher-level technical authority regarding systems engineering issues or matters of engineering policy to negotiate decisions affecting critical outcomes.
    • To meet these demands, a high degree of resourcefulness is needed to meet restrictive time factors and to reconcile conflicting requirements and policies of participating organizations.

To be successful in this role, you will have:
  • An Active or Current DoD Secret clearance and ability to maintain it.
  • US Citizenship.
  • Bachelor's level degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related technical field.
    • An Associate's Degree and 2 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree or a High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of additional experience will be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree.
  • 10 years of professional experience.
  • Strong foundational knowledge in the design and operation of one or more of the following ship systems:mechanical, auxiliary, ship arrangements, naval architecture, advanced submarine concepts, combat systems, weights, and stability.
  • Expert knowledge of how to translate engineering and scientific principles into cohesive engineering requirements.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and expertise to develop research and affordable designs for submersible systems through conduct of concept definition, preliminary design, contract design integration, construction, launching, testing, operations, and maintenance.
  • Professional knowledge of other interfacing engineering disciplines related to the construction, maintenance, operation, research, and design of Navy submarine/submersible systems.
  • Professional knowledge and experience in Submarine Design and Engineering or equivalent.
  • Expert knowledge of NAVY shipboard systems and DOD acquisition programs.
  • Ability to exercise delegated authority IAW DRPM Submarines technical authority policy
  • Familiarity with SEA05 Engineering Technical Authority Manual (ETAM) Process and Procedures
  • Extensive experience dealing with private sector and Navy project teams and design IPTs
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
  • Ability to travel 10% of the time.

Additional desired experience and skills:
  • Master's degree.
  • Technical knowledge of SUBSAFE programs,
  • Submarine experience is a plus.
  • U.S. Navy experience in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is highly desirable.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office platforms. Knowledge of Matlab and Simulink modeling is desired.
  • Experience working in DoD or DoN environments is preferred.
  • Experience supporting a submarine acquisition program
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills are required to interface with customers.
  • Applicants should be highly motivated and well organized with strong project management skills and should be capable of working independently and in a team environment.
  • Support in providing engineering manager support for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Department preferred.
  • Experience in leading and engaging in weekly meetings with the ship builder and supplier regarding actions and statuses desirable.
  • Experience providing review of design specifications, technical issue resolution, and technical documentation.
  • Previous NAVSEA and SUPSHIP audit support experience is preferred.
  • Experience providing review of design specifications, technical issue resolution, and technical documentation.
  • General knowledge of submarine requirements in engineering
  • The ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts, in the field of structural design and analysis with some guidance from senior engineers, SMEs and supervisors.
  • The ability to work in a collaborative environment integrating the many ship systems, with teams of engineers and designers of varying disciplines.
  • Good communication and technical writing skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office platforms.
  • Experience working in DoD or DoN environments is preferred.
  • Experience supporting a submarine acquisition program
  • Work experience in the Navy and specifically within Team Submarine or submarines in general.
  • Knowledge of DoD policies, NAVSEASYSCOM/Team Submarine policies, and procedures.

If you are interested in supporting and working with our military and sailors and a passionate Serco team- then submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could change your career!
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
  • 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
  • Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.

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