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Design Manager Jobs in Groton, CT (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager/Estimator

Madison, CT

$85K - $90K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Opportunity You will act as the primary bridge between design and execution, turning high-end residential visions into physical reality. As a key leader in a growing company, you will manage the ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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:

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.

Mechanical Designer / Drafter II - AutoCAD

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Norwich, CT โ€ข On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Mechanical Designer/Drafter II position supports mechanical design and drafting efforts for United States Navy submarine programs and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)s. The Mechanical Designer/Drafter II develops and updates technical drawings and models, conducts ship checks, and assists with shipboard installation and mechanical design documentation in accordance with Navy, DoW, and company standards.
This position is 100% Onsite
Responsibilities
  • Conduct ship checks on United States Navy submarines to collect field data and verify existing configurations.
  • Research submarine construction using ship construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Collaborate directly with Mechanical Engineers to create 3D solid models supporting optimization of mechanical designs for shipboard installations.
  • Develop 2D mechanical component and assembly-level drawings in accordance with applicable standards.
  • Develop, update, and maintain Lists of Material (LOM).
  • Support senior Mechanical Designer/Drafter personnel with development of shipboard installation and arrangement drawings.
  • Apply mechanical drafting principles and engineering concepts to support design solutions.
  • Implement Standard Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practices in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
  • Perform self-checks of drawings and models to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submittal.
  • Participate in internal design reviews and incorporate review comments into assigned drawings.
  • Maintain organized electronic design files and adhere to configuration management and document control processes.
  • Communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and program team members to clarify design intent and task requirements.
  • Track assigned tasks, meet schedule-driven deliverables, and provide status updates to senior design staff or project leaders.
  • Follow company quality management system (QMS) procedures and support continuous improvement efforts.
  • Comply with all safety, security, export control, and confidentiality requirements when working in office, shipyard, and onboard environments.

Qualifications
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) Secret Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required for the purpose of obtaining and holding a U.S. security clearance.
  • High School Diploma or GED, plus a Computer-Aided Design/Drafting Certificate.

Experience Requirements
  • 3 years minimum of business-related experience in one or more of the following:
  • Creating 2D drawings using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
  • Creating 3D drawings using solid modeling design software

Technical Skills
  • Developed understanding of mechanical drafting principles, manufacturing processes, and drawing conventions.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and technical drawings.
  • Experience with Autodesk AutoCADยฎ and Autodesk Inventorยฎ is desired but not required. SOLIDWORKSยฎ experience is acceptable.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience using Adobe PDF tools.

Physical Requirements
  • Physically capable of conducting ship checks aboard United States Navy submarines.
  • Comfortable working in confined spaces.
  • Ability to climb vertical ladders ranging from 20 to 25 feet unassisted.

Work Environment
  • Work may be performed in office, shipyard, and onboard submarine environments.
  • May require travel to Navy facilities and shipyards.

Pay Transparency Statement
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $27.00/Hr. - USD $30/Hr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status