Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Davis, CA (NOW HIRING)

Primary Function

We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Design Manager to support the design and preconstruction efforts for commercial design-build and negotiated projects throughout California. This role serves as a key liaison between owners, architects, engineers, specialty consultants, subcontractors, and internal project teams to ensure designs remain aligned with budget, schedule, constructability, and owner objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong construction knowledge with exceptional organizational and communication skills and is capable of independently managing multiple design efforts while maintaining strong client and consultant relationships. This is a highly hands-on position that offers significant opportunity for professional growth within a collaborative and entrepreneurial construction environment.

Location

Sacramento, California (HQ), with the potential of working out of a satellite office. (Periodic Travel Required)

Key Responsibilities

Design Coordination

• Lead day-to-day coordination of architects, engineers, consultants, and trade partners.
• Manage design schedules, deliverables, and project milestones.
• Facilitate design meetings and maintain meeting minutes and action-item logs.
• Track design decisions, approvals, revisions, and outstanding issues.

Constructability & Budget / Risk Management

• Review drawings and specifications for constructability and design conflicts; proactively develop solutions.
• Coordinate closely with trade partners and estimating teams throughout design development to track cost impacts associated with design changes.

Client & Consultant Management

• Build and maintain productive relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Participate in client meetings and project presentations.
• Communicate project status, risks, schedule concerns, and budget updates.

Site & Due Diligence Activities

• Conduct project site walks and field investigations.
• Coordinate surveys, utility investigations, geotechnical studies, and hazardous material assessments.
• Support project planning and due diligence efforts.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 5–15 years of experience in commercial construction, preconstruction, project management, architecture, engineering, or design-build delivery.
• General Contractor experience strongly preferred.
• Candidates with backgrounds as Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Managers, Superintendents, Design Managers, Architects, or Engineers are encouraged to apply.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft 365 Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and Microsoft Project
• Procore and Bluebeam Revu
• Construction document review and management
• Scheduling and milestone tracking
• Budgeting and estimating coordination

Core Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Exceptional organization and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Relationship-building and client-facing capabilities
• Analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills
• High attention to detail and accountability

Success in This Role

The successful candidate will become a trusted extension of the Vice President of Preconstruction, taking ownership of day-to-day design management activities while ensuring projects remain aligned with budget, schedule, constructability, and client expectations.

This position offers significant opportunity for professional growth and increased leadership responsibility within a collaborative and entrepreneurial construction environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $120,000 – $175,000 annually, depending on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation - 2 weeks to start, increasing with years of service.
• 1 Week Paid Sick Leave

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. To request accommodation, please call us at (916) 291-6525.

This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable California wage and hour laws.