Design Manager

Overwatch Mission Critical • Chicago, IL

29d

About The Position

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
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 purpose.

Requirements

• 8–12+ years of experience in design management or engineering leadership, with at least 5 years in data center/mission-critical facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage external design partners and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, MEP-intensive projects ($100M+ preferred).
• Strong expertise in electrical distribution (UPS, switchgear, generators), cooling systems (chillers, CRAH/CRAC, cooling towers), and fire protection.
• Familiarity with commissioning requirements and how design affects Integrated Systems Testing (IST).
• Proficiency with BIM (Revit, Navisworks), collaboration platforms (MS Teams, Procore), and scheduling tools.
• 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 written communications related to job duties.
• 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.
• Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots, is required.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage, and to observe site activity.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design process from SD (Schematic Design) through IFC (Issued for Construction).
• Coordinate administration of external Design Partner contracts, ensuring scope, schedule, and deliverables align with project goals.
• Conduct weekly design team meetings, providing feedback, resolving roadblocks, and coordinating with Compass Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Lead page turn reviews (coordinate meetings, record and close comments).
• Coordinate, review, and track all design deliverables to ensure accuracy, constructability, and timely release.
• Escalate design changes impacting scope, budget, or schedule to Compass owner stakeholders for decision-making.
• Support supply chain team with equipment vendor proposals, ensuring design partners review/approve submittals for compliance.
• Manage, review, and approve all design bulletins before release in collaboration with the Delivery (Construction) team.
• Partner with Sales and Solutions Engineering teams to provide design input on customer RFPs.
• Provide design support during lessons learned workshops, helping capture improvements for future projects and regions.
• Maintain close collaboration with the Delivery (Construction) team to ensure design intent is upheld through commissioning and handover.
• Perform site visits for field investigations, constructability reviews, and coordination meetings.
• Provide daily updates (e.g., MS Teams) to Compass leadership regarding design progress, risks, blockers, and priorities.
• Foster strong relationships with Compass stakeholders to ensure satisfaction, transparency, and repeat business.
• Ensure design documents meet Compass, client, and regulatory requirements (NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, TIA-942, Uptime Institute).
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring design partners incorporate safety principles into designs.
• Lead QA/QC of design documents, validating MEP systems are efficient, scalable, and resilient (N, N+1, 2N redundancy).

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off.
• There will be a daily per diem (7 days a week) to help with food and lodging.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed