Design Manager

Ares Technology Consultants delivers expert support for mission-critical data center operations, specializing in electrical and mechanical systems, commissioning, and infrastructure reliability. The Design Manager leads the full design and construction administration lifecycle for mission-critical and data center projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing schedules and budgets, ensuring code compliance and constructability, and serving as the primary design contact for clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead multidisciplinary design efforts across architecture, structural, MEP, fire and life safety, low-voltage, security, DAS, and BMS/EPMS systems
• Develop and maintain the Basis of Design (BOD) aligned with the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
• Manage design progression through Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents
• Establish clear milestones, deliverables, and design budgets
• Conduct regular check-ins with leadership and stakeholders
• Coordinate critical power and cooling infrastructure, including redundancy strategies such as N+1 and 2N configurations
• Oversee BIM and Revit coordination, including clash detection and constructability reviews
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards including IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, Uptime Institute criteria, and local AHJ requirements
• Collaborate with internal design leadership as needed
• Review submittals, shop drawings, and product data
• Respond to RFIs accurately and within agreed timelines
• Issue design clarifications and instructions and evaluate change orders for scope and cost impact
• Participate in site observations, OAC meetings, and commissioning activities
• Support project closeout, punch lists, and integrated systems testin
• Manage design scope, fees, and resources across internal teams and external consultants
• Develop and maintain design schedules aligned with procurement and construction timelines
• Identify risks, manage assumptions, and drive value engineering initiative
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on design-related matters
• Lead design reviews and coordinate approvals with authorities having jurisdiction and utilities
• Communicate project status, risks, and key decisions to stakeholders at all levels
• Lead, mentor, and develop design staff while setting clear expectations and accountability
• Establish and enforce QA and QC processes at each design milestone
• Promote a culture centered on constructability, operability, and continuous improvement
• Develop and maintain design standards, templates, and repeatable solutions
• Support consultant selection, scoping, and performance evaluation

Requirements:

• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design for data centers or mission-critical facilities
• Strong knowledge of building systems including electrical, mechanical, and cooling infrastructure
• Familiarity with industry standards such as IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE, and Uptime Institute Tier classifications
• Experience with BIM and Revit coordination processes
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills