MEP Design Phase Manager

Power Construction; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company in Chicago is seeking a Design Phase Manager to lead and coordinate all design-phase activities for the MEP scope of work, focusing on electrical systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in construction and be responsible for managing multiple projects, ensuring quality and alignment with client vision. Responsibilities include overseeing electrical system evaluations, facilitating collaboration among project teams, and ensuring compliance with building codes. A competitive salary range of $120k - $180k is offered, along with a discretionary bonus and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of construction or pre-construction experience, preferably with a General Contractor.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork is required.
• Thorough knowledge of electrical systems, including power distribution and lighting.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation of electrical system options and cost impacts.
• Review electrical design documents for sizing and interface coordination.
• Participate in conceptual design and value engineering activities for electrical systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

BuildingConnected

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Power

Power Construction is consistently regarded as one of Chicago's largest and most respected General Contractors according to Crain's Chicago. But beyond that, you can find us on the golf course, competing in beach volleyball or softball in Grant Park, brewing beer, attending neighborhood festivals, giving back to the community, and spending time together during a range of company-sponsored events. Our culture is one of the reasons we’ve been selected by our employees as a top workplace year after year and it’s reflected in our current 91% employee retention rate.

We are builders. We crave being in the field and share an appetite for innovation. We believe that bringing diverse perspectives together helps foster stronger outcomes. We are driven to wow our clients and business partners, improve our processes, hire the right people, and help them grow.

Position Summary

The Design Phase Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all design‑phase activities for the MEP scope of work, with a strong emphasis on electrical systems. This role oversees electrical system evaluation, design development, cost analysis, trade partner selection, constructability review, quality control, and commissioning planning. The manager ensures the owner’s vision is accurately translated into technical solutions while driving scope, budget, and schedule alignment. This position supports multiple projects concurrently and leads the integrated project team toward a seamless transition into construction.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation of electrical system options, life‑cycle cost impacts, and system selection aligned with project goals.
• Review electrical design documents for system sizing, interface coordination, constructability, logistics, and identification of potential issues.
• Participate in programming, conceptual design, and value engineering activities for electrical and other MEP disciplines.
• Integrate 3D/4D modeling into electrical design and preconstruction planning.
• Prepare and present electrical and overall MEP budgetary estimates based on schematic and program design information.
• Maintain electrical historical cost data and support the assessment of market conditions for pricing and partner selection.
• Evaluate electrical design changes, develop value‑add alternatives with cost impacts, and ensure alignment of electrical scope, budget, and schedule.
• Lead electrical trade partner selection, including bid package development, proposal analysis, interviews, and final award recommendations.
• Support contract development to ensure clear electrical scope definitions and performance expectations.
• Identify and resolve electrical design and specification issues while ensuring consistency with the project execution plan.
• Oversee quality assurance for electrical systems and support planning for commissioning and turnover.
• Act as a primary point of contact with owners, architects, engineers, and electrical trade partners during the design phase.
• Lead integrated project team meetings to ensure collaboration, communication, and coordination across all disciplines.
• Ensure required regulatory approvals and permits related to electrical systems are obtained.
• Manage and mentor design‑phase team members through coaching, clear direction, and performance management.
• Track progress against design milestones, maintain construction readiness, and ensure a smooth transition to field operations.
• Foster a collaborative, integrated team environment while maintaining alignment on scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction engineering, architectural engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 8 years of construction or pre-construction experience, preferably with a General Contractor, Electrical contractor, or MEP engineering firm.
• Data center, healthcare, or industrial project experience is preferred, though other project sectors will also be considered.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem‑solving, initiative, and teamwork skills.
• Thorough knowledge of electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, low‑voltage, and integration with mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, estimating, scheduling, budget management, cost control, construction drawings, specifications, and industry standards.
• Thorough understanding of applicable building codes, particularly NEC, NFPA standards, IBC, IMC, IFC, and energy codes, or the ability to quickly interpret them.
• Experience with preconstruction and design tools such as BuildingConnected, CCTO, WinEst, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office products is advantageous.

Compensation Details

Salary Range: $120k - $180k

Compensation for this role includes a base salary plus an annual discretionary bonus. Details on our benefits can be found on the Benefits tab within the Careers section of the website.

Power Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Power Construction is committed to increasing opportunities for historically disadvantaged workers (including women and members of disproportionately affected racial and ethnic groups), as well as residents of marginalized communities.