Design Project Manager

RQ Construction LLC; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RQ Construction LLC in Carlsbad, CA seeks a Design Project Manager (Licensed Architect) to lead design and coordination for multi‑discipline DoD‑related projects. You will oversee architectural documentation, code compliance, and BIM coordination, collaborating with engineers and architects to ensure client satisfaction from schematic design through construction.

The role requires deep technical design expertise, 10+ years of experience, and the ability to travel ~20–30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture (required).
• Licensed/Registered Architect (required).
• NCARB certification (preferred).
• 10+ years’ experience preparing construction documents for projects $30M–$150M.
• Knowledge of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and low‑voltage systems.
• Strong detailing and technical design skills.
• Experience with DoD projects (preferred).
• Proficiency in Revit.
• Ability to lead projects from schematic design through construction documents.
• Familiarity with UFC and applicable codes.
• Willingness to travel ~20–30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from schematic design through construction documents.
• Coordinate across disciplines (civil, structural, MEP, BIM).
• Ensure strong client representation and project delivery.
• Provide technical leadership within the design group.

Skills

Leadership

Revit

Project coordination

DoD experience

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

NCARB certification

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Adobe Suite

SpecsIntact

MS Office

Job description

Design Project Manager - Carlsbad, CA

At RQ Construction, our Carlsbad, California team is looking for a licensed Architect to fill the Design Project Manager role within our Architecture department, supporting military Design-Build projects. In this role, you will contribute to multiple active projects while providing coordination and oversight across several disciplines, including fire protection and life safety, civil engineering, landscape architecture, structural systems, interior design, mechanical and plumbing systems, electrical systems, and telecommunications/audio-visual/security.

You will collaborate closely with engineers and fellow architects to ensure strong client representation and project delivery from start to finish. This position requires serving as a technical leader within the design group, bringing deep expertise in architectural design, construction documentation, building codes, and coordination across varied project types, ideally including Department of Defense (DoD) work.

This role is based out of our Carlsbad, CA office.

Compensation & Benefits:

The estimated salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000 annually. Final compensation will depend on factors such as education, experience, qualifications, and overall skill set.

• Hybrid schedule: In-office Monday through Wednesday, with optional remote work on Thursdays and Fridays
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with competitive employer match
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (required)
• Licensed/Registered Architect (required)
• NCARB certification (preferred)
• Minimum of 10 years' experience preparing construction documents for projects ranging from $30M to $150M
• Solid knowledge of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and low-voltage systems
• Advanced understanding of architectural detailing and technical design
• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) projects (preferred)
• Proficiency in Revit
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from schematic design through construction documentation
• Demonstrated understanding of code implementation, construction practices and methodologies
• Proven leadership, communication, and organizational capabilities
• Familiarity with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and applicable codes
• Willingness to travel approximately 20-30% as needed

Software Skills:

Revit, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Bluebeam, SpecsIntact, and Microsoft Office

Since its founding in 1996, RQC, LLC. has built a strong reputation as a key contributor to Southern California's commercial and government Design-Build sector. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and operates regional offices and project sites across the United States, including an expanding presence in Jacksonville, FL.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices) marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer, and genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis or status protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation.

All candidates considered for hire must provide evidence of identity and U.S. work authorization at the time of hire. Additionally, all candidates must successfully pass a drug screening and commercial criminal background check, including a stricter Department of Defense background check, for access to job site at military base (if applicable for position being hired for).