Project Design Manager - MEP

Tippmann Group; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based quarterly bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid vacation time

Paid holidays

Job summary

Tippmann Group is seeking a Project Design Manager – MEP at its Fort Wayne, IN office. This role involves leading MEP design and coordination for temperature-controlled buildings and food processing facilities. The Project Design Manager will oversee engineering deliverables, manage subcontractors, and ensure systems are designed and integrated correctly.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and 3+ years of experience in MEP systems design. Benefits include a competitive salary, performance bonuses, paid vacation, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing MEP systems design and installation, preferably in industrial or food processing.
• Solid understanding of HVAC, refrigeration, process utilities, electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform due diligence with site utility networks, coordinating with local providers.
• Lead MEP design and construction activities for temperature-controlled facilities.
• Oversee integration of MEP systems with other designs.
• Support field teams during installation and commissioning.
• Collaborate with estimating teams for budgets and schedules.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP)

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM coordination tools

Job description

Position Summary

Based in the corporate office in Fort Wayne, IN, the Project Design Manager – MEP is responsible for leading the design and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for design-build projects involving temperature-controlled buildings and food processing facilities. This role bridges the gap between design and construction—overseeing engineering deliverables, managing subcontractors and vendors, and ensuring systems are properly designed, integrated, and commissioned to meet project requirements. This position involves a mix of office-based design coordination and on-site project management. Travel to project sites, client facilities, and vendor locations is required as projects demand. Expected travel averages 3-5 nights per month.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in MEP systems with the leadership skills required to manage multidisciplinary design-build projects from concept through turnover.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform up-front due diligence with existing and new site utility networks, availability, and coordination with local providers
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of MEP design and construction activities for temperature‑controlled and food processing facilities.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of internal engineering teams, consultants, engineers of record, and subcontractors to ensure seamless integration of MEP systems with architectural, structural, and process designs.
• Conduct design and coordination meetings with clients, design partners, and construction teams.
• Support field teams during installation, testing, and commissioning, providing technical guidance and resolving design or coordination issues.
• Collaborate with estimating and preconstruction teams to develop MEP scopes, budgets, and schedules for design‑build estimates.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or similar degree

Experience

• 3+ years of experience managing MEP systems design and installation; experience with design-build delivery preferred.
• Background in industrial, food processing, cold storage, or temperature-controlled facility projects preferred.
• Solid understanding of some or all HVAC, refrigeration, process utilities, electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with Revit, Bluebeam, or BIM coordination tools.
• Working knowledge of relevant building codes, NFPA, ASHRAE, and food safety standards.
• Excellent communication, coordination, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based quarterly bonus program
• Vehicle Plan
• Seven paid holidays
• Paid vacation time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Short- and long-term disability as well as life insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match