Senior Associate

VDA; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

VDA is seeking a Senior Associate – Design Services to lead technical and project delivery across design services. This role manages scope, develops specifications, coordinates with architects, developers, owners, and contractors, and ensures execution from concept through construction administration and closeout.

The Senior Associate operates independently on complex assignments, mentors junior staff, maintains schedule adherence, and drives profitability while delivering high-quality design

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 8–12+ years of experience in design services, consulting, or technical project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design services assignments from early planning and through construction administration and closeout
• Define project scope, schedules, and deliverables in coordination with internal teams and clients
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including large and technically complex developments
• Serve as Project Manager or Technical Lead on assigned projects

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Independence

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary Range: $165,000.00 To $185,000.00 Annually

Job Title: Senior Associate – Design Services

Department: Design Services
Location: East Hanover, NJ (or Regional Office)
Reports To: Vice President / Director – Design Services
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Senior Associate – Design Services serves as a lead technical and project delivery resource within the Design Services group. This role is responsible for managing project scope, developing and reviewing technical specifications, coordinating with architects, developers, owners, and contractors, and ensuring successful execution from concept through construction administration and project closeout.

The Senior Associate operates independently on complex assignments, acts as a primary client interface, and mentors junior staff while maintaining technical quality, schedule adherence, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design services assignments from early planning and schematic design through construction administration and closeout
• Define project scope, schedules, and deliverables in coordination with internal teams and clients
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including large and technically complex developments
• Serve as Project Manager or Technical Lead on assigned projects

Technical & Design Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and approve technical specifications, drawings, calculations, and reports
• Coordinate traffic analyses, code compliance reviews, and system/equipment selection as required
• Review submittals, shop drawings, RFIs, and change requests to ensure compliance with design intent and specifications
• Provide technical guidance on layout, system design, constructability, and documentation standards
• Act as a primary point of contact for architects, owners, developers, and contractors
• Lead design coordination meetings and represent the firm independently in client-facing environments
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary design teams to deliver integrated and technically sound solutions
• Communicate clearly and professionally throughout the project lifecycle

Construction Administration Support

• Provide construction phase support including site visits, progress reviews, and technical issue resolution
• Review installation methodologies for compliance with specifications and applicable codes
• Support system testing, inspections, punch lists, and project closeout activities

Mentorship & Internal Leadership

• Mentor and review work prepared by Associates, Design Engineers, and Drafters
• Support development and refinement of internal standards, templates, and tools
• Contribute to continuous improvement of workflows, quality control, and consistency

Financial & Business Responsibility

• Assist with proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimates
• Monitor project hours, budgets, and profitability
• Support client relationships and repeat business opportunities in coordination with leadership

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• 8–12+ years of experience in design services, consulting, or technical project delivery
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, and applicable codes
• Experience coordinating with architects, owners, and contractors
• Ability to review and interpret technical drawings and calculations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM tools preferred

Professional Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform site visits and field observations as required
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally

Additional Notes

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and may evolve based on business needs, project demands, and organizational structure.