Design Manager - Plumbing

Who We Are

AMPAM is a leading Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractor serving large-scale multifamily and commercial projects across California. With 1,500 employees across multiple business units, we are committed to delivering quality, safety, and excellence in every project.

Job Summary

Design Manager – PLUMBING is responsible for leading and managing the PLUMBING design process for multi-family residential construction projects. This role ensures that PLUMBING systems are designed to meet client requirements, building codes, energy efficiency standards, and project budgets while coordinating with architects, structural engineers, and other MEP disciplines. PLUMBING Design Manager oversees the PLUMBING design team, guides engineering decisions, reviews design deliverables, and ensures that projects are executed efficiently from conceptual design through construction documentation.

Key Responsibilities Include: (But not limited to the following)

PLUMBING Design Leadership

• Lead the PLUMBING design process for multi-family new construction projects, including fixture unit calculations, equipment and pipe sizing, pump, materials, joinery, installation means and methods, and all plumbing related specifications.
• Develop and oversee preparation of construction drawings, specifications, schematics, and schedules.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards (ASHRAE, UPC, ASPE, IECC, CBC, CPC, NEFC, ADA, local energy codes), and client requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the PLUMBING design team.

Team Management & Coordination

• Manage and mentor PLUMBING engineers, designers, and drafters, assigning tasks and monitoring progress.
• Conduct design reviews and provide feedback to ensure accuracy, constructability, and efficiency.
• Facilitate coordination with architectural, structural, and MEP teams to integrate PLUMBING systems seamlessly.
• Monitor and maintain project schedules and budgets related to PLUMBING design deliverables.
• Risk & Change Management: Identify design risks early and implement mitigation strategies; manage RFIs and change orders.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to OSHA and site safety standards during design coordination.
• Pre-Construction Support: Assist in preparing design proposals, cost estimates, and value engineering options.

Project & Client Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for PLUMBING design issues with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Participate in project meetings, presentations, and design coordination sessions.
• Assist in value engineering initiatives to optimize system performance, cost, and energy efficiency.

Quality Assurance & Standards

• Implement QA/QC processes to ensure high-quality PLUMBING design deliverables.
• Maintain design standards, templates, and best practices for PLUMBING design.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and energy-efficient PLUMBING solutions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (required).
• 8+ years of experience in PLUMBING design, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or management role.
• 3+ years of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, required.
• LEED accreditation, or PMP certification preferred.
• Proven experience in multi-family or residential project PLUMBING design.
• Experience with design-build or integrated project delivery is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Revit MEP, AutoCAD, and PLUMBING design calculation software.
• Strong knowledge of all plumbing systems: sanitary, drainage, venting, exhaust, rainwater, domestic water, indirect waste, interceptors, fixtures, and water efficiency and sustainability.
• Familiarity with local building codes, energy codes, and applicable ASHRAE standards.
• Experience with BIM coordination and clash detection.
• Proficiency in Navisworks for clash detection and Bluebeam for document control.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with clients and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis without future employment sponsorship

Recruitment Agencies

To protect the interests of all parties, AMPAM WILL NOT accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AMPAM, including unsolicited resumes sent directly to AMPAM leaders/managers/coworkers or to AMPAM's database will be considered AMPAM property. AMPAM will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Inquiries from external recruitment agencies should be directed ONLY to our talent acquisition team.