Sr. Project Design Manager

For more than a decade, Island Exterior Fabricators (IEF) has operated as a privately owned practice specializing in the delivery of bespoke, high-performing prefabricated facade systems. Our 50-acre manufacturing campus is headquartered in Calverton, New York, and supported by design and engineering offices in Manhattan, Boston, and Hartford.

Our organization is fully self-sustained, supported by state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that enable us to deliver a high-quality product. Our production capabilities, installation network, and bonding capacity allow Island to complete large-scale, complex projects in a timely, efficient manner.

Job Summary: As a Sr. Project Design Manager at IEF, you will be accountable for leading the design execution of projects from concept through fabrication. This role serves as the central point of coordination between internal design teams, project managers, production, and external partners to ensure that design deliverables meet project specifications, client expectations, and schedule requirements. The Design Manager oversees the development and review of technical drawings, submittals, and fabrication models, while managing design risks, maintaining documentation, and guiding team performance.

Accountabilities:

• Maintain a structured and organized project folder using server or cloud systems, ensuring accessible and up-to-date design documentation.
• Develop and maintain the project submittal schedule in coordination with the production, installation, and material lead times. Collaborate with Project Manager, Materials Manager, System Design Lead, and Fabrication Lead to align design deliverables with project milestones.
• Lead internal or external design teams to meet project deadlines. Delegate tasks, provide supervision, and support the professional growth of junior team members.
• Review and approve all system/shop drawings, thermal analyses, and structural calculations. Identify and escalate design risks to the Project Manager and collaborate on resolution strategies.
• Prepare and submit samples, material specifications, LEED documentation, shop drawings, RFIs, and engineering submittals while maintaining accurate logs. Ensure alignment with project specifications and architectural intent.
• Perform final checks of fabrication models to ensure consistency with shop drawings, RFIs, and the overall design intent before release to production.
• Interpret and utilize architectural, structural, and specification documents. Submit and log RFIs and ensure design packages comply with all project documentation.
• Actively participate in Design Assist meetings. Collaborate with business development, project teams, and external partners to manage project scope and client expectations.

Authorities:

• Direct internal and external design team members; allocate tasks and provide final approval on design deliverables before submission or release.
• Own the design submittal schedule and have authority to escalate or revise timelines in coordination with cross-functional leads.
• Approve and submit design-related RFIs, shop drawings, and engineering packages on behalf of the design team.
• Authority to assess and communicate design risks, and initiate mitigation plans in partnership with the Project Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Architecture, Engineering (civil, structural, mechanical) or related field 5 years of Curtain Wall/Facade experience, minimum
• Intermediate knowledge 2D drafting and 3D modeling using tools like Autodesk Suite (CAD, Inventor, NavisWorks), Rhino, Revu Bluebeam, and BIM platforms.)
• Strong knowledge of curtain wall systems, façade materials, and construction methods to ensure design solutions are practical, cost-effective, and compliant.

Salary Range: $135,500 - $170,200

Location: Manhattan, NY *Open to All Locations; Hartford CT, Boston MA, or Bloomington, MN

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00PM - Hybrid

Benefits: 401(k) matching, AD&D insurance, Dental insurance, Family leave, Flexible schedule, Flexible spending account Gym membership, Health insurance, Health savings account, Life insurance, Paid time off, Parental leave, Professional development assistance, Vision insurance.

ADA Requirements: The position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer, along with sufficient manual dexterity to operate computers, mobile devices, and related IT equipment. The role may occasionally involve lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, as well as bending, crawling, or climbing—such as accessing under desks or server racks. Candidates must possess the ability to concentrate, troubleshoot, and solve problems in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills. The role also demands effective task prioritization, management of multiple simultaneous support requests, and a capacity to quickly learn and adapt to evolving technologies and tools.

Island Exterior Fabricators is an equal-opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Island Exterior Fabricators and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Island, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Island mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Island employees, or to Island's resume database will be considered Island property. Island will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.