Technical Lead (Design Manager)

About the Company

Built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and commitment, JPI stands out as one of the most active real estate developers and builders in the nation. For more than 35 years, JPI has designed and developed communities with best-in-class homes and amenities. JPI is committed to data-driven management and continuous improvement, utilizing unparalleled market research, proven business processes, and proprietary models to ensure strategic decisions and exceptional multifamily communities with the best risk-adjusted returns.

JPI operates as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry, recognized as one of the largest home builders in the United States. The company’s purpose is to Transform Building, Enhance Communities, and Improve Lives, fostering a positive and dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal development and growth.

JPI has received industry recognition including:

• NMHC - #1 Fastest Growing Developer; #2 Fastest Growing Builder; #8 Largest National Developer; #11 Largest National Builder
• Real Page – Most active multifamily developer in DFW for the past 8 years
• Dallas Business Journal Best Places to Work – 2023
• Dallas Business Journal – Largest DFW Real Estate Developers - #11

About the Role

The Technical Lead acts as a bridge between design, construction, and development teams, ensuring that designs are executable, operationally sound, and aligned with cost and schedule objectives. This position reports to the Director, DfX and is located in Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities

• Design Phase Risk Management: Lead constructability reviews and de-risking sessions during each design milestone. Coordinate with consultants and trade partners to validate critical systems for install and serviceability. Develop and maintain a risk register and mitigation plan through the design phase. Audit drawing packages and flag design elements that historically cause rework or schedule impacts.
• Operational Requirements & Design Translation: Work with operations, property management, and facilities teams to codify technical operational requirements. Ensure these requirements are embedded into construction documents with detailed annotations and references. Lead feasibility studies when site constraints (e.g., tight setbacks, utility conflicts) challenge standard solutions.
• Value Analysis: Support final Best Value decisions in collaboration with construction, design, and development teams and ensure that they are reflected in IFC (issued for construction) drawings sets. Evaluate alternative systems or materials that offer lifecycle cost benefits without sacrificing design intent. Validate Best Value suggestions with historical cost data and constructability input from trade partners.
• VDC & Design for Execution (DFX): Support BIM/VDC utilization to align clash detection with sequencing and layout planning. Monitor model and standard compliance across disciplines.
• Long-Lead Submittals: Coordinate early submittal packages for long-lead materials. Ensure alignment between design details and vendor shop drawings or prefabrication specs. Interface with design team to identify and eliminate documentation gaps.
• Logistics & Site Phasing: Create comprehensive site logistics plans aligned with construction duration (OPC), safety zones, and delivery flow. Validate takt zone layout with project scheduling and collaborate with superintendents to confirm constructability. Manage pre-approval workflows for JPI-certified subs and track the status of long-lead items. Oversee early-stage site utilization planning to inform leasing and development timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 6-10 years of experience in design management and construction, preferably in the multifamily industry.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, drawing details, logistics planning, site phasing, and utility coordination.
• Proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, Oracle Primavera Cloud, AutoCAD, and Revit.
• Proven experience in design feasibility and constructability assessments.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Proficiency in VDC/BIM tools.

Physical requirements include daily co-location and collaboration in a 5-day work week (Monday-Friday).

Benefits

• Competitive Bonus Program
• 4 Weeks PTO for All New Associates (Pro-Rated by Hire Date)
• 11 Holidays and 8 Early Release Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match (Up to 5% Match)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Tuition Assistance
• Phone Reimbursement
• Associate Referral Bonuses

Pay

Annual Base Pay Range: $120,000-$170,000. The actual compensation offered will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity with existing associates, and the Company’s budget at the time of the offer. Additional compensation, such as bonuses or incentive plans, may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.