Project Lead Designer at Vic Thompson Company – Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Location: Richland Hills, TX (Hybrid)

Reports to: Director of Design

The Project Lead Designer leads the development and delivery of baggage handling system (BHS) and checked baggage inspection system (CBIS) designs by turning project requirements and client objectives into clear, buildable, and well-organized design solutions. By blending design expertise and leadership, this role drives design accuracy, system reliability, project success, and strengthens VTC’s reputation for elegant baggage handling design.

Key Outcomes

• Design Excellence: Apply VTC methodology and design standards for BHS and CBIS projects to produce system designs in a 3D environment that support contract requirements, project objectives, and successful execution.
• Design Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers by providing day-to-day guidance, supporting professional growth, and reinforcing accountability and ownership while ensuring design quality.
• Design Team Planning: Collaborate with the Design Director to ensure design schedules, staffing, and priorities are aligned so projects remain appropriately resourced, on schedule, and positioned for successful execution.
• Project Support: Support the project managers' coordination with architects, engineers, and other project participants to reduce clashes and conflicts, improve constructability, and keep design packages aligned across disciplines.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure Contractor submittals and other contract documents related to design are accurate, consistent, meet expectations, aligned with VTC standards and project requirements, and best practices.
• Risk Management: Identify potential issues in design and construction phases, recommending proactive solutions to safeguard safety, quality, and schedule.
• Construction Support: When answering RFIs and providing design clarifications to Contractors, ensure design intent remains clear, and questions and issues are resolved in a timely and practical manner.
• Field Evaluation: Validate design solutions through site surveys and system evaluations, and participate with testing to ensure designs reflect field conditions and support successful project delivery.
• Innovation: Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, workflows, and tools to advance VTC design capabilities.
• Communication and Reporting: To ensure the team meet project and department goals by maintaining clear communication, assisting the project managers with project reports, and working closely with project managers and the Design Director to review progress, identify, and address issues early.
• Client Partnership: Provide technical expertise and clear communication with clients and stakeholders, reinforcing VTC’s reputation as a trusted partner.

Success Profile

• Balances technical expertise with leadership and collaboration.
• Creates an environment of accountability, development, and high performance for the design team.
• Builds credibility with Clients, Contractors, Stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Champions accuracy and quality in every design deliverable.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment managing multiple projects and deadlines.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus potential.
• 100% company-paid medical coverage available on select plans for you and your family.
• 401(k) with 5% company match +5 annual contribution.
• 15 days of paid vacation.
• Paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Professional development and education reimbursement opportunities.

VTC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (example: Mechanical) or equivalent experience.
• Five years of engineering design experience with baggage handling systems or similar systems.
• Professionally licensed preferred or the ability and willingness to obtain license is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with 3D design software (Revit, AutoCAD); experience with Navisworks, ReCap, and Bluebeam Revu a plus.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand construction documents and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; Microsoft Project preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to explain technical issues clearly.

Travel Requirements

• Travel required periodically (approximately 15 - 20%). This could include short trips for site evaluations or longer trips to project support activities. Travel frequency will vary based on project needs and phase of work.
• Must be able to receive airport security clearance for work within an airport environment.
• Physically able to traverse ladders and stairs in an airport environment