Senior Design Manager (Dams / Hydraulic structures / Tunnels) - Panama

GateSource HR is seeking a Senior Design Manager for a major water infrastructure programme in Panama. The role will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering design activities and ensure effective integration between design, constructability, and construction delivery.

Key responsibilities

Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams. Manage design interfaces across civil, structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, tunnelling, and construction disciplines. Oversee design reviews, constructability assessments, technical compliance, and quality assurance. Coordinate design activities with construction planning and execution.

Manage technical risks, design changes, value engineering, and stakeholder requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Geotechnical, Hydraulic Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree in an applicable engineering discipline, Construction Management, or a related field. Registered or licensed Professional Engineer, or an equivalent professional licence. At least 20 years of professional experience managing and coordinating the design of major infrastructure projects.

Demonstrated experience integrating design with construction activities and constructability reviews. Participation in the design of at least two comparable projects, each with a construction value of US$100 million or more. Relevant experience in dams, hydraulic structures, tunnels, water infrastructure, or comparable heavy civil projects.

Highly preferred profile More than 30 years of professional experience. Design leadership experience on at least two comparable projects exceeding US$400 million each. Strong understanding of complex design interfaces, technical assurance, and design-build delivery. International project and multidisciplinary consulting experience.

Professional working proficiency in English; Spanish is an advantage.

Benefits

Compensation, mobilisation, rotation, and assignment conditions will be discussed with shortlisted candidates after technical qualification. Looking to hire in Panama? Learn more about GateSource HR’s Panama recruitment and executive search services.