Job Overview

DESA Glass is a family-owned and operated Canadian company based out of Rocky View, County. We are a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality aluminum products for the new and retrofit construction industry. Our business approach is led by our core values; Safety, Sustainability, People, Integrity, Quality & Innovation. Through these, we navigate the market and align ourselves with vendors, clients and partners alike. Partnering global leaders in the aluminum industry, DESA leverages an extensive product portfolio to offer unique, cutting-edge solutions.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Design Manager leads design assist, design development and project-specific technical solutions for DESA Glass glazing systems. This is a hands-on technical leadership role that translates architectural intent into coordinated, practical details for estimating, shop drawings, fabrication and installation. The role supports curtain wall, window wall, storefront, skylight and specialty glazing projects from pre-construction through construction and closeout.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

· Department: Technical / Drafting & Engineering. Reports directly to the Technical Director.

· The Technical Director sets department priorities, resources and schedules and retains final technical release authority.

· Works alongside the Drafting Lead, who coordinates daily drafting assignments, drawing production, standards and task tracking. Provides technical direction and mentorship to assigned staff; formal direct reports are assigned by the Technical Director.

· Works closely with Estimating, Project Management, Engineering, Production, Installation and QA/QC.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead design-assist reviews, system selection and detail development, balancing performance, aesthetics, cost, schedule, fabrication and installation requirements.

· Develop and improve glazing details, interfaces, anchors, support conditions, movement allowances, tolerances and building envelope continuity in coordination with Engineering.

· Review project drawings, specifications and scope; identify missing information, conflicting requirements and technical risks before drawing production or procurement.

· Produce and review complex drawings and details; resolve design questions and provide clear technical direction to the Drafting Lead and assigned drafters.





· Coordinate consultant comments, RFIs, supplier information and engineering requirements with the project team; maintain a record of agreed technical decisions.

PRIMARY TASKS - DAILY WORKFLOW

· Review design priorities, upcoming submissions, open RFIs and technical blockers with the Technical Director and Drafting Lead; confirm owners and due dates.

· Carry out hands-on design and detailing; check current architectural, structural and supplier information before advancing details.

· Review assigned drawings for dimensions, interfaces, material compatibility, drainage, air/water seals, movement, tolerances and constructability; document required corrections.

· Coordinate engineering review of loads, anchors, connections and performance requirements; refer unresolved engineering matters to the Technical Director.

· Support project kickoffs and design reviews; communicate assumptions, scope gaps and decisions to Estimating and Project Management.

· Resolve fabrication and site questions with Production, Installation and QA/QC; route changes through documented review and revision control.

· Check that consultant comments and internal markups are closed before submission; prepare coordinated packages for Technical Director review and authorized issue.

· Maintain technical issue and decision records, report hours and progress against assigned budgets, and escalate schedule or resource concerns promptly.

· Mentor drafters and engineering graduates; develop reusable details and capture lessons learned for approval through the Technical Director.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

· Apply DESA standards, project requirements and review checklists. Verify that drawing revisions and technical decisions are traceable and coordinated.

· Reduce recurring errors, unresolved comments, fabrication holds and field rework through early design review and clear handoffs.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

· Consider safe fabrication, handling,



access, sequencing and installation in design reviews. Escalate unsafe or impractical details before release.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

· Improve material efficiency and durable building envelope performance; minimize waste and avoidable rework through practical, coordinated detailing.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

· Substantial experience designing and detailing commercial glazing, curtain wall, window wall, storefront or related building envelope systems, including complex project coordination.

· Demonstrated ability to lead design assist, develop buildable technical solutions and mentor technical staff while remaining productive in hands-on drawing work.

· Solid understanding of shop drawings, fabrication packages, glazing interfaces, tolerances, anchorage coordination and construction sequencing.

· Proficiency in AutoCAD and drawing review tools such as Bluebeam. Experience with Revit/BIM, LogiKal, Navisworks or Inventor is an asset.

· Relevant education in architectural technology, engineering, building science or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of technical training and applicable experience.

· Clear communication, sound technical judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities and identify risks early.

FINAL NOTE

Every employee at DESA Glass plays a vital role in driving the success of each project. This role provides the opportunity for professional growth and the chance to impact the ongoing success of DESA Glass's projects.

This document serves as a guide for your role at DESA Glass. It outlines the core responsibilities and expectations but is not exhaustive. As DESA evolves, your role may adapt to meet new challenges and opportunities. We are thrilled to have you as a valued member of our team and look forward to your contributions in shaping our shared success. Thank you for your dedication - together, we can build a future that truly elevates visions.

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- RRSP match

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

- Designing commercial glazing: 5 years (required)
- Glazing interfaces: 5 years (required)
- Design assist: 5 years (required)
- Management: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Senior Design Manager (Rocky View County)
🏢 Desa Glass
📍 Rocky View County