Director of Site Design

Location: Durham, NC

Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

Reports To: VP of Deployment

Target Base Range: $130k - 140k

This role requires a full-time onsite presence in Durham, NC (with some travel required)

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and who do not require current or future visa sponsorship of any sort.

About Us: Are you ready to electrify your career and drive the future of sustainable transportation? Join IONNA, the groundbreaking joint venture founded by eight automotive titans, as we redefine the EV charging landscape across North America.

Job Summary: The Director of Site Design will lead the Site Design function within the Deployment organization, ensuring that all site layouts meet product standards and are submitted to the AHJ consistently. This role will manage a team responsible for supporting Site Acquisition and driving 1st AHJ submission on contracted sites. The Director will play a critical role in vendor management, design governance, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, scalable EV charging sites.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Site Design team, including Test Fit Designer and the Design Manager to ensure operational excellence.
Ensure all site designs align with Product Standards and lifecycle stage requirements.
Provide design guidance and technical direction to internal teams and external vendors.
Review and approve design deliverables prior to AHJ submission.
Manage relationships with Architect & Engineering (A&E) firms, Canopy vendors, Low Voltage design vendors, and other design partners.
Negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and enforce KPIs for quality and timeliness.
Partner with Site Acquisition, Construction, and Product teams to ensure seamless handoffs and design feasibility.
Support strategic initiatives to optimize design processes and reduce cycle times.
Develop and maintain design standards, templates, and best practices.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sites Submitted to AHJ: Number of sites successfully submitted to the AHJ
SLA Adherence: % of time internal team meets operational SLA targets
Design Cost Variance: % variance between actual design costs and approved budget

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
10+ years in site design, architecture, or engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.
Proven experience driving external design vendors and internal design teams to achieve aggressive production targets
Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Ability to work closely with Product Team to translate product definitions into scalable design standards.
Strong understanding of permitting processes and AHJ requirements.

Why IONNA?

Be part of a pioneering venture backed by the world's leading automakers.
Work with state-of-the-art technology that's reshaping the automotive industry.
Contribute directly to a sustainable future powered by renewable energy.
Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your ideas can make a real difference.
Unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and visibility in a rapidly expanding field.

Join the Charge This isn't just a job - it's your chance to be a driving force in the EV revolution, with unparalleled exposure to industry leaders and decision-makers.

Based in Durham, NC, with a hybrid work model, you'll have the flexibility to innovate and the resources to succeed.

Are you ready to electrify your career, gain exceptional visibility, and leave your mark on the future of transportation?

IONNA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices through a competitive base salary, as well as offering bonus programs, comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, 401(K), and paid holidays. Actual base salaries are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and specific work location.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. IONNA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any legally protected status.