[gabereiser]

Outside of people telling you the obvious, put your head down, keep doing it for a few years and save/invest, have you tried speaking up?

A simple, “Hey, on the next project, can I be involved in the planning? I have some ideas and would love to contribute them.” might go a long way. You say you have a good manager, what did they say? I know it seems like you aren’t getting anywhere but the reality is, you are. Time, is what you’re banking. The more you stay where you are (for a few more years at least) the better it looks on a resume. From there you’ll have all the creative freedom you can handle.