Civil Design Manager, Data Center Sites - Remote (U.S.)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Design Manager, Data Center Sites - Remote (U.S.)

Company: AECOM

Location: Remote (U.S.) - Primary consideration for Arlington, Virginia, with Dallas, Texas also listed as an alternative.

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Infrastructure & Design Management

Date Posted: June 23, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (U.S. based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic Infrastructure Design Leadership: Drive the full lifecycle of civil design for hyperscale and colocation data centers, encompassing due diligence, campus planning, detailed design, and construction administration.

• Project & Program Management Excellence: Develop and execute multi-site project and program management plans, ensuring projects meet client requirements, timelines, and quality standards.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a key client-facing representative, fostering strong relationships and managing communication with clients, sub-consultants, and internal teams.

• Risk Management & Problem Solving: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks with innovative solutions, ensuring seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Coach and mentor junior engineering staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous professional growth within the operations and design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Civil Design Manager" might suggest a purely technical role, the emphasis on "Data Center Sites," "hyperscale," "colocation," "program management plans," "client-facing," and "team leadership" clearly places this role within the broader operational framework of GTM (Go-To-Market) for AECOM's data center services. This role is crucial for operationalizing the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams for greenfield and modification projects, focusing on data center civil and utility infrastructure.

• Oversee critical design components including prototype development, test fitting, mass grading, stormwater management, and utility prepositioning (power, telecommunications, water/wastewater).

• Develop and implement comprehensive multi-site project and program management plans to ensure consistent delivery across various locations.

• Orchestrate and lead client and external stakeholder meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals and progress.

• Proactively manage project changes, communicate impacts to all stakeholders, and facilitate timely resolution of issues.

• Conduct thorough site due diligence and campus planning to optimize facility layouts and infrastructure placement.

• Develop compelling technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects and existing facility modifications.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients, sub-consultants, and partner stakeholders.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior civil engineers and design staff, supporting their professional development and fostering a culture of excellence.

• Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and strategic thinking within the project delivery team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight and operational management. The emphasis on "multi-site project and program management plans," "client-facing," "technical and financial proposals," and "client and sub/partner consultant stakeholders" indicates a significant operational component beyond pure civil engineering design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required.

• Master's degree in Civil or Construction Engineering, or Business Administration is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in civil engineering, with a strong emphasis on design and project management.

• Demonstrated experience managing projects within the industrial and data center sectors, specifically colocation and hyperscale environments.

• Experience in construction administration and managing design through to completion. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License is mandatory.

• Proven experience in the design of industrial and data center civil and utility infrastructure.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Expertise in civil engineering principles including grading, stormwater management, and utility design.

• Ability to develop and manage technical and financial proposals. Preferred Skills:

• Lean Six Sigma Certification for process optimization.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional for data center design standards.

• Active leadership or participation in data center and mission-critical industry organizations.

• Team leadership and coaching capabilities.

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills for client interactions and team management.

• Ability to thrive in dynamic, time-sensitive environments with minimal oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The P.E. license and specific data center experience are critical. The preferred qualifications like Lean Six Sigma and Uptime Institute accreditation point towards a need for operational efficiency and adherence to industry best practices, common in high-stakes GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant data center or industrial infrastructure projects, detailing your role, the scope of civil design, and key challenges overcome.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include examples of implemented process improvements in design workflows, project management, or stakeholder communication that led to measurable efficiency gains.

• System Implementation Standards: Demonstrate understanding of how civil infrastructure integrates with other data center systems (power, cooling, IT) and how to manage design interfaces.

• ROI Demonstration: For at least one project, articulate how your civil design decisions contributed to cost savings, accelerated project timelines, or improved operational efficiency for the client.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide evidence of designing and refining civil engineering design workflows for consistency and scalability across multiple projects.

• Implementation & Automation: Illustrate experience with implementing design standards and leveraging technology (e.g., BIM, GIS) to enhance design delivery efficiency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design quality, schedule adherence, and budget management for civil infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical design but also project management rigor, client communication efficacy, and process improvement is essential. It validates the "Manager" aspect and the operational delivery of complex projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $130,000 - $180,000 USD annually. This range reflects the senior-level nature of the role, the specialized expertise required in data center civil design and management, and the high demand for such professionals in the current market. The specific offer will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and location within the U.S. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life and Disability: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Disability Benefits.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off, Leaves of Absences.

• Additional Support: Voluntary Benefits, Perks, Well-being Resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Financial & Retirement: Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Service Recognition Awards.

• Professional Development: Business Travel Insurance, Flexible Work Options.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. While remote, flexibility may be available, but consistent availability for client meetings, team collaboration, and project deadlines is expected. Occasional travel will require adherence to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level engineering management role with specialized data center experience in the U.S. The extensive benefits package is typical for a large, established firm like AECOM, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering Services. AECOM operates globally, serving clients in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. Their data center practice is a significant and growing segment, focusing on delivering complex, mission-critical facilities.

Company Size: Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This indicates a large, structured organization with established processes and significant resources.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, with the current AECOM entity formed through mergers and acquisitions. This heritage suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and a robust operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Data Center Practice: This role sits within AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, specifically within the DCS (Data Center Solutions) group. The team likely comprises specialized engineers, designers, project managers, and subject matter experts focused on data center development.

• Reporting: The Civil Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or vice president within the Data Center practice, overseeing a direct team of civil engineers and potentially managing sub-consultant relationships.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, structural, and IT infrastructure teams, as well as project managers, client relationship managers, and business development personnel, is critical for successful project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on utilizing data for site selection, planning, and design optimization, ensuring resilience and efficiency.

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting specific client needs and project requirements through tailored solutions.

• Process Standardization: Development and application of standardized design processes and project management methodologies across multiple projects to ensure quality and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and global presence mean that operations roles here often involve managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with a strong emphasis on process, quality, and client satisfaction. The data center focus adds a layer of urgency and technical specialization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within AECOM's operations and project delivery framework for the data center sector. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in civil engineering and proven leadership in managing complex design projects and client relationships.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into senior leadership within the Data Center Solutions (DCS) group, likely a Director or VP of Engineering/Design. The Civil Design Manager will likely manage a team of civil engineers and potentially other design professionals.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the successful and efficient delivery of data center projects, which are critical revenue-generating assets for AECOM's clients. Effective civil design and infrastructure planning are foundational to data center functionality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, directly influencing client satisfaction and AECOM's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Civil Design, Program Director for large data center portfolios, or regional leadership positions within the Data Center practice.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in advanced data center design concepts, sustainable infrastructure, or specific client account management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Management: Opportunity to gain broader management experience across multiple engineering disciplines within the data center development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within a large firm like AECOM for a Civil Design Manager in a high-demand sector like data centers is typically strong, with clear avenues for vertical and horizontal growth. The "operations" aspect is in managing the delivery pipeline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Remote-first role for U.S. based employees. While remote work is the primary mode, AECOM encourages office attendance if an office is nearby, suggesting a hybrid-friendly culture. Attendance at an AECOM office is mandatory for the first day of employment for onboarding.

Office Location(s): While remote, primary consideration is given to candidates near AECOM offices in Arlington, VA, and Dallas, TX. This implies that while the day-to-day is remote, there might be an expectation to leverage local AECOM resources or attend occasional in-person meetings at these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to utilize digital collaboration tools extensively for team meetings, design reviews, and project communication.

• Technology Access: AECOM likely provides access to necessary design software, project management platforms, and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings with global and domestic teams, fostering a collaborative environment despite geographical distribution.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility inherent in a remote role. However, the demands of client-facing project management, especially in the fast-paced data center industry, may require occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines or client needs. Occasional travel is expected and will require adherence to project schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status with encouragement for office presence suggests a company adapting to hybrid models. For operations roles, maintaining team cohesion and client responsiveness remotely is key, requiring strong communication and digital collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, leadership style, and understanding of data center civil design.

• Technical/Design Review: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design methodologies, challenges, and solutions. This is where the practical application of skills is assessed.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or cross-functional colleagues to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a case study presentation focusing on strategic problem-solving and business acumen.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your specific contributions and quantify the impact (e.g., "Reduced stormwater runoff by X%," "Delivered design X weeks ahead of schedule," "Managed a civil budget of $Y million").

• Highlight Process Improvements: Showcase instances where you identified inefficiencies in design or project delivery and implemented solutions that improved outcomes.

• Client Communication Examples: Be prepared to discuss how you managed client expectations, presented complex technical information, and resolved disputes.

• Data Center Specificity: Ensure your portfolio prominently features data center projects, detailing your understanding of their unique civil requirements (e.g., site selection, utility access, security considerations, future expansion).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready for a hypothetical design challenge or problem-solving scenario related to data center civil infrastructure (e.g., site constraints, utility capacity issues, grading challenges).

• Project Management Case Study: Prepare to walk through a complex project from your portfolio, explaining your management approach, risk mitigation strategies, and how you handled unforeseen issues.

• Stakeholder Management Discussion: Practice articulating how you would manage communication and expectations with diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and technical case studies indicates that AECOM values demonstrated experience and practical problem-solving over theoretical knowledge for this operational management role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Civil Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, or similar platforms is essential for detailed design and drafting.

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Experience with GIS tools for site analysis, mapping, and data management will be beneficial for due diligence and campus planning.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and project tracking.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Experience with BIM workflows and software (e.g., Revit) for integrated design and clash detection.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from site surveys, environmental reports, and utility studies.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating clear and concise reports using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or similar business intelligence tools.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how client interactions are managed in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) can be advantageous for proposal development and client relationship management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other digital collaboration suites for seamless remote teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a modern engineering and operations environment. Proficiency in specialized civil design software is a given, but the ability to integrate this with project management, BIM, and collaborative tools is key for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards and building trust with clients and colleagues through transparent communication and reliable delivery.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet rigorous industry standards and client expectations.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative thinking and the development of novel solutions to complex engineering and project challenges.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring satisfaction through responsive service and impactful project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes collaboration across various engineering disciplines and project management functions to ensure holistic project delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication channels to facilitate quick problem-solving and alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared freely among team members to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values align with a professional services firm focused on client success and technical excellence. For operations roles, these values translate to a focus on efficiency, reliability, and strong stakeholder relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a geographically dispersed team to maintain high performance and cohesive collaboration.

• Fast-Paced Data Center Market: Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of data center technology and client demands in a highly competitive and time-sensitive industry.

• Complex Site Constraints: Addressing challenging site conditions, utility availability, and regulatory requirements inherent in large-scale data center development projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration of civil design with electrical, mechanical, structural, and IT infrastructure, which can be complex in large projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specialized areas like sustainable data center design, advanced stormwater management, or specific hyperscale client requirements.

• Project & Program Management Skills: Access to AECOM's training programs to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and financial management capabilities.

• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, Uptime Institute accreditations, or advanced project management credentials.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders and experienced professionals for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in a rapidly evolving, high-demand sector. AECOM's size and commitment to development offer robust opportunities for professionals looking to grow their careers within specialized operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a complex civil design project with significant site constraints. How did you overcome these challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical acumen, and impact.)

• "How would you approach developing a multi-site civil design program for a major data center client to ensure consistency and efficiency?" (Assess understanding of program management, standardization, and operational scalability.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing client expectations and communicating project status on a critical, time-sensitive project." (Evaluate stakeholder management, communication skills, and client-centric approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in the data center sector, and how do your skills align with our company's mission to 'Deliver a Better World'?" (Gauge cultural fit and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a remote engineering team, and what strategies do you use to ensure accountability?" (Assess leadership style and remote team management capabilities.)

• "How do you measure the success of a civil design project beyond technical completion, considering factors like client satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and long-term operational value?" (Understand their approach to impact measurement and operational ROI.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your project presentations as narratives, detailing the challenge, your approach, the actions taken, and the results achieved.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, site plans, and renderings to illustrate complex design concepts and site layouts.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your design decisions and project management efforts.

• Focus on Management: Emphasize your role in managing teams, stakeholders, and processes, not just the technical design aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing both technical depth and operational leadership. Demonstrating an understanding of AECOM's values and the specific demands of the data center market will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in data center design, civil engineering management, project/program management, and client relations. Use keywords from the job description and AECOM's industry.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant data center or industrial infrastructure projects. Prepare concise summaries that detail your role, key challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present these visually and discuss your process.

• Prepare for Technical & Behavioral Questions: Practice answering questions about your technical expertise, project management methodologies, leadership style, and how you handle complex operational challenges.

• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's mission, values, and their role in the global infrastructure and data center markets. Familiarize yourself with their recent projects and company news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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