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: United States (Remote)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Civil Engineering / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end civil design lifecycle for data center projects, from initial due diligence through construction administration, ensuring adherence to project scope, schedule, and quality standards within a Go-To-Market (GTM) context.

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation and efficiency in civil and utility infrastructure planning and execution for hyper-scale and colocation facilities.

• Proactively manage project risks, stakeholder communications, and change management processes to ensure successful project delivery and client satisfaction, directly impacting GTM timelines for new data center deployments.

• Develop and present technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, contributing to AECOM's business development efforts and securing new GTM opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Civil Design Manager," has significant operational implications for data center development, impacting the speed and efficiency of bringing new facilities online. The emphasis on GTM readiness, client-facing responsibilities, and project management strongly aligns it with revenue and sales operations principles within the infrastructure consulting domain. The remote nature and U.S. focus suggest a need for strong remote collaboration tools and an understanding of diverse regional regulations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage due diligence, campus planning, and civil design efforts for greenfield and existing data center sites, ensuring compliance with client requirements and regulatory standards.

• Oversee the design of critical civil infrastructure, including mass grading, stormwater management systems, utility prepositioning (power, telecommunications, water/wastewater), and site access roads.

• Develop and enforce multi-site project and program management plans, ensuring consistent execution across various data center projects.

• Facilitate and lead client and external stakeholder meetings, effectively communicating project progress, risks, and solutions to ensure alignment and buy-in.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, developing creative solutions to overcome challenges and maintain project momentum.

• Manage change throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring clear communication and documentation for both internal teams and external clients.

• Develop compelling technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, contributing to AECOM's business development pipeline.

• Cultivate strong, trusting relationships with clients and sub-consultant partners through proactive engagement and reliable delivery.

• Coach and mentor junior engineering staff, supporting their professional development and fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement within the operations team.

• Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and strategic thinking to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement in project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership and operational management, crucial for the successful and timely delivery of data center infrastructure. The emphasis on "multi-site project and program management plans" and "developing technical and financial proposals" directly links this role to the operational efficiency and business development aspects of AECOM's GTM strategy for data centers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering is required.

• A Master's degree in Civil or Construction Engineering, or Business Administration, is preferred, indicating a need for both technical depth and strategic business acumen. Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in civil engineering, with a strong emphasis on managing complex infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience specifically with colocation and hyper-scale data center projects is a critical requirement, showcasing practical application of skills in this specialized sector.

• Six (6) years of experience in industrial and data center design and/or project management is preferred, suggesting a preference for candidates with a deep understanding of the sector's nuances. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License: Essential for demonstrating professional competency and accountability in civil engineering design and oversight.

• Civil Engineering Design Principles: Expertise in grading, drainage, utility coordination, and site planning for large-scale industrial facilities.

• Data Center Infrastructure Knowledge: Understanding of the unique civil and utility requirements specific to data centers, including power, cooling, and telecommunications infrastructure.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and quality from conception to completion.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Skill in identifying potential project risks and developing proactive strategies to address them.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client interaction, team leadership, and reporting. Preferred Skills:

• Lean Six Sigma Certification: Demonstrates a commitment to process improvement, efficiency, and quality management, highly relevant for operational excellence.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional: Indicates specialized knowledge in data center design and operational reliability, a significant advantage for this role.

• Leadership in Data Center Organizations: Active participation in industry groups highlights a commitment to the sector and a strong professional network.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to guide, motivate, and develop engineering teams.

• Business Acumen: Understanding of proposal development, client relationship management, and financial aspects of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a P.E. license, extensive experience in data center projects, and preferred certifications like Lean Six Sigma or Uptime Institute accreditation points to a role that demands both technical expertise and a strong operational mindset. These qualifications are key for candidates aiming to excel in managing the complex infrastructure requirements of data centers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant data center civil design projects managed from concept through construction. Highlight your specific role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Process Improvement Examples: Include documentation or descriptions of processes you've optimized for efficiency, quality, or risk mitigation in previous roles, particularly related to design review, stakeholder communication, or project planning.

• System Implementation Insights: If applicable, detail instances where you influenced or managed the implementation of design or project management software/tools to improve team workflow or data accuracy.

• Client Collaboration Examples: Provide evidence of successful client engagement, proposal development, or relationship management, demonstrating your ability to meet client needs and secure new business.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and refining civil engineering workflows, from initial site assessment and conceptualization through detailed design and permitting.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail how you've ensured smooth implementation of designs, managed sub-consultant coordination, and potentially utilized technology to automate repetitive tasks or improve data flow.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for design projects, track progress against them, and analyze outcomes to inform future project strategies and operational improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not only showcase technical design capabilities but also demonstrate strong project management, process optimization, and client engagement skills. The ability to articulate how you've improved efficiency, managed risks, and delivered successful outcomes in previous data center projects will be critical for evaluation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $130,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

• This range reflects a senior-level position with significant responsibility, requiring specialized expertise in data center civil design and project management. The compensation is competitive for a remote, U.S.-based role within the infrastructure consulting sector, considering the demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly growing data center market. Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability benefits (short-term and long-term).

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options.

• Access to voluntary benefits for personalized coverage.

• Flexible work options and well-being resources to support work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Business travel insurance for required travel.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) allowing employees to buy company stock at a discount. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Given the remote nature and the dynamic demands of data center projects, flexibility may be required to meet client needs, project deadlines, and cross-functional team collaboration across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $130,000 - $180,000 USD annually is a strong indicator of the experience and specialized skills required for this Civil Design Manager role, particularly within the high-demand data center sector. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for a large, established firm like AECOM and aims to support employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• AECOM operates within the Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering industry, a critical sector supporting global development, urban planning, and technological advancement. Specifically, they are a leader in Data Center Consulting, a high-growth segment driven by increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. The company's involvement in data centers places them at the forefront of technological infrastructure development. Company Size:

• AECOM is a large, global organization, typically employing over 50,000 professionals worldwide. This scale offers employees access to a vast network of expertise, diverse project opportunities, and robust career development resources. For operations professionals, this means exposure to complex, large-scale projects and established operational frameworks. Founded:

• AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it over a century of experience and a deep-rooted history in engineering and infrastructure. This longevity signifies stability, extensive industry knowledge, and a proven track record in delivering complex projects across various sectors. Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role likely sits within AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, specifically supporting the Data Center Consulting (DCS) group. The team is expected to be geographically dispersed, given the remote nature of this position, but will collaborate closely with other AECOM regional offices and global subject matter experts.

• Reporting Structure: The Civil Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or vice president within the Data Center Consulting or Buildings & Places leadership. They will manage a team of civil engineers, designers, and potentially project coordinators.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with internal AECOM teams (e.g., structural, MEP, electrical engineers, project managers, environmental specialists) and external stakeholders (clients, utility providers, regulatory agencies, sub-consultants).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data analytics for project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery.

• Integrated Design Processes: The company promotes collaborative, integrated design approaches to optimize project outcomes and streamline workflows, particularly crucial for complex data center projects.

• Innovation and Technology Adoption: AECOM actively seeks and implements innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance design capabilities, improve project efficiency, and deliver sustainable solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's long history and global presence provide a stable yet dynamic environment for operations professionals. The emphasis on data-driven methodologies, integrated design, and innovation aligns well with the evolving needs of the data center industry, offering significant opportunities for impact and professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a Senior Manager/Lead within the Civil Design and Data Center Operations segment. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in civil engineering and data center infrastructure, coupled with robust project management and team leadership capabilities. The scope involves managing complex, multi-site projects and contributing to business development through proposal generation. Reporting Structure:

• The Civil Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive within AECOM's Data Center Consulting or Buildings & Places divisions, likely a Director or Vice President. They will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of civil engineers and designers, providing technical guidance and project oversight. Operations Impact:

• The Civil Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for data center development. By ensuring efficient, high-quality civil design and infrastructure planning, they directly impact the speed at which new data center facilities can be brought online. Successful project execution, risk mitigation, and client satisfaction contribute to AECOM's reputation and ability to secure future business, driving revenue growth and market leadership in the data center consulting space. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced data center civil engineering, such as complex stormwater management for large campuses, specialized utility coordination, or sustainable site development practices.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into roles such as Director of Civil Engineering, Program Manager for large-scale data center portfolios, or lead client relationship manager for major accounts.

• Business Development: Develop skills in strategic client engagement, proposal management, and market analysis, potentially moving into a business development or client account management role focused on the data center sector.

• Operational Excellence: Lead initiatives focused on improving design processes, implementing new technologies, or enhancing project management methodologies across AECOM's data center operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression, moving from technical management to broader operational leadership and business development within the lucrative data center market. The emphasis on remote work also provides flexibility for individuals seeking to balance professional ambitions with personal life.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is a fully remote position based in the U.S. While remote work is the primary mode, AECOM encourages office attendance if a physical office is proximal, facilitating in-person collaboration and team building when beneficial. This hybrid approach aims to balance flexibility with the advantages of face-to-face interaction. Office Location(s):

• While the role is remote, AECOM has numerous office locations across the U.S. The primary location listed is Arlington, Virginia, but candidates can be based from a variety of U.S. locations where AECOM maintains an office. This broad geographic flexibility is a key advantage for remote talent. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, expect a highly collaborative virtual environment. This will involve extensive use of video conferencing, project management software, and digital collaboration tools to connect with teams, clients, and stakeholders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's suite of design and project management software, including CAD/BIM tools, project scheduling platforms, and communication suites, will be essential. Proficiency and adaptability to these tools are critical.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual team meetings, design reviews, and client calls will be standard. Opportunities for in-person collaboration may arise for key project milestones or client meetings, requiring occasional travel.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the nature of data center projects and client demands may necessitate occasional flexibility in working hours to accommodate urgent issues, client availability across time zones, or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this position requires a candidate who is self-disciplined, proficient in virtual collaboration tools, and capable of managing their workload effectively without direct, daily in-person supervision. Occasional travel for critical meetings underscores the importance of adaptability and client-facing presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on alignment with minimum qualifications (P.E. license, experience in data centers).

2. Technical Interview: Expect a detailed discussion with engineering leaders focusing on your civil engineering expertise, data center project experience, and problem-solving capabilities. Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges and solutions.

3. Project/Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, design approach, challenges, and outcomes. This is where you demonstrate your understanding of process optimization and impact.

4. Managerial/Team Fit Interview: This stage assesses your leadership style, collaboration approach, risk management strategies, and cultural fit within AECOM's operations teams.

5. Final Interview (Optional): May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Data Center Projects: Prioritize case studies directly related to colocation and hyper-scale data centers. If limited, include relevant industrial or large-scale infrastructure projects and clearly articulate transferable skills.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the client's objective, your specific responsibilities, the design challenges, the solutions implemented (highlighting innovative or efficient approaches), key metrics (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction), and the final outcome.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Explicitly call out instances where you improved design workflows, managed risks effectively, or enhanced client communication. Quantify these improvements whenever possible.

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Showcase your ability to lead teams, manage sub-consultants, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions, project management approach, and how you handle specific operational challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical data center site and asked to outline your approach to due diligence, site planning, and civil infrastructure design, including key considerations and potential challenges.

• Project Management Scenario: You could be presented with a project delay or scope change and asked how you would manage the situation, communicate with stakeholders, and mitigate risks.

• Process Improvement Exercise: Prepare to discuss how you would approach optimizing a specific design process (e.g., stormwater management review, utility coordination) for efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Success in this role's application process hinges on demonstrating not just technical proficiency but also strong project management acumen, leadership potential, and a clear understanding of operational efficiency within the data center context. A well-curated portfolio that highlights these aspects will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Expertise in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially Bentley Systems products (e.g., OpenRoads) is essential for design and modeling.

• Project Management Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, or similar platforms for virtual communication, meetings, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize tools like Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially more advanced tools for reporting on project performance, risk assessments, and budget tracking.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting project dashboards (e.g., using Power BI, Tableau, or integrated PM software features) to visualize project status, KPIs, and key insights for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles and potentially interacting with client data managed in systems like Salesforce could be beneficial for proposal management and client relationship tracking.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with any tools or scripting capabilities (e.g., basic Python for data tasks, or internal AECOM automation tools) that can streamline repetitive design or administrative tasks.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based document management and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, BIM 360) for managing project documentation and ensuring version control.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a range of design, project management, and collaboration tools is expected. The ability to leverage technology for efficiency, data analysis, and seamless remote collaboration will be a key differentiator for candidates.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, fostering a reliable and trustworthy operational environment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing collective success through open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, essential for managing complex, distributed teams.

• Innovation & Excellence: Striving for continuous improvement, embracing new technologies and methodologies to deliver superior results and push the boundaries of engineering and design.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term partnerships through responsive service and impactful solutions that drive their success.

• Safety & Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of personnel and the public, and integrating sustainable design principles to create resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and frequent communication across all levels and disciplines, utilizing virtual tools to bridge geographical gaps and ensure alignment.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Fostering a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine processes, enhance designs, and support individual and team growth.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across projects and teams, leveraging AECOM's global network.

• Results-Oriented: Maintaining a strong focus on achieving project objectives, meeting deadlines, and delivering tangible value to clients, underpinned by a commitment to operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture emphasizes a strong ethical foundation, collaborative problem-solving, and a forward-thinking approach to innovation and sustainability. For operations professionals, this means being part of a team that values accountability, continuous improvement, and client success in a dynamic global environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a geographically dispersed team requires strong communication, trust-building, and utilization of remote collaboration technologies.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling the demands of various data center projects simultaneously, each with unique client requirements and timelines, necessitates excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring compliance with diverse local, state, and federal regulations across different project sites can be challenging and requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Rapidly Evolving Data Center Technology: Staying abreast of the latest trends in data center design, power, cooling, and IT infrastructure to ensure civil designs are future-proof and efficient.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs on specialized civil engineering topics, data center design principles, and emerging technologies.

• Project Management & Leadership Development: Opportunities to enhance skills in program management, strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership through internal courses and mentorship.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining key industry certifications such as P.E., Lean Six Sigma, or Uptime Institute accreditations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining experience working with a wide array of engineering disciplines and project types within AECOM's diverse portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges in a rapidly growing sector, fostering significant professional development. The company's commitment to learning and development, coupled with the inherent complexity of data center infrastructure projects, provides a fertile ground for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data center civil design project you managed. What were the key challenges, your specific contributions, and the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you approach risk identification and mitigation in large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in a remote management setting?" (Highlight proactive strategies and communication.)

• "Explain your process for developing technical and financial proposals for new client projects. What elements are critical for success?" (Demonstrate business acumen and client focus.)

• "How do you foster a culture of accountability and innovation within a remote engineering team?" (Showcase leadership and team-building strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the data center sector, and why are you interested in contributing to our GTM strategy?" (Research their projects and align your motivations.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and sub-consultants, especially in a remote environment?" (Provide examples of your communication style and tools.)

• "AECOM values sustainability. How would you integrate sustainable design principles into data center civil infrastructure projects?" (Connect to your technical knowledge and company values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Top 2-3 Data Center Projects: Focus on projects that best showcase your management skills, technical expertise, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., schedule savings, cost efficiencies, risk reduction).

• Highlight Process Improvements: Clearly articulate how you improved workflows, implemented best practices, or managed challenges effectively.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to narrate the project lifecycle, your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the successful outcome.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, project management decisions, and leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your experience through the lens of operational efficiency, project success, and client value, particularly within the data center domain. Demonstrating a proactive, strategic, and collaborative approach will be key to impressing the interview panel.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight P.E. licensure, specific years of experience in data center civil design, project management accomplishments, and any relevant certifications (Lean Six Sigma, Uptime Institute). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies of data center civil design projects. Focus on demonstrating your project management, risk mitigation, and process improvement capabilities. Be ready to present these with quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM's Data Center Business: Understand their key projects, clients, and market position. Familiarize yourself with their approach to sustainability and innovation in infrastructure.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to potential strategy, technical, and behavioral questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable, and referencing your portfolio examples.

⚠️ 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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