Data Center Deputy Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Deputy Design Manager

Company: AECOM

Location: Bucharest, Romania

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering and Design Management (Data Centers)

Date Posted: 2026-05-25T10:48:12.638

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and support the multidisciplinary design delivery for complex Data Center projects within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities portfolio.

• Coordinate and manage diverse design teams, including architecture, MEP, structures, civil, fire, and security, to ensure integrated and high-quality project outcomes.

• Uphold and enforce AECOM's design standards, QA/QC protocols, and specific Data Center best practices throughout the entire design lifecycle.

• Drive technical excellence, identify and mitigate design risks, and ensure design deliverables are accurate, complete, and constructible.

• Act as a key liaison, fostering strong communication and collaboration with internal project managers, design managers, technical leads, and external client stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within AECOM's "Enterprise Capabilities" team, which functions as a global workshare and specialist service provider. The Deputy Design Manager will operate at a senior level, contributing to complex Data Center projects and requiring strong coordination and communication skills to bridge geographical and time-zone differences inherent in this global operating model. The emphasis on "Think and Act Globally" and digital adoption within Enterprise Capabilities suggests a need for adaptability and proficiency in remote collaboration tools and processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Lifecycle Management: Support the Design Manager in overseeing the complete design lifecycle for multiple Data Center projects, from conceptualization through to detailed design and handover.

• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination: Effectively coordinate and integrate the efforts of various design disciplines, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment on project objectives and technical requirements.

• Standards Adherence & Quality Assurance: Ensure all design deliverables strictly adhere to AECOM's Project Design Standards (PDS), established QA/QC procedures, and specific Data Center industry best practices.

• Technical Review & Constructability: Conduct thorough reviews of design packages to verify technical accuracy, completeness, compliance with codes and standards, and practical constructability in the field.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactively identify potential design risks, technical gaps, and interdependencies across disciplines; develop and implement effective mitigation strategies to safeguard project timelines and quality.

• Schedule & Workstream Management: Manage multiple design workstreams concurrently, ensuring alignment with overall project schedules and AECOM's delivery timelines.

• Resource Planning & Forecasting: Assist in resource planning, workload forecasting for design teams, and coordinating with regional and global teams to optimize resource allocation.

• Progress Tracking & Issue Escalation: Continuously monitor design progress, identify potential bottlenecks or delays, and escalate issues promptly to the Design Manager and relevant stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Communication & Influence: Engage effectively with internal teams (PMs, DMs, technical leads) and external client representatives, clearly communicating design progress, challenges, and proposed solutions. Advocate for technical excellence and drive accountability.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing refinement of design processes, governance frameworks, and best practices within the Data Center design delivery function.

• Client Engagement & Reporting: Support the preparation of design presentations, technical clarifications, and progress reports for client meetings, ensuring clear and concise communication of project status and technical details.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process adherence and quality control, critical for mission-critical facilities like data centers. The emphasis on "JL8-JL9 maturity" suggests a requirement for assertive communication, critical thinking, and the ability to challenge assumptions and drive accountability, indicating a senior-level expectation for proactive management and leadership within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering and design, with a significant portion focused on Data Centers or other mission-critical facilities.

Required Skills:

• Data Center Design Expertise: In-depth understanding of Data Center design principles, critical infrastructure systems (MEP, power, cooling), and operational requirements.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Proven ability to effectively coordinate and integrate architectural, MEP, structural, civil, fire protection, and security design elements.

• Design Management: Strong skills in managing design processes, schedules, deliverables, and quality control for complex projects.

• Technical Review & Analysis: Proficiency in reviewing technical documentation for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and constructability.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and propose mitigation strategies for design-related risks and dependencies.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders, including clients, project managers, and technical leads. Fluent in English.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design challenges and drive effective solutions.

• Project Scheduling & Tracking: Ability to manage multiple workstreams and track design progress against project timelines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AECOM's Project Design Standards (PDS) and QA/QC methodologies.

• Familiarity with Data Center industry standards and best practices (e.g., Uptime Institute standards, ASHRAE, TIA).

• Experience in a global or distributed team environment, leveraging remote collaboration tools.

• Knowledge of relevant design software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) principles.

• Leadership competencies, including coaching, team motivation, and fostering collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an Electrical or Mechanical engineering degree and 10+ years of experience clearly positions this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on Data Center or mission-critical facility experience is paramount, indicating a need for specialized knowledge beyond general engineering. The preferred skills suggest that candidates familiar with AECOM's internal processes and global operating model will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Examples demonstrating successful management of complex, multidisciplinary design projects, preferably within the Data Center or mission-critical facility sector. Showcase your role in coordinating teams and driving deliverables.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Specific instances where you identified significant design risks, outlined mitigation plans, and the positive impact of those actions on project outcomes (schedule, budget, quality).

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Documentation or descriptions of how you have contributed to improving design processes, QA/QC protocols, or workflow efficiencies within previous roles.

• Technical Deliverable Samples (Anonymized): If possible, anonymized examples of key design documentation you were responsible for reviewing or managing, illustrating attention to detail and technical accuracy.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of your ability to map out, analyze, and optimize design workflows, particularly for multidisciplinary teams. This could include flowcharts, process maps, or descriptions of implemented improvements.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you've supported the implementation of new design tools, standards, or automated processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you track and report on design progress, quality metrics, and the effectiveness of design processes. This includes your approach to identifying KPIs and analyzing performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should showcase not just technical design knowledge, but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, teams, and risks effectively. The emphasis on "Enterprise Capabilities" and global workshare implies a need for candidates to demonstrate their ability to document and communicate processes clearly, even when working across different regions or time zones.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans designed to support employee and family well-being.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and long-term disability benefits to provide financial security.

• Work-Life Balance Support: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences to support personal needs.

• Additional Employee Perks: Access to Voluntary Benefits, company Perks programs, and Well-being Resources.

• Retirement & Investment: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) to support long-term financial goals.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, potentially including support for certifications or further training.

• Flexible Work Options: AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" hybrid working philosophy, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Business Travel Insurance: Coverage for employees traveling on company business.

• Service Recognition Awards: Acknowledgment of long-term commitment and contributions.

Working Hours:

• The role is listed as Full-time, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours. AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" hybrid working philosophy suggests flexibility in how these hours are managed, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for senior engineering management roles in Bucharest, Romania, and the specialized nature of data center design. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The detailed benefits list is derived directly from the "About AECOM" section of the provided job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting Services, with a significant focus on Infrastructure, Buildings, and Data Centers. AECOM is a global leader in designing, building, financing, and operating infrastructure assets.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global enterprise, likely employing tens of thousands of professionals worldwide. The "Enterprise Capabilities" team itself comprises over 3000 technical professionals across nine countries.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, indicating a long history and deep-rooted expertise in the engineering and infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• Enterprise Capabilities (EC): This role sits within the EC team, a specialized global unit designed for workshare, providing technical expertise across geographic boundaries.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The Deputy Design Manager supports the Design Manager, who likely reports to a higher-level program or regional management within EC. The team structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with various design disciplines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with Project Managers (PMs), Design Managers (DMs), technical leads, architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers, fire and security specialists, and client-side representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM's strategy emphasizes digital adoption and leveraging data for decision-making, suggesting a focus on data analysis and insights in design.

• Global Workshare & Optimization: The EC team operates on a global workshare model to accelerate delivery and maintain competitiveness, implying a focus on efficient workflow management and process optimization across diverse teams.

• Technical Excellence & Standards: A core methodology is ensuring high-quality, technically sound deliverables that meet AECOM's stringent PDS, QA/QC, and Data Center standards.

• Risk Management Framework: Proactive identification and mitigation of risks are integral to the design and delivery process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of AECOM's "Enterprise Capabilities" team is crucial. It operates as a global resource pool, highlighting the need for robust communication, project management, and process standardization across different regions and time zones. This structure is designed to support large-scale, complex projects efficiently.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, acting as a Deputy Design Manager. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or team lead to a management role with significant responsibility for project outcomes, process adherence, and team coordination within a specialized technical domain (Data Centers). The role requires a blend of technical depth and management acumen.

Reporting Structure: The Data Center Deputy Design Manager reports directly to a Data Center Design Manager. They will also work closely with Project Managers and potentially other senior technical leads within the Enterprise Capabilities team. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from experienced Design Managers while providing opportunities to lead specific design workstreams.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the successful delivery of complex Data Center projects, which are critical infrastructure assets for clients. By ensuring high-quality, timely, and cost-effective design, the Deputy Design Manager contributes significantly to AECOM's reputation, client satisfaction, and revenue generation. Effective design management minimizes costly rework during construction and ensures the operational efficiency and reliability of the data centers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Design Manager: The most direct growth path is to become a Data Center Design Manager, taking full ownership of design delivery for projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of Data Center design (e.g., power systems, cooling technologies, sustainability) or expand into related mission-critical facility types.

• Program Management: Transition into broader program management roles, overseeing multiple projects or a portfolio of Data Center developments.

• Technical Leadership: Evolve into a Principal Engineer or Technical Director role, providing high-level technical guidance and thought leadership across the organization.

• Global Mobility: Leverage the global nature of AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team for international project assignments or relocations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are directly linked to the specialized nature of the role and AECOM's global structure. The "Enterprise Capabilities" model inherently provides exposure to diverse projects and international teams, fostering rapid development for ambitious professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is described as "Hybrid" within AECOM's "Freedom to Grow" philosophy. This indicates a blend of working from a physical AECOM office location and working remotely. The requirement for in-person Day 1 onboarding also points to the importance of physical office presence for initial integration and company culture immersion.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Bucharest, Romania, specifically at 11-15 Tipografilor S. As part of a global team (Enterprise Capabilities), there may be opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in various international AECOM offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to balance focused individual work with collaborative team sessions, meetings, and brainstorming, likely facilitated by modern office spaces and meeting facilities.

• Technology & Tools: Access to AECOM's technological infrastructure, including design software, project management platforms, and communication tools essential for managing global, multidisciplinary projects.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with local colleagues and design leads, alongside virtual collaboration with global teams, fostering a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility in managing work location and potentially some flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to project demands and team coordination needs. The emphasis on "performance at AECOM" suggests that work output and successful delivery are key metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" work model, combined with the "Freedom to Grow" philosophy, suggests a modern work environment that values both flexibility and structured collaboration. The physical office in Bucharest will serve as a hub for local team interactions and potentially for specific project meetings or onboarding.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Discussions focusing on your engineering background, Data Center design knowledge, and experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams. Expect questions on technical challenges, problem-solving approaches, and familiarity with industry standards.

• Behavioral & Leadership Assessment: Interviews designed to evaluate leadership competencies, communication skills, stakeholder management abilities, and alignment with AECOM's values (integrity, safety, collaboration, accountability). Questions may probe how you handle conflict, motivate teams, and drive results.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This is a critical step to demonstrate your practical experience, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your contributions. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Data Center Experience: Prioritize case studies directly related to Data Center or mission-critical facility design and management.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects.

This could include schedule adherence, cost savings, quality improvements (e.g., reduction in RFIs or change orders), or efficiency gains.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • Project scope and objectives.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Key challenges faced (technical, logistical, team-related).
  • The strategies and solutions you implemented.
  • The measurable outcomes and impact.

• Highlight Coordination & Collaboration: Showcase instances where you successfully managed multidisciplinary teams, resolved interdisciplinary conflicts, and effectively communicated with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Explain the design management processes you followed, including QA/QC, risk management, and scheduling, and how you ensured their effective implementation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to Data Center design challenges, such as resolving conflicting design requirements between MEP and structural teams, addressing power redundancy issues, or managing scope creep.

• Process Improvement Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would improve design delivery processes, enhance QA/QC, or implement new technologies within a global team structure.

• Leadership & Conflict Resolution: Practice articulating how you would lead a design team, motivate individuals, handle underperformance, and resolve disputes between team members or disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and specific leadership competencies (JL8-JL9 maturity) indicates a rigorous selection process that values demonstrated experience and proactive leadership. Candidates should prepare to articulate their contributions with clear evidence and strategic insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms for scheduling, tracking, and managing project timelines and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other enterprise communication and collaboration tools for remote and hybrid team interaction.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, BIM 360 Docs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and design reports. While specific tools aren't listed, general analytical skills are crucial.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating progress reports, technical summaries, and presentations for various stakeholders. This may involve using standard office suites or specialized reporting software.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Software: While not explicitly stated as a requirement for the Deputy DM role, familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) and CAD tools is highly beneficial for understanding design deliverables and facilitating coordination.

• AECOM's Internal Systems: Adaptability to learn and utilize AECOM's proprietary project management, design, and collaboration systems as part of the Enterprise Capabilities framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific software, the nature of global, multidisciplinary design management implies a need for strong proficiency in project management, collaboration, and document management tools. Familiarity with BIM is a significant advantage in the Data Center design space.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, as is standard for a global firm like AECOM.

• Safety First: A paramount value in engineering and construction, ensuring safety is integrated into all design decisions and processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams can work together effectively, especially across geographical boundaries.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance design delivery and client solutions.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for actions, decisions, and project outcomes, driving a culture of commitment.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering exceptional value and service.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid & Global Integration: Expect a blend of in-person collaboration within the Bucharest office and extensive virtual collaboration with global teams. This requires strong communication skills and adaptability to different time zones and remote work dynamics.

• Proactive & Assertive Communication: The "JL8-JL9 maturity" requirement suggests a culture that values open dialogue, constructive challenge, and proactive engagement rather than passive acceptance.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to design management, emphasizing adherence to established standards, QA/QC, and efficient workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices and lessons learned across teams and geographies, particularly within the Enterprise Capabilities framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's emphasis on "Think and Act Globally" and its "Freedom to Grow" philosophy suggests a company culture that values both professional development and flexible working, underpinned by core values of integrity, safety, and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Team Coordination: Effectively managing and coordinating diverse design teams across different time zones, cultures, and communication styles presents a significant challenge.

• Maintaining Design Standards: Ensuring consistent adherence to AECOM's rigorous design and QA/QC standards across all global project contributions requires strong oversight and communication.

• Technical Complexity: Data Center design involves highly complex systems (power, cooling, IT infrastructure), demanding a deep technical understanding and the ability to integrate specialized disciplines seamlessly.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the expectations and requirements of various internal and external stakeholders, including clients, project managers, and technical leads, can be demanding.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: The Data Center industry is rapidly evolving. Staying abreast of new technologies, energy efficiency standards, and design methodologies is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of data center design and operation, potentially leading to recognized industry certifications.

• Global Project Exposure: Gain experience on a wide range of complex, international data center projects, broadening your understanding of global best practices and challenges.

• Leadership Development: The role provides a clear path to Design Manager and offers opportunities to hone leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to various engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, structural, civil, security, fire) within the context of data center design.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced Design Managers and senior technical leaders within AECOM's global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale, global engineering projects, particularly in a rapidly advancing field like data centers. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging AECOM's extensive project portfolio and global reach.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex Data Center design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you coordinate the multidisciplinary teams, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your coordination, problem-solving, and delivery skills).

• "How do you ensure adherence to strict design standards and QA/QC protocols across distributed teams working on different continents?" (Prepare to discuss your methods for oversight, communication, and quality assurance in a global context).

• "AECOM operates with a 'Think and Act Globally' strategy. How would you apply this principle in managing design workstreams for a Data Center project with teams in multiple regions?" (Showcase your understanding of global collaboration and adaptive management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and specifically our Enterprise Capabilities team?" (Research AECOM's mission, values, and the role of EC; connect it to your career goals).

• "How do you align with AECOM's core values, such as safety, integrity, and collaboration?" (Be ready to provide specific examples from your experience).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Strong Case Studies: Choose examples that best highlight your Data Center design management experience, multidisciplinary coordination, and problem-solving abilities.

• Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent format (e.g., Situation, Task, Action, Result - STAR method) for each case study. Clearly define your role and responsibilities.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to showcase the impact of your work (e.g., project timelines met, budget adherence, quality improvements).

• Focus on Process & Methodology: Explain the design management processes you employed, including risk identification, QA/QC, and stakeholder engagement.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, challenges faced, and how you handled specific situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential and adaptability to AECOM's global, hybrid work environment. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experiences using the STAR method and demonstrate a clear understanding of the company's strategic approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Deputy Design Manager position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in Electrical or Mechanical engineering, with specific emphasis on Data Center or mission-critical facility design management. Use keywords from the job description such as "multidisciplinary coordination," "design lifecycle," "QA/QC," "risk mitigation," and "stakeholder management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your data center design management expertise. Ensure these examples clearly articulate your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present these case studies concisely and effectively.

• Research AECOM & Enterprise Capabilities: Understand AECOM's global infrastructure focus, its commitment to sustainability, and the specific function of the Enterprise Capabilities team in driving "Think and Act Globally" strategy. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, particularly those related to managing complex projects, leading diverse teams, and ensuring quality in a global, hybrid work environment.

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