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 & Design Management (Data Centers)

Date Posted: November 5, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams for complex Data Center projects within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities (EC) portfolio, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to global standards.

• Manage the full design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to detailed design, focusing on critical infrastructure and mission-critical facilities.

• Drive stakeholder influence and clear communication, operating with a high degree of autonomy and accountability to challenge assumptions and ensure project success.

• Support the Design Manager in resource planning, workload forecasting, and the continuous improvement of design processes and governance.

• Ensure all design deliverables meet AECOM's stringent PDS, QA/QC, and specific Data Center design standards, with a keen eye on constructability and risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level Deputy Design Manager within AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team, which acts as a global workshare and technical expertise hub. The emphasis on "Think and Act Globally" and "digital adoption" suggests a dynamic, cross-border operational environment. The role requires a blend of technical engineering acumen and strong project/design management capabilities, with a clear expectation of leadership maturity and proactive problem-solving in the high-stakes data center sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design Manager in overseeing the complete design lifecycle for multiple complex Data Center projects, ensuring integrated and efficient delivery.

• Coordinate and guide multidisciplinary design teams, including Architecture, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), Structural, Civil, Fire Protection, and Security specialists, to achieve cohesive design outcomes.

• Guarantee that all design deliverables strictly adhere to AECOM's Project Delivery System (PDS), Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols, and established Data Center design standards.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design packages to verify technical accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance with project requirements and industry best practices.

• Proactively identify potential design risks, technical gaps, and interdependencies across disciplines, developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

• Manage multiple concurrent design workstreams, ensuring seamless alignment with overall project schedules and client objectives.

• Collaborate closely with other Design Managers and technical leads to foster integrated project delivery and optimize resource utilization across regional and global teams.

• Support resource planning, accurate workload forecasting, and effective coordination with distributed teams to meet project demands.

• Diligently track design progress, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and escalate any emerging issues or roadblocks to senior management promptly.

• Operate with a high level of professional maturity (JL8–JL9 maturity), demonstrating the ability to articulate technical viewpoints, challenge existing assumptions constructively, and drive accountability for design outcomes.

• Maintain transparent and effective communication channels with internal project teams, technical leads, and external client stakeholders.

• Actively participate in and support design reviews, coordination meetings, and progress reporting sessions to ensure all parties are informed and aligned.

• Contribute to the ongoing refinement and continuous improvement of AECOM's design processes, standards, and governance frameworks within the Enterprise Capabilities team.

• Assist the Design Manager in preparing comprehensive design presentations, responding to technical clarifications, and delivering regular progress updates to clients and internal stakeholders.

• Foster and maintain regular, constructive communication with client-side design representatives to ensure alignment and address their needs.

• Identify emerging design-related risks, potential opportunities, and key trends within the broader Data Center program to inform strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process adherence (PDS, QA/QC), risk management, and cross-functional team leadership. The mention of "JL8–JL9 maturity" indicates an expectation of senior-level independent contribution and influence. The role is clearly geared towards managing the delivery of design rather than pure conceptual design, with a focus on coordination, review, and adherence to standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering and design management is essential.

• Demonstrable experience in managing the design process for Data Centers or other mission-critical facilities is highly preferred.

• Proven track record of successfully coordinating multidisciplinary design teams on complex projects. Required Skills:

• Data Center Design Principles: In-depth understanding of the unique requirements and challenges of data center infrastructure design, including power, cooling, structural, and IT infrastructure considerations.

• Design Management: Proficiency in managing the end-to-end design process, including scope definition, scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Expertise in coordinating diverse engineering and architectural disciplines to ensure integrated and optimized design solutions.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid understanding of project management principles, including schedule tracking, risk identification, and issue resolution.

• Technical Review & QA/QC: Ability to meticulously review design documents for technical accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance with standards.

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage effectively with internal teams and external clients.

• Problem-Solving & Risk Mitigation: Strong analytical skills to identify potential issues and develop robust mitigation strategies.

• English Fluency: Fluent command of the English language, both written and spoken, is mandatory for effective communication within AECOM's global teams and with clients.

Preferred Skills:

• MEP Systems Design: Detailed knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems as they apply to data centers.

• Structural & Civil Design Coordination: Familiarity with structural and civil engineering considerations critical for data center facilities.

• Fire Protection & Security Systems: Understanding of specialized design requirements for fire suppression and security systems in critical environments.

• AECOM PDS & QA/QC Standards: Familiarity with AECOM's internal Project Delivery System (PDS) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes.

• Leadership & Coaching: Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and coach team members to achieve high performance and foster professional growth.

• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to think strategically, challenge the status quo, and contribute to process improvements.

• Client Relationship Management: Experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and their representatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, combined with significant experience specifically in data center or mission-critical facility design management. The "JL8–JL9 maturity" implies a need for candidates who can operate with considerable autonomy and demonstrate leadership qualities beyond basic technical proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing your ability to manage the full design lifecycle of complex Data Center projects, highlighting your role in coordination, review, and delivery.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination Examples: Evidence of successfully integrating and managing diverse design teams (e.g., MEP, structural, architectural) to achieve cohesive project outcomes.

• Risk Mitigation Documentation: Specific instances where you identified design risks, developed mitigation plans, and successfully implemented them to prevent or resolve issues.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Examples of how you have contributed to the improvement of design processes, QA/QC protocols, or project delivery systems within previous roles.

• Technical Review Samples: Demonstrations of your ability to conduct thorough technical reviews of design packages, identifying gaps, inaccuracies, or constructability issues.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your understanding of designing and optimizing workflows for multidisciplinary design teams, particularly in a global workshare environment.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you've supported the implementation of design standards, QA/QC procedures, or leveraged digital tools to enhance efficiency.

• Performance Analysis: Illustrate your approach to tracking design progress, identifying key metrics, and reporting on design performance against project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical input but also management of processes, teams, and risks is crucial. Candidates should prepare to discuss their methodologies for design coordination, quality assurance, and risk management in the context of complex data center projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Data Center Deputy Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Bucharest, Romania, the estimated salary range is €60,000 - €90,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of data center design, the senior level of the role, and the cost of living in Bucharest. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

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

• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absence options.

• Voluntary Benefits: Access to a range of voluntary benefits to supplement core offerings.

• Well-being Resources: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other well-being resources to support mental and physical health.

• Financial Security: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Professional Development: Business Travel Insurance, Service Recognition Awards, and opportunities for continuous learning.

• Flexible Work: Hybrid working philosophy promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on available market data for comparable roles in Bucharest, Romania. AECOM is a global employer, and compensation packages can vary significantly based on local market conditions, the candidate's profile, and the specific business unit. The benefits listed are standard for large multinational corporations and are detailed in the provided company information.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Infrastructure Services. AECOM operates globally, serving clients in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings sectors.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company with approximately 16.1 billion USD in revenue in fiscal year 2025 and a global workforce exceeding 16,000 employees.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990.

Team Structure:

• Enterprise Capabilities (EC) Team: This role is part of AECOM's EC team, a significant group of over 3000 technical professionals distributed across nine countries. EC acts as a global workshare partner, providing specialist services and filling capability gaps for regional and Global Business Line project teams.

• Reporting Structure: The Deputy Design Manager will report to a Design Manager and will be responsible for coordinating various multidisciplinary design teams. Collaboration will be key with Project Managers (PMs), technical leads, and client representatives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate extensively with architecture, MEP, structural, civil, fire, and security design teams, as well as project management and client-side stakeholders. The "Think and Act Globally" strategy emphasizes seamless cross-border collaboration.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes leveraging deep technical abilities and innovative solutions to solve complex client challenges. This likely translates to a data-informed approach in design decision-making.

• Process Optimization: The Enterprise Capabilities team's function as a workshare provider implies a strong focus on standardized processes, efficiency, and quality control to ensure consistent delivery across different regions.

• Digital Adoption: The company's strategy highlights digital adoption, suggesting an environment where digital tools and technologies are utilized to enhance design, collaboration, and project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities team operates as a strategic global resource. The culture likely values technical expertise, global collaboration, process discipline, and a commitment to quality and client satisfaction. The "Freedom to Grow" philosophy suggests opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is at a senior management level, specifically focusing on the technical delivery aspects of complex projects. As a Deputy Design Manager, you are positioned to support senior leadership (Design Manager) while actively managing and coordinating design activities. This level requires significant technical depth and leadership maturity, preparing individuals for Design Manager roles or similar senior technical leadership positions. Reporting Structure:

• You will report directly to a Data Center Design Manager. You will manage and influence the work of multidisciplinary design teams (architecture, MEP, structural, civil, fire, security). Collaboration is expected with Project Managers, technical leads, and client representatives, indicating a matrixed reporting environment typical in large project organizations. Operations Impact:

• As a Deputy Design Manager, your impact is directly tied to the successful technical delivery of Data Center projects. This includes ensuring designs are technically sound, constructible, compliant with standards, and delivered on schedule. Effective design management directly influences project budget, timeline, risk profile, and ultimately, client satisfaction and AECOM's reputation in the critical infrastructure sector. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Data Center design, potentially focusing on specific areas like power systems, cooling technologies, or sustainable design within critical facilities.

• Design Management Leadership: Progress to a full Design Manager role, taking full ownership of design delivery for major projects.

• Program Management: Transition into broader program management roles overseeing multiple projects or a portfolio of data center developments.

• Global Mobility: Leverage the Enterprise Capabilities structure to work on international projects and gain exposure to diverse market demands and design practices.

• Leadership Development: Participate in AECOM's award-winning training and development programs to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for progression within AECOM's global infrastructure and design management framework, particularly within the high-demand data center sector. The emphasis on "Freedom to Grow" suggests a supportive environment for career advancement and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• AECOM offers a Hybrid working model. This suggests a blend of working from a physical AECOM office location and remote work. The "Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location" requirement indicates that physical presence is mandatory for critical onboarding processes. Office Location(s):

• The primary location is Bucharest, Romania, specifically at 11-15 Tipografilor Street. AECOM has a global presence, and the Enterprise Capabilities team operates across multiple countries, facilitating collaboration with teams worldwide. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on global teamwork foster a collaborative atmosphere. Expect to work closely with colleagues both locally and remotely.

• Technology & Tools: AECOM, as a global infrastructure leader, likely provides access to advanced design software, collaboration platforms, and project management tools necessary for effective design delivery.

• Team Interaction: While hybrid, opportunities for in-person interaction with local teams and potentially client representatives will exist, especially during crucial project phases or onboarding. The company culture emphasizes respect, collaboration, and community.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in how and where these hours are worked, balancing project demands with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, offering flexibility while retaining the need for in-person collaboration and onboarding. Candidates should be comfortable working across different locations and time zones, utilizing digital tools for seamless communication and project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will likely review applications for basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Expect interviews with the hiring manager (Design Manager) and potentially senior technical leads or peers. This stage will focus on your technical expertise in data center design, engineering background, and design management experience. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role within them.

• Behavioral & Leadership Interview: Assess your leadership competencies, communication style, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit with AECOM's values (integrity, safety, accountability, strategic thinking, coaching). Questions may relate to handling challenging situations, influencing stakeholders, and motivating teams.

• Case Study/Technical Challenge (Potential): For senior roles, a design coordination challenge or a review of a sample design package might be presented to assess your practical skills in identifying issues and proposing solutions.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership within the Enterprise Capabilities team to discuss strategic fit and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 2-3 key Data Center projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, multidisciplinary coordination, and risk mitigation skills.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., adherence to budget/schedule, risk reduction achieved, quality improvements).

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding and application of design management processes, QA/QC procedures, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, or redacted design excerpts (if permissible) to illustrate complex coordination efforts or problem-solving approaches.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects relevant to the Deputy Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would coordinate disparate design teams (e.g., MEP vs. Structural clashes) to achieve an integrated design.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Prepare examples of common data center design risks (e.g., power availability, cooling capacity, site constraints) and your strategies for addressing them.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would handle conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., client technical team vs. operations team) and drive alignment.

• AECOM Values: Reflect on how your past experiences align with AECOM's stated leadership competencies and company values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both technical depth and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates practical experience in managing complex design projects within the data center sector will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, tracking, and resource planning.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other platforms for real-time communication and team coordination.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and creating dashboards; Word for documentation; PowerPoint for presentations.

• Data Visualization Tools (Potential): Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau could be beneficial for creating performance reports and presenting insights, although not explicitly stated.

CRM & Automation:

• AECOM's Internal Systems: While specific CRM or automation tools aren't detailed, expect to work within AECOM's proprietary Project Delivery System (PDS) and potentially other internal platforms for workflow management and data tracking.

Design Software Familiarity (Beneficial):

• While not the primary focus, an understanding of common design software used in the industry (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms) is advantageous for comprehending design deliverables and facilitating coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires strong project management and communication tool proficiency. While direct design software skills are secondary to management capabilities, familiarity with the tools used by design teams is important for effective coordination and review.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: A strong commitment to ethical conduct, safety, and honesty in all dealings, forming the foundation of AECOM's operations.

• Technical Excellence: Driving high standards of technical proficiency and innovation in design and project delivery.

• Collaboration & Respect: Fostering a workplace where diverse teams work together respectfully, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

• Accountability: Holding oneself and others responsible for commitments, performance, and delivering on project objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing processes, efficiency, and overall project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Global & Cross-functional: The Enterprise Capabilities team operates on a global scale, requiring seamless collaboration across different geographies, time zones, and disciplines.

• Proactive & Influential: The role demands an assertive and proactive style, where individuals are expected to challenge assumptions, drive alignment, and influence stakeholders effectively.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback exchange to drive continuous improvement in design processes and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices and lessons learned across teams and projects to elevate the collective expertise within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values are centered on ethical conduct, technical expertise, and collaborative teamwork. The Enterprise Capabilities team specifically thrives on global collaboration and process efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work within this framework, valuing integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Teams: Coordinating design efforts across multiple countries and time zones presents logistical and communication challenges.

• Balancing Standards and Local Needs: Ensuring adherence to AECOM's global standards while accommodating specific local regulations or client requirements.

• Technical Complexity: Data center design involves intricate systems (power, cooling, IT) that require deep understanding and meticulous coordination to avoid issues.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The data center industry is rapidly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and market demands.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder expectations and driving consensus among various internal and external parties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Center Training: Access to AECOM's internal training programs focused on advanced data center design, engineering, and project management.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED, specific data center credentials).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within AECOM or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

• Global Project Exposure: Working on diverse international projects provides invaluable experience and broadens professional horizons.

• Leadership Skill Development: Participation in AECOM's leadership development programs designed to cultivate strategic thinking, change management, and executive presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth in a high-demand sector. The challenges are typical of complex, global infrastructure projects, and AECOM's commitment to learning and development provides a strong framework for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Approach: "Describe your methodology for managing the design lifecycle of a complex Data Center project, from concept to detailed design. How do you ensure integration across multidisciplinary teams?" (Focus on process, tools, and coordination strategies.)

• Risk Management: "Walk me through a time you identified a significant design risk on a critical infrastructure project. What was the risk, how did you mitigate it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight proactive identification and problem-solving.)

• Stakeholder Influence: "How do you handle conflicting priorities or technical disagreements between different design disciplines or between the design team and the client?" (Demonstrate communication, negotiation, and alignment skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• AECOM Values: "How have your previous experiences demonstrated integrity, accountability, and a commitment to technical excellence?" (Connect your past actions to AECOM's core values.)

• Global Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with geographically dispersed teams. What strategies do you use to ensure effective collaboration and communication across different time zones?" (Showcase adaptability and cross-cultural competence.)

• Continuous Improvement: "Can you provide an example of a process improvement you implemented in a previous role that enhanced design delivery or efficiency?" (Highlight your proactive and analytical mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. Clearly define the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable results achieved.

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the scale of projects, the efficiency gains, or the risks mitigated.

• Focus on Management & Coordination: Emphasize your role in managing teams, coordinating disciplines, reviewing designs, and ensuring adherence to standards, rather than just technical design contributions.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled specific challenges, and your understanding of AECOM's standards and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical understanding, robust project/design management skills, and strong leadership competencies. Candidates should be ready to articulate their approach to complex challenges and align their experiences with AECOM's values and operational model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Deputy Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, specifically emphasizing your work in Data Center or mission-critical facility design management. Use keywords from the job description such as "multidisciplinary design coordination," "design lifecycle management," "QA/QC," "risk mitigation," and "stakeholder influence."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that showcase your design management capabilities, focusing on your role in coordinating teams, managing deliverables, and ensuring technical quality. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research AECOM & Enterprise Capabilities: Understand AECOM's global reach, its commitment to infrastructure development, and the specific role of the Enterprise Capabilities team in global workshare and technical expertise.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your leadership maturity, problem-solving skills, and alignment with AECOM's values.

⚠️ 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.