Deputy Design Manager I, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Deputy Design Manager I, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

Company: AECOM

Location: Remote (U.S.) - Primary Location: Arlington, Virginia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Infrastructure Design & Project Support

Date Posted: August 03, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (with occasional travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Design Manager in the end-to-end delivery of complex colocation and hyperscale data center projects, encompassing site due diligence, campus planning, design, construction documents, and construction administration.

• Drive project coordination and documentation efforts, ensuring seamless collaboration across multiple engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Develop and maintain organized project files, tracking logs, and reporting mechanisms to enhance process efficiency and project visibility.

• Prepare and distribute critical project communications, including meeting agendas, minutes, and stakeholder updates, to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.

• Cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to serve as a backup Design Manager, demonstrating leadership potential and a deep understanding of data center project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical support function for Design Managers within AECOM's robust data center consulting practice. The "Deputy" title and emphasis on growing independence suggest a clear career progression path towards a Design Manager role, requiring a strong operational understanding of project lifecycles, document control, and cross-functional team coordination within the A/E environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Coordination & Support:

  • Actively support the Design Manager in daily project coordination activities, ensuring all engineering and architectural disciplines are aligned and progressing according to project timelines.
  • Prepare comprehensive meeting agendas, capture accurate technical notes during interdisciplinary meetings, and coordinate with discipline leads for confirmation, transitioning towards independent ownership of this process.
  • Attend client and stakeholder meetings, diligently track key decisions, identify risks, and manage action items to resolution.
  • Proactively assist in tracking, managing, and communicating project changes, scope adjustments, and potential impacts internally and externally.
  • Grow into serving as backup to the Design Manager, prepared to assume key responsibilities when needed.

• Documentation & Deliverables Management:

  • Maintain meticulously organized project documentation, including Request for Information (RFIs), submittals, drawing revisions, and various tracking logs.
  • Update and manage spreadsheets, project dashboards, trackers, and internal/external reporting tools to provide real-time project status.
  • Assist with specification edits, data entry, and updates within internal reporting systems, ensuring data integrity.
  • Develop innovative tracking mechanisms and proactively suggest process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and data management.
  • Manage project files across platforms like SharePoint, MS Teams, Google Drive, and Box, ensuring accessibility, accuracy, and version control.
  • Ensure Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) sets, daily prints, and project deliverables are properly prepared, reviewed, and stored.
  • Assist in assembling and organizing final project deliverables prior to submission, ensuring completeness and adherence to client requirements.

• Communication & Scheduling:

  • Coordinate internal and external design meetings using platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, ensuring smooth logistical execution.
  • Track action items meticulously and follow up with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely resolution and project momentum.
  • Distribute client communications and internal updates effectively to maintain project alignment and stakeholder engagement.

• Proposal Support:

  • Support Design and Project Managers in developing technical and financial proposals for new data center projects and for existing client expansions (add, move, change).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong organizational and administrative capabilities, but also highlight the expectation for proactive problem-solving and process improvement. The emphasis on "innovative tracking mechanisms" and "process improvements" points to a role that is not just execution-focused but also aims to optimize operational workflows within the design and project management framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is preferred.

• A demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education will be considered for candidates meeting the experience requirements. Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience working within Architecture/Engineering (A/E) firms.

• 4+ years of relevant experience in design and/or project management is preferred.

• 1+ year of direct experience in colocation and/or hyperscale data center design management or engineering is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Project Coordination: Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple project streams and disciplines simultaneously.

• Data Center Knowledge: Foundational understanding of data center project lifecycles, from site selection and planning through design and construction.

• Documentation Management: Proficiency in organizing, tracking, and maintaining project documentation, including RFIs, submittals, and drawing revisions.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication abilities, essential for client interaction and internal team alignment.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain meticulous records in a dynamic environment.

• Proficiency in Collaboration Tools: Experience using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and similar platforms for virtual meetings and communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Management: Experience directly supporting or performing design management functions for complex projects.

• Site Due Diligence & Campus Planning: Familiarity with the processes involved in evaluating sites and planning large-scale campus developments.

• Construction Administration Support: Understanding of the construction administration phase and associated documentation requirements.

• Technical Proposal Development: Experience contributing to the creation of technical and financial proposals.

• Professional Licenses: A Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architecture License is a significant advantage.

• Familiarity with Digital Platforms: Experience managing files and collaborating via SharePoint, MS Teams, Google Drive, and Box.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between "Minimum" and "Preferred" qualifications is crucial. While 2 years in an A/E firm is the baseline, candidates with 4+ years, especially with direct data center experience, will be significantly more competitive. The preference for specific engineering/architecture degrees and licenses signals the technical depth AECOM values in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Coordination Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful coordination efforts on complex projects, highlighting how you managed interdisciplinary communication and resolved conflicts.

• Documentation & Tracking Examples: Showcase examples of organized project files, robust tracking logs (e.g., RFI logs, submittal logs), and reporting dashboards you have developed or managed.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Evidence of proactive suggestions or implementation of process improvements that enhanced efficiency, accuracy, or collaboration in previous roles.

• Digital Collaboration Showcase: Examples of how you've leveraged digital tools (SharePoint, Teams, etc.) to manage project information and facilitate remote team collaboration.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document workflows for meeting management, RFI/submittal tracking, and deliverable distribution.

• Experience in creating and maintaining standardized templates for agendas, minutes, and action item trackers.

• Familiarity with documenting QA/QC processes and ensuring adherence to established protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Deputy Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize organizational prowess and process adherence. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they have structured information, tracked progress, and facilitated communication, particularly in remote or distributed team settings. Quantifiable improvements (e.g., "reduced RFI turnaround time by X%") are highly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated salary range for this position is USD $110,000 - $158,000 per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability Benefits.

• Time Off & Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences.

• Retirement & Investment: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

• Work Flexibility & Support: Flexible Work Options, Well-being Resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Business Travel Insurance.

• Additional Perks: Voluntary Benefits and Service Recognition Awards.

Working Hours:

• Typically, a 40-hour work week is expected for this full-time role. Given the remote nature and global client base, flexibility may be required to accommodate different time zones and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $110,000 - $158,000 annually aligns with mid-level to senior operational roles in specialized engineering and design fields within the US, particularly for remote positions requiring specific industry experience like data centers. This range reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this niche and the senior nature of supporting Design Managers on critical infrastructure projects. The extensive benefits package is standard for a large, established firm like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting sector, a critical field focused on designing, building, and managing essential infrastructure for public and private clients worldwide. This includes transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings. The data center sector is a rapidly growing and highly specialized segment within their Buildings & Places business line.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources, established processes, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: Founded in 1910, AECOM has a long history and a deep well of experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects. This longevity suggests stability, extensive client relationships, and a robust understanding of project lifecycles and industry best practices.

Team Structure:

• Data Center Focus: This role is part of AECOM's specialized Data Center team, a global unit with expertise across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

• Reporting: The Deputy Design Manager will report to a Design Manager, who in turn likely reports to a Project Director or a senior leader within the Data Center practice.

• Collaboration: Expect extensive cross-functional collaboration with internal discipline leads (architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, structural engineers, etc.), project managers, and external stakeholders including clients, vendors, and construction teams. The remote nature emphasizes the need for strong digital collaboration skills.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: AECOM partners with clients to solve complex challenges, implying a focus on understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, the nature of infrastructure consulting and data center design necessitates a strong reliance on data analysis, technical specifications, and performance metrics.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on improving processes and tracking mechanisms suggests a culture that values efficiency and continuous improvement within project delivery frameworks.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights a culture of "delivering a better world" and tackling "complex challenges." For operations professionals, this translates to working on impactful, large-scale projects that require meticulous planning, rigorous execution, and a commitment to quality and client satisfaction. The global presence means exposure to diverse project types and client requirements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate to advanced support position within the operations of design and project management for data centers. It requires a solid foundation in A/E firm operations and a growing understanding of data center specifics. It's a stepping stone to more senior project leadership roles.

Reporting Structure: The Deputy Design Manager will report directly to a Design Manager, indicating a hierarchical support structure. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to higher-level project management and design leadership.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts project success by ensuring efficient coordination, accurate documentation, and clear communication. By supporting the Design Manager, the Deputy Design Manager contributes to on-time, on-budget, and high-quality project delivery, which is critical for client satisfaction and AECOM's reputation in the competitive data center market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in data center design and project management, potentially leading to specialization in areas like mechanical systems, electrical infrastructure, or campus planning.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Design Manager role, taking full ownership of project design phases, client relationships, and team leadership. Further advancement could lead to Project Director or Program Manager roles.

• Skill Enhancement: Develop advanced skills in project coordination software, digital collaboration tools, proposal development, and client-facing communication. AECOM's "award-winning training and development programs" offer structured pathways for skill expansion.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain broad exposure to various engineering and architectural disciplines involved in data center projects, enhancing overall understanding of the infrastructure lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is clearly defined from a support role to a leadership position. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to gain specialized experience in a high-demand sector (data centers) within a reputable global firm, with a structured framework for professional development and advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the position is primarily remote, AECOM emphasizes that "all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment." This suggests that while daily work is remote, there are physical office hubs for initial onboarding and potentially for periodic team meetings or client engagements.

Office Location(s): The role is U.S.-based and remote, with a primary location noted as Arlington, VA. AECOM has offices across the US, suggesting that while the role is remote, the candidate should ideally be located in a region where AECOM maintains a presence for potential future needs or team integration.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The environment is inherently collaborative, relying heavily on digital tools (MS Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, etc.) for communication and information sharing among distributed team members.

• Technology Integration: Access to AECOM's suite of digital tools and platforms is expected, enabling effective project management and documentation.

• Team Interaction: While physical interaction might be limited due to remote work, expect regular virtual interactions with the immediate project team, discipline leads, and potentially clients.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of project management and client demands in the data center industry, some flexibility may be required to accommodate critical deadlines, client meetings across time zones, or urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is qualified by the mandatory in-person Day 1 onboarding and the possibility of occasional travel. This indicates a hybrid-flexible model rather than fully remote without any physical presence requirements. Candidates should be prepared for this initial in-person requirement and potential travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Design Manager or hiring manager, focusing on experience, technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of data center projects. Be prepared to discuss your experience with project coordination, documentation, and communication.

• Team/Panel Interview: Potential interviews with other team members (e.g., other Design Managers, Project Managers, or discipline leads) to evaluate collaboration style and technical aptitude.

• Case Study/Exercise: A practical exercise or case study may be presented, requiring you to outline how you would approach a specific project coordination challenge, manage documentation, or improve a process.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader in the data center practice to discuss career aspirations and overall fit with AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 2-3 strong examples that best showcase your project coordination, documentation management, and process improvement skills within an A/E or similar project-based environment.

Prioritize data center or complex infrastructure projects if possible.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The project context and your role.
  • The specific challenge or objective.
  • The actions you took (emphasizing your process, tools used, and collaboration).
  • The outcome or impact, quantifying results where possible (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors, successful deliverable submission).

• Highlight Digital Proficiency: Include examples demonstrating your effective use of collaboration platforms (SharePoint, Teams, etc.) for document sharing, communication, and tracking in a remote or hybrid setting.

• Showcase Process Improvement: If you've implemented any process enhancements, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the benefits achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Coordination Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would coordinate between different engineering disciplines, manage conflicting priorities, or resolve RFI backlogs.

• Process Thinking: Prepare to explain your approach to organizing project documentation, managing drawing revisions, and ensuring QA/QC compliance.

• Communication Strategy: Practice articulating complex project updates concisely and professionally, both for internal teams and external clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Deputy" and support functions means interviewers will look for strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to anticipate needs. A portfolio that demonstrates proactive problem-solving and process-thinking, rather than just task execution, will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management & Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, SharePoint. Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meet) is also expected.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document management systems is beneficial, particularly those used in A/E firms for version control and access management.

• Virtual Meeting Platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills for data tracking, analysis, and basic reporting are essential.

• Dashboarding Tools: Familiarity with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or even advanced Excel dashboards for visualizing project status and key metrics would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows from client interactions and project management systems into broader company reporting is helpful.

• Experience with any workflow automation tools or processes that streamline repetitive tasks would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of SharePoint, MS Teams, Google Drive, and Box indicates AECOM's reliance on cloud-based collaboration and document management. Candidates should be comfortable navigating and managing information across these platforms. Advanced Excel skills are non-negotiable for tracking and reporting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and working effectively across diverse internal and external groups, especially in a remote setting.

• Client Focus: Commitment to delivering high-quality services and solutions that meet client needs and contribute to their success.

• Integrity & Trust: Adherence to ethical standards and building trustworthy relationships with colleagues and clients.

• Innovation & Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and proactive approaches to enhance processes, efficiency, and project outcomes.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks and responsibilities, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is maintained.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First Mindset: Expect a collaborative environment that relies on digital communication, clear documentation, and proactive outreach to maintain alignment among dispersed team members.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and potentially construction teams requires adaptability and the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Feedback Culture: AECOM's emphasis on growth suggests an environment where constructive feedback is shared and utilized for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values ("better world," "integrity," "collaboration") suggest a professional and purpose-driven work environment. For operations roles, this translates to a focus on reliable execution, clear communication, and contributing to the collective success of project teams and the company.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively coordinating and maintaining communication with team members across different geographic locations and time zones.

• Navigating Complex Projects: Handling the intricate details and interdependencies of large-scale data center projects requires meticulous organization and problem-solving.

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling various tasks, deadlines, and stakeholder requests simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new digital tools, project management methodologies, and data center design trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Data Center Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of data center design, infrastructure, and project delivery from industry leaders.

• Project Management Skills: Developing advanced project coordination, scheduling, and risk management capabilities.

• Digital Tool Mastery: Becoming proficient in AECOM's extensive suite of digital collaboration and project management tools.

• Career Advancement: Clear pathway to Design Manager roles and beyond within AECOM's global infrastructure practice. AECOM offers "award-winning training and development programs" designed for technical and leadership skill expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a support role in a complex, remote environment. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear trajectory for career advancement within a specialized and high-demand field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully coordinated multiple engineering disciplines on a complex project. What was your approach, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your process, communication methods, and how you ensured alignment.)

• "How would you manage and track RFIs and submittals for a large data center project to ensure timely responses and avoid delays?" (Detail your system for tracking, follow-up, and escalation.)

• "Imagine a key stakeholder provides conflicting feedback from two different departments. How would you approach resolving this to ensure the design remains on track?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving and negotiation skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and our work in the data center sector?" (Research AECOM's recent projects and their impact.)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a remote work environment?" (Highlight your experience with virtual teams and collaboration tools.)

• "AECOM emphasizes delivering a better world. How do you see this role contributing to that mission?" (Connect your operational contributions to the broader company purpose.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio example, present the "Situation," "Task," "Action," and "Result" (STAR method). Keep it brief and impactful.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the systems and processes you used for coordination, documentation, and communication. Show your organizational methodology.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your work (e.g., "improved RFI turnaround by 15%," "maintained 98% accuracy in deliverable tracking").

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about specific tools, challenges you faced, and how you would handle similar situations in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing your ability to support senior managers, manage details, and contribute to efficient project delivery. They'll be looking for proactive problem-solvers who can thrive in a remote, collaborative setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in project coordination, document management, A/E firm operations, and any data center project exposure. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your organizational skills, process management capabilities, and experience with digital collaboration tools. Be ready to walk through these examples during an interview.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's data center projects, company values, and recent news. Understand their approach to infrastructure consulting and sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to project coordination, remote collaboration, problem-solving, and your career aspirations, using the STAR method.

⚠️ 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.