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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: United States (Remote)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: June 19, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (with occasional travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and execution of complex colocation and hyper-scale data center projects, ensuring adherence to client requirements, timelines, and quality standards.

• Oversee and integrate multiple design disciplines including architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS.

• Develop and manage multi-site project and program management plans, ensuring consistent delivery across diverse locations.

• Foster strong client relationships through proactive communication, effective problem-solving, and sophisticated stakeholder management.

• Drive technical and financial proposal development for new data center design projects, contributing to business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within AECOM's Data Center consulting sector, focusing on high-profile, fast-paced projects for global clients. The emphasis on "colocation and hyper-scale data centers" indicates a need for specialized knowledge in critical infrastructure design and large-scale deployments. The remote nature, with stated occasional travel, suggests a need for strong self-management and virtual collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead data center due diligence and design teams, ensuring projects meet client specifications, quality benchmarks, and are delivered on schedule.

• Manage and enforce comprehensive multi-site project and program management plans, standardizing processes and outcomes.

• Conduct and lead meetings with clients and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.

• Proactively identify, communicate, and manage project changes, both internally within AECOM and externally with clients.

• Identify potential project issues early and develop innovative, effective solutions to mitigate risks and maintain project momentum.

• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with all stakeholders, providing regular project updates and facilitating issue resolution.

• Develop compelling technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, showcasing AECOM's capabilities and value proposition.

• Cultivate and maintain trusting, collaborative relationships with client stakeholders and buyers to foster long-term partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, client relations, and business development. The need to manage "multi-site project and program management plans" suggests a strategic oversight role that requires an understanding of scaled operations and standardized processes, crucial for hyper-scale data center deployments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master's degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (Preferred). Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in design and/or project management, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.

• Twelve (12) years of experience in colocation and/or hyper-scale data center design management & engineering (Preferred).

• Experience in managing the design of colocation and hyper-scale data centers is essential. Required Skills:

• Proven experience in leading design teams across multiple engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Strong understanding of data center infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and IT systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively prioritize tasks.

• Proficiency in developing and managing project plans, schedules, and budgets.

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architecture License.

• Lean Six Sigma Certification.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional.

• Active or recent leadership in data center and mission-critical trade organizations.

• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills for client-facing interactions.

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

• Proven team leadership skills and the ability to motivate and guide diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in engineering or architecture, coupled with extensive experience specifically within the data center sector, particularly colocation and hyper-scale environments. The preference for advanced degrees, professional licenses, and specialized certifications like Uptime Institute accreditation signifies a high bar for expertise and credibility in this specialized field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience leading the design and development of large-scale data center projects, showcasing project scope, complexity, and successful outcomes.

• Case studies detailing how you managed cross-functional design teams (architecture, MEP, structural, etc.) to achieve project milestones and deliver comprehensive design packages.

• Examples of due diligence reports, campus master plans, and detailed design documentation for data center facilities.

• Evidence of managing design through the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualization and schematic design to construction documents and administration.

• Documentation illustrating your role in developing and managing multi-site project programs, highlighting standardization and efficiency. Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating your approach to design team coordination, interdisciplinary reviews, and stakeholder communication protocols.

• Examples of risk assessment and mitigation strategies employed during the design phase of data center projects.

• Documentation on your experience with change management processes within complex design projects.

• Methodologies for ensuring design quality and constructability, including value engineering and constructability reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in a consultancy like AECOM, a portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a structured approach to managing complex, multi-disciplinary design processes, especially for specialized facilities like hyper-scale data centers. Emphasis on managing multiple sites and ensuring quality across diverse teams is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $190,000 - $240,000 USD per year.

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.

• Access to voluntary benefits tailored to employee needs.

• Employee perks and well-being resources.

• Flexible work options, including the remote arrangement for this role.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Business travel insurance for required site visits.

• Service recognition awards for long-term contributions.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match potential.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for employee ownership. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. The remote nature offers flexibility in scheduling, with the expectation of availability for client meetings and project team coordination across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $190,000 - $240,000 USD annually is typical for a Design Manager with 10+ years of specialized experience in a high-demand field like data center design, especially within a large, global consulting firm like AECOM. The extensive list of benefits is standard for a company of AECOM's size and scope, covering health, financial security, work-life balance, and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Design. AECOM operates globally, providing professional services across a wide spectrum of infrastructure sectors including transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings. Their expertise in data centers positions them at the forefront of digital infrastructure development.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This large scale provides opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression, while also necessitating robust internal processes and communication structures.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its roots tracing back to 1910. This legacy signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the infrastructure industry.

Team Structure:

• The Data Center team likely consists of specialized engineers, architects, project managers, and planners, operating within AECOM's broader Buildings & Places (B&P) business line and Americas operating group.

• Reporting structure will involve a senior leadership role within the Data Center division, with direct oversight of design teams and project managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, requiring close interaction with AECOM's global network of experts across various disciplines and regional offices. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes data-driven decision-making, leveraging advanced analytics and digital tools to inform design and project execution.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly for high-volume, standardized projects like hyper-scale data centers, aiming for efficiency and scalability.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design and project management processes to enhance delivery speed and cost-effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's status as a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in infrastructure consulting suggests a culture that values expertise, innovation, and large-scale project delivery. The "better world" mission implies a focus on sustainable and impactful projects. For a Design Manager, this means working within a structured, globally integrated organization that demands high performance and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level Design Manager position. It requires significant technical expertise and proven project leadership within the specialized domain of data center design. It sits above individual contributor roles and potentially below executive-level management, focusing on the successful delivery of complex design programs.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within AECOM's Data Center business, likely a Director or Vice President of Operations or Design. They will, in turn, lead and mentor project teams comprising engineers, architects, and other design professionals.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and substantial, influencing the technical integrity, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of critical data center infrastructure. Successful project execution directly contributes to AECOM's reputation, client satisfaction, and revenue generation within the lucrative data center market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Progression to Program Director or Head of Design for larger, more strategic data center portfolios or regional responsibilities. Opportunities to lead larger, more complex global projects.

• Operations Skill Development: Deepening expertise in emerging data center technologies, sustainability practices, and advanced digital design tools. Potential to gain certifications in areas like Uptime Institute Tiers or specialized project management methodologies.

• Operations Leadership Potential: Transitioning into broader operational leadership roles within AECOM, managing larger teams, P&L responsibilities for specific business units, or strategic client account management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within AECOM's established structure. The focus is on deepening specialization in data centers while also building broader management and leadership capabilities. The company's global reach provides ample opportunities for diverse project exposure and international career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While this position is remote, AECOM maintains a network of offices globally. The "some telecommuting" and "periodic travel" imply that the role is hybrid-flexible, allowing remote work but requiring occasional in-person engagement for client meetings, site visits, or key project milestones. The Day 1 onboarding in an AECOM office is a mandatory in-person requirement for all new hires.

Office Location(s): The role can be based from any AECOM office in the US. This suggests a distributed team model where individuals are strategically located to serve clients across the country. Specific office locations are available in major metropolitan areas across the US.

Workspace Context:

• The remote setup necessitates a self-disciplined work environment, likely requiring a dedicated home office space conducive to focused design work and virtual collaboration.

• Access to AECOM's digital collaboration platforms, project management software, and advanced design tools will be essential.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration will arise during scheduled travel, fostering team cohesion and direct engagement with clients and project teams. Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, but the nature of project management in critical infrastructure often demands flexibility. Team members may need to adjust their schedules to accommodate international client time zones, urgent client requests, or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role is a key feature, offering flexibility. However, the requirement for occasional travel and mandatory Day 1 onboarding highlights that AECOM still values in-person interaction and maintains a physical presence. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of remote autonomy and structured in-office requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership style, particularly concerning data center design.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their experience with data center design projects, detailing their role, methodologies, challenges, and outcomes. This could involve a specific case study presentation.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with potential team members or cross-functional colleagues to assess collaboration skills and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: A final conversation with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and cultural fit within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful data center design projects, ideally colocation or hyper-scale.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate: the client's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges faced, the solutions implemented (technical and managerial), the processes used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., budget adherence, schedule performance, technical specifications met).

• Highlight Multi-Disciplinary Management: Emphasize how you coordinated and managed diverse design disciplines (MEP, structural, architectural, IT, security, etc.).

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Showcase instances where you identified and resolved complex design or project management issues.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your projects and your contribution.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's data center projects and values to align your presentation with their strategic priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing remote and distributed teams.

• Anticipate questions about how you ensure design quality and compliance across multiple sites.

• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you motivate design professionals.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with client relationship management and proposal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, assessing both technical acumen and managerial capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates success in managing complex data center design projects is essential. The company's emphasis on global projects and client relations means strong communication and stakeholder management skills will be heavily scrutinized.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress across multiple sites.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) and data center design tools is beneficial, even if not directly using them daily. Understanding their output and integration is key.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other virtual collaboration tools for seamless remote communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from various sources (e.g., project performance metrics, financial reports, technical specifications) to inform decisions. Experience with Excel for advanced analysis is a given.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting performance dashboards (e.g., using Tableau, Power BI, or custom internal tools) to track project KPIs and communicate progress to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) are used to manage client relationships and track business development activities, particularly in proposal generation.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design review processes, document management, and project reporting within a large organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is managerial, a strong understanding of the tools used by design teams and for project management is crucial. The ability to leverage data for decision-making and communicate progress effectively through reporting tools is also vital for this client-facing, remote position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, stakeholders, and team members, crucial for a consulting firm.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together effectively, especially in a remote and globally distributed setting.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement in design methodologies, technical solutions, and project delivery to achieve superior outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term partnerships through reliable and high-quality service.

• Sustainability: Commitment to designing infrastructure that is environmentally responsible and contributes to a better world, aligning with AECOM's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless integration between various design disciplines and project management functions, ensuring a unified approach to project delivery.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing are valued and practiced regularly.

• Proactive Stakeholder Engagement: Maintaining consistent and transparent communication with clients, internal teams, and external partners to ensure alignment and address concerns promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture likely emphasizes professional excellence, global collaboration, and a commitment to impactful infrastructure projects. As a Design Manager, demonstrating an ability to foster these values within a remote team and across diverse stakeholders will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a distributed team across different time zones and work environments to maintain productivity and cohesion.

• Technical Complexity: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in data center technology, power density, cooling systems, and sustainability requirements to ensure designs are cutting-edge and compliant.

• Client Demands: Navigating diverse client expectations, tight deadlines, and budget constraints inherent in high-stakes data center projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and integration among a wide array of specialized design disciplines to avoid conflicts and deliver a cohesive design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to ongoing training in advanced data center design, emerging technologies, and sustainability best practices.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), Uptime Institute accreditations, or project management certifications.

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

• Global Project Exposure: Opportunities to work on international projects, broadening perspective and experience in different regulatory and market environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex technical and managerial challenges within a dynamic industry. AECOM's commitment to professional development provides a strong framework for continuous learning and career advancement, preparing individuals for future leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a remote design team for a hyper-scale data center project. How do you ensure accountability and foster collaboration?" (Focus on remote management techniques, communication tools, and team building.)

• "Walk us through a complex data center design challenge you faced. What was the problem, how did you lead the design team to a solution, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed STAR method response showcasing problem-solving, leadership, and technical acumen.)

• "How do you approach managing client expectations and relationships in a fast-paced project environment, especially when dealing with multi-site deployments?" (Highlight client-centric communication, proactive issue resolution, and proposal development experience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the data center sector, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, capabilities, and values. Connect your experience to their strategic goals.)

• "How do you align with AECOM's mission to 'deliver a better world' through infrastructure projects?" (Discuss how your work contributes to sustainability, efficiency, and societal impact.)

• "Describe your experience working within a large, matrixed organization. How do you navigate different business units and stakeholder groups?" (Prepare examples of cross-functional collaboration and navigating organizational structures.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives, focusing on the journey from challenge to solution and impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with relevant diagrams, renderings, or project photos to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming detail.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present data-driven outcomes (e.g., % cost savings, % schedule improvement, capacity achieved).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and leadership in each project.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time limits. Practice your presentation to be impactful and efficient.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise in data center design but also strong leadership, project management, and client-facing skills. Preparing specific examples that align with AECOM's values and the demands of a remote, global role will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in data center design, project management, and leadership, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "colocation," "hyper-scale," "electrical engineering," "mechanical engineering," "multi-site project management"). Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key data center projects, focusing on your role, methodologies, challenges, and successful outcomes. Be ready to present this information clearly and concisely.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's data center projects, their global presence, and their company values, particularly their "better world" mission and focus on sustainability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on specific examples using the STAR method, and practice articulating your project management and leadership strategies.

⚠️ 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.