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 & Design Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-19T17:44:38.371

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (U.S.)

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS, to deliver integrated solutions.

• Drive project success through proactive stakeholder management, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving, fostering strong client relationships.

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

• Uphold AECOM's commitment to delivering a better world through innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, specifically within the Data Centers (DCS) group. This indicates a focus on the built environment aspects of data center design and construction, with a strong emphasis on engineering and architectural disciplines. The remote nature and U.S. location requirement align with modern GTM strategies for specialized engineering talent.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the comprehensive design process for colocation and hyper-scale data center projects, from initial site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic, detailed design, and construction documentation.

• Lead and manage design teams across multiple disciplines, ensuring seamless integration of architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS.

• Develop and implement multi-site project and program management plans, establishing clear objectives, deliverables, and timelines for each project phase.

• Conduct and host meetings with clients, external stakeholders, and internal teams to facilitate communication, resolve issues, and drive project progress.

• Proactively identify, assess, and communicate project changes, developing creative solutions to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

• Foster strong, trusting relationships with client stakeholders by providing consistent updates, addressing concerns promptly, and delivering high-quality project outcomes.

• Prepare and present compelling technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, showcasing AECOM's expertise and value.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to design teams, ensuring best practices, compliance with industry standards, and innovative design approaches are employed.

• Support construction administration efforts, collaborating with construction teams to resolve design-related queries and ensure accurate implementation of design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight and project management, emphasizing leadership in complex, multi-disciplinary environments. The focus on "colocation and hyper-scale data center projects" indicates a need for specialized knowledge in high-density, mission-critical infrastructure. The requirement to develop technical and financial proposals points to a strategic business development component within the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education will be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in data center design and/or project management.

• Extensive experience managing the design of colocation and hyper-scale data centers is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams for complex infrastructure projects.

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

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated experience in client relationship management and stakeholder engagement.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies, including planning, scheduling, and risk management.

• Ability to identify problems early and develop creative, effective solutions.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients and team members. Preferred Skills:

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

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

• Twelve (12) years of relevant experience in design and/or project management.

• Lean Six Sigma Certification.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional (ATP).

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

• Experience in developing technical and financial proposals.

• Exceptional team leadership and delegation capabilities.

• Strong presentation skills for client meetings and internal reviews.

• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, time-sensitive situations with minimal oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in engineering or architecture, coupled with substantial experience in data center design and project leadership. The preference for advanced degrees, professional licenses, and specialized certifications (Lean Six Sigma, Uptime Institute ATP) indicates a high standard for expertise and a commitment to continuous professional development within the mission-critical infrastructure sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two (2) significant colocation or hyper-scale data center design projects, detailing your specific role and contributions.

• For each project, provide a clear overview of the design challenges, the solutions implemented, and the project's successful outcomes.

• Include examples of strategic planning and due diligence processes undertaken for site selection and campus development.

• Demonstrate experience in coordinating and integrating diverse design disciplines (MEP, structural, architectural, ICT, security, etc.) to achieve project goals. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of project management plans, including scope, schedule, and resource allocation strategies for data center projects.

• Illustrate your approach to risk identification, mitigation, and change management within a complex design environment.

• Provide documentation or descriptions of workflow optimization processes used to enhance design efficiency and quality.

• Include examples of how you have managed and communicated project progress and critical decisions to clients and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a strong portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that demonstrate not only technical design capabilities but also project leadership, client management, and the ability to navigate complex, multi-disciplinary environments. Highlighting experience with both colocation and hyper-scale data centers is essential, as these have distinct design and operational considerations.

💵 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 leaves of absence policies.

• Access to voluntary benefits programs for additional coverage.

• Employee perks and well-being resources to support work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Business Travel Insurance for necessary work-related travel.

• Service Recognition Awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.

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

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) to invest in AECOM's growth. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but the role requires availability to meet project demands and client needs, which may include occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level Design Manager role in the data center industry within the U.S., reflecting the specialized expertise and responsibility involved. The extensive list of benefits highlights AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and financial security, offering a comprehensive package that is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services including planning, design, consulting, and construction management across various sectors such as transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a global presence and significant operational scale.

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

Team Structure:

• The Data Center (DCS) business line is a specialized group within AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) operating group, focusing on high-demand data center projects.

• This role is part of a global team with experts across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, offering opportunities for international collaboration and exposure.

• The Design Manager will lead project-specific design teams, which will be cross-functional and comprise individuals from various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Senior Director or VP within the DCS group, with direct accountability to project clients. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to infrastructure development, utilizing deep technical expertise and digital innovation.

• The company focuses on delivering sustainable and resilient solutions, aligning with global trends in environmental responsibility and long-term asset value.

• Project execution typically follows a structured lifecycle model, from advisory and planning through design, engineering, and construction management.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with integrated teams working across disciplines and geographies to solve complex client challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and history suggest a structured yet dynamic work environment. The specific focus on the Data Center group within Buildings & Places indicates a highly specialized and growing area within the company. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and sustainability aligns with modern corporate values and operational principles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level management role within the data center design and engineering sector. It requires significant technical expertise, project leadership experience, and client-facing capabilities. The scope involves managing complex, multi-discipline projects and potentially multiple concurrent projects or programs.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Data Center Solutions (DCS) business line, likely a Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, lead and manage project-specific design teams comprised of architects, engineers, and technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the success of client data center projects. Their ability to ensure designs are high-quality, cost-effective, delivered on schedule, and meet client operational requirements directly influences client satisfaction, AECOM's reputation, and future business opportunities. They are instrumental in shaping the physical infrastructure that supports critical digital operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Program Director, or Sector Lead within the DCS business line.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like power systems, cooling technologies, or advanced automation for data centers.

• Business Development: Opportunities to take on more responsibility in proposal development, client relationship management, and securing new projects.

• Global Exposure: Potential to work on international projects or collaborate with AECOM teams in different regions.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to the development of future talent within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for professionals aiming for senior leadership in the specialized field of data center infrastructure. The combination of technical depth, project management acumen, and client interaction provides a robust foundation for career advancement within AECOM or the broader infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While primarily a remote role, AECOM typically maintains a professional office environment in its various locations. For this position, the "office" is largely virtual, requiring a dedicated home office setup conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration. The company does require an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location.

Office Location(s): The role is remote within the U.S. but requires an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office. This implies AECOM has offices in or near key U.S. metropolitan areas, such as Arlington, VA, and Chicago, IL, to facilitate this onboarding requirement. The specific onboarding location would likely be communicated during the hiring process.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature necessitates strong self-discipline, time management, and proactive communication to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

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

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration will arise for key project milestones, client meetings, or team strategy sessions, requiring flexibility for occasional travel.

• The work environment is expected to be fast-paced and client-centric, typical of the high-demand data center industry. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Given the global nature of AECOM and the demands of data center projects, flexibility in working hours may be necessary to accommodate client time zones, urgent project needs, or critical design reviews.

• Occasional travel is expected, which will require adherence to AECOM's travel policies and potentially adjustments to the regular work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first approach with a mandatory in-person Day 1 onboarding highlights a hybrid operational model. Candidates should be prepared for a highly collaborative virtual environment, supported by AECOM's technological infrastructure, while also being ready for occasional travel for critical business needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focused on your technical expertise in data center design, engineering principles (MEP, structural, architectural), and project management methodologies. These may involve case studies or scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss your project portfolio, highlighting your role, key contributions, challenges overcome, and project outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and leadership approach.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members or senior stakeholders to assess collaboration style, leadership capabilities, and alignment with AECOM's values and operational approach.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with a senior executive, to finalize the decision and discuss terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful data center projects (colocation/hyper-scale) that best showcase your skills as a Design Manager.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly outline: the client's objectives, your role and responsibilities, the key design challenges, innovative solutions implemented, the project's technical specifications, and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, schedule adherence).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading cross-functional teams, managing stakeholders, and driving the design process to successful completion.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the positive impact of your work and AECOM's value proposition.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, technical challenges, problem-solving approaches, and your experience with different data center technologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be ready for a hypothetical data center design challenge. Practice analyzing problems, proposing solutions, and outlining a project execution plan, considering technical, budgetary, and timeline constraints.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing difficult team dynamics, resolving conflicts, motivating teams, and handling client escalations.

• Technical Acumen: Refresh your knowledge of current data center design trends, energy efficiency best practices, cooling technologies, power distribution, and relevant industry standards (e.g., Uptime Institute Tiers).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical depth, project management capability, and leadership potential. A strong, well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for demonstrating practical experience and impact in the specialized field of data center design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar platforms for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other virtual meeting and team communication tools.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation, such as SharePoint, Aconex, or BIM 360.

• Design Software (Conceptual Understanding): While not a primary user, understanding the outputs and integration needs of architectural (Revit, AutoCAD), structural, and MEP design software is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, budget tracking, and schedule adherence reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience using or interpreting data from project dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget, and risk.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for managing client relationships and tracking business development activities, particularly in proposal development.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Understanding how automation can streamline design review processes, document approvals, or reporting, even if not directly implementing it.

• Integration Concepts: Awareness of how different design and project management tools integrate to share data and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily focused on management and coordination rather than hands-on design, a strong working knowledge of project management, collaboration, and document management technologies is essential. An understanding of how design software outputs integrate into the broader project lifecycle is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and project execution.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional cooperation is encouraged to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Driving creative solutions and embracing new technologies to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable, and efficient data center designs.

• Excellence: Committing to the highest standards of quality, performance, and client satisfaction in every project undertaken.

• Client Focus: Placing client needs at the forefront, building strong partnerships, and delivering exceptional value and service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless communication and collaboration between all design disciplines (architecture, MEP, structural, ICT, security, etc.) and project stakeholders.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, regular updates, and prompt resolution of issues to maintain project momentum and stakeholder alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Creating an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared across teams and projects to foster continuous improvement.

• Feedback Culture: Establishing mechanisms for constructive feedback among team members to enhance individual and collective performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize a professional, client-centric, and collaborative approach. For a Design Manager, this translates to fostering an environment where teams work synergistically, communication is transparent, and the ultimate goal is delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that meet client objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams: Effectively leading and motivating dispersed design teams to maintain high performance and collaboration without constant in-person interaction.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating competing demands from clients, internal AECOM management, and various design discipline leads to ensure project success.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with the fast-changing technological landscape in data centers, including power, cooling, and IT infrastructure, to ensure designs are future-proof.

• Global Project Coordination: Managing projects with international clients or teams, requiring sensitivity to different working cultures, time zones, and regulatory environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Design: Pursuing further certifications or training in specialized areas like hyperscale design, sustainability, or advanced cooling systems.

• Project & Program Management: Developing advanced skills in large-scale program management and complex project delivery.

• Leadership & Business Development: Enhancing skills in client relationship management, strategic proposal development, and team leadership through AECOM's internal training programs.

• Industry Engagement: Participating in industry conferences, trade organizations, and technical committees to stay abreast of trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing complex, technical projects in a dynamic industry, particularly with a remote workforce. AECOM's commitment to employee development provides clear pathways for professionals to grow their expertise and leadership capabilities within the data center sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you had to align multiple design disciplines from different firms to achieve a cohesive data center design. What was your approach to managing their inputs and ensuring integration?" (Prepare by outlining your process for defining scope, setting communication protocols, and managing interdependencies).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle disagreements between a client's operational team and your design engineers regarding a critical design decision? Provide a specific example." (Prepare by focusing on your communication skills, problem-solving methodology, and ability to find mutually agreeable solutions).

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex technical challenge you faced on a data center project and how you, as Design Manager, led your team to a successful resolution. What were the key learnings?" (Prepare by selecting a specific, impactful challenge and structuring your answer using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in the data center sector, and how does it align with your career aspirations?" (Prepare by researching AECOM's recent data center projects and their overall mission).

• "AECOM values collaboration. Describe your experience working in a cross-functional, potentially remote team environment. How do you foster team cohesion and drive results?" (Prepare by highlighting your experience with virtual collaboration tools and strategies for team motivation).

• "How do you ensure that designs meet not only technical requirements but also long-term operational efficiency and sustainability goals?" (Prepare by discussing your approach to integrating these considerations early in the design process). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the business impact – e.g., increased capacity, improved uptime, energy savings, cost efficiency, faster time-to-market.

• Quantify Your Contributions: Use numbers and data to support your claims about project success and your role in achieving it.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you successfully led teams, managed stakeholder expectations, navigated challenges, and drove project completion.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio discussions as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills, technical acumen, and project management capabilities.

• Be Ready for Technical Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about design choices, engineering principles, and your understanding of data center technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, strong project management skills, and effective leadership in a complex, client-facing environment. The ability to articulate your impact with data and compelling narratives will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in data center design management, colocation/hyper-scale projects, multi-disciplinary team leadership, and client relationship management. Use keywords from the job description and AECOM's industry focus.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 2-3 key data center projects. Be ready to discuss your specific role, design challenges, solutions, and quantifiable project outcomes.

• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's global presence, their data center solutions, recent projects, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and data center design expertise. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and impactfully.

⚠️ 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.