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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: United States (Remote with periodic travel)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering (Data Center Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (U.S. based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams for colocation and hyper-scale data center projects, ensuring adherence to client requirements, quality standards, and project timelines.

• Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from initial site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic, and detailed design, culminating in construction documents and administration.

• Develop and execute comprehensive multi-site project and program management plans, requiring strong organizational and strategic planning skills.

• Foster and maintain robust client relationships, proactively communicating project status, identifying risks, and developing creative solutions to complex challenges.

• Drive technical and financial proposal development for new data center design projects, leveraging deep industry knowledge and client understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design leadership with project and client management, demanding a blend of engineering expertise and GTM (Go-To-Market) operational acumen. The focus on "hyper-scale" and "colocation" data centers indicates a need for understanding large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure operations and the associated business models.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and mentor architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS design teams to ensure integrated and high-quality project delivery.

• Conduct thorough site due diligence assessments, evaluating feasibility and identifying potential challenges for new data center developments.

• Develop and implement robust multi-site project and program management plans, ensuring consistency and efficiency across diverse locations.

• Lead client meetings and external stakeholder engagements, articulating technical concepts and project progress clearly and effectively.

• Proactively manage project scope, schedule, and budget, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions to maintain project integrity.

• Proactively identify potential project risks and challenges, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Prepare and present compelling technical and financial proposals for new data center design projects, aligning proposed solutions with client business objectives.

• Cultivate and nurture trusting, long-term relationships with client stakeholders, acting as a key point of contact and trusted advisor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the data center design and construction lifecycle. The emphasis on "multi-site project and program management plans" suggests experience with scaled operations and standardized delivery frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is required.

• A Master’s degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant progressive experience in design and/or project management within the data center or mission-critical infrastructure sector is mandatory.

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

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

• Proven expertise in managing the design of colocation and hyper-scale data centers.

• Strong background in either electrical engineering or mechanical engineering principles as applied to large-scale facilities.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams effectively.

• Experience in conducting site due diligence and campus planning for large-scale projects.

• Proficient in developing and presenting technical and financial proposals.

• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in dynamic, time-sensitive environments with minimal oversight. Preferred Skills:

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

• Lean Six Sigma Certification.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional certification.

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

• Strong interpersonal skills and presentation capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for a P.E. license or Architecture license, along with Lean Six Sigma and Uptime Institute certifications, highlights the company's emphasis on recognized industry expertise and process efficiency within the specialized field of data center design and operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of three (3) significant colocation or hyper-scale data center design projects, clearly detailing your leadership role and contributions.

• For each project, provide a concise overview of the scope, scale, key challenges, and your approach to problem-solving and design integration.

• Include examples of project management plans, risk mitigation strategies, and client communication protocols you have developed or implemented.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage complex design processes, including coordination across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholder groups.

• Highlight your experience with budget management and schedule adherence, supported by quantifiable achievements where possible. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented and optimized design workflows for data center projects, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Include case studies demonstrating your approach to managing design changes and ensuring seamless integration with construction administration phases.

• Showcase your experience in developing standardized design and due diligence processes applicable to multi-site programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and the focus on large-scale projects, a robust portfolio demonstrating direct management of complex data center design processes and client-facing success is crucial. The emphasis on "multi-site" implies a need for scalable process documentation.

💵 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 Absences.

• Access to Voluntary Benefits, Perks, and Well-being Resources.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Business Travel Insurance for work-related travel.

• Service Recognition Awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.

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

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for ownership opportunities.

• Flexible work options beyond the primary remote status. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role offers significant flexibility due to its remote nature, allowing for effective management of work-life balance.

• Occasional travel may require adjustments to the standard schedule to meet project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior Design Manager role in the U.S. data center industry, especially considering the remote flexibility. The extensive benefits package reflects AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Global Leader)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (50,000+ employees globally)

Founded: AECOM is a well-established firm with a long history in infrastructure development, though the exact founding date is not specified in the provided text. This longevity suggests a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, specifically within the Data Center consulting group.

• This group operates globally, with robust teams across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

• The role involves leading multi-disciplinary design teams, implying a matrixed structure where the Design Manager directs project-specific teams composed of specialists from various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Collaboration will extend across different AECOM offices and potentially with external partners. Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging deep technical abilities to solve complex infrastructure challenges.

• The company promotes a "better world" through its projects, indicating a focus on sustainability, resilience, and positive community impact.

• For data centers, this likely translates to a methodology focused on efficiency, reliability, scalability, and adherence to industry best practices and standards (e.g., Uptime Institute).

• The company's commitment to innovation and digital solutions suggests an embrace of modern project management and design tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's scale and global presence mean this role offers exposure to diverse projects and international best practices. The company culture appears to value impact, collaboration, and growth, aligning well with operations professionals seeking to advance their careers in critical infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Technical Leadership

This role represents a significant step in a career focused on data center design and engineering management. It requires not only deep technical expertise but also strong leadership, client relationship management, and strategic project oversight capabilities, positioning the individual as a key contributor to AECOM's success in the high-demand data center market.

Reporting Structure:

The Design Manager will likely report to a senior program director, operations director, or a vice president within the Buildings & Places or DCS (Data Center Solutions) division. They will, in turn, lead and manage multiple project teams composed of architects, engineers, and other specialists.

Operations Impact:

The Design Manager's impact is critical to AECOM's revenue generation and client satisfaction within the data center sector. Successful project delivery directly influences repeat business, client retention, and AECOM's reputation as a premier infrastructure consulting firm. Their ability to manage complex projects efficiently and effectively contributes directly to profitability and market share growth in the competitive data center landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in hyper-scale and colocation data center design, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Chief Architect roles.

• Program Management: Transition into managing larger, multi-project programs or entire client portfolios, overseeing multiple Design Managers.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop into a senior client advisor or business development role, focusing on strategic account growth and new business acquisition.

• Leadership Development: Participate in AECOM's leadership training programs, preparing for executive-level positions within the company.

• Global Mobility: Potential to lead projects or teams in different geographical regions as AECOM expands its global data center footprint.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a strong platform for career advancement within AECOM's specialized data center unit. The combination of technical oversight, client interaction, and program management responsibilities provides a well-rounded experience conducive to leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily Remote, with mandatory Day 1 Onboarding

While the position is based remotely (within the U.S.), AECOM requires all newly hired employees to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location. This suggests a hybrid approach to integration and company culture immersion.

Office Location(s):

The role can be based from any AECOM office in the U.S. The primary listed location is Arlington, VA, but the remote nature allows for flexibility. Periodic travel to client sites or AECOM offices will be required for key project milestones, client meetings, and onsite collaboration sessions.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: Candidates must be comfortable working independently from a home office, requiring self-discipline, effective time management, and reliable remote work infrastructure.

• Collaboration Tools: AECOM likely utilizes advanced collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, specialized project management software) to facilitate communication and project execution among remote and in-office teams.

• Team Interaction: While primarily remote, opportunities for team interaction will arise during scheduled virtual meetings, project kick-offs, and critical project phases requiring synchronous collaboration. Occasional in-person meetings or site visits will provide direct interaction.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Significant flexibility is inherent in the remote arrangement, allowing for adjustments to accommodate project needs, client time zones, and personal work preferences, provided deadlines are met and collaboration is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory Day 1 onboarding is a key detail, indicating AECOM's emphasis on initial in-person connection and company integration, even for remote roles. Candidates should be prepared for occasional travel and understand the expectations for remote work productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and conduct a preliminary call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience in data center design, project management, leadership, and client relations. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

3. Technical/Team Interview: Interviews with senior engineers, architects, or program managers to assess technical depth, problem-solving skills, and understanding of data center design principles. This may involve case studies or design challenges.

4. Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, detailing your most relevant data center projects, your specific contributions, and the outcomes achieved.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the division to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit with AECOM's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful data center projects (colocation/hyper-scale preferred) that best showcase your design management and leadership capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your role, key challenges, innovative solutions, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, capacity increases, risk reduction).

• Explain Your Process: Detail your methodology for managing design teams, client communication, risk assessment, and ensuring quality assurance/control throughout the project lifecycle.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including critical infrastructure systems (MEP, structural, architectural), site selection factors, and compliance with industry standards.

• Storytelling: Frame your project presentations as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership impact, and ability to deliver complex projects successfully.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario asking how you would approach a complex data center design challenge, manage a difficult client, or resolve a conflict within a design team.

• Process Optimization: Expect questions about how you would improve design efficiency, standardize processes across multiple sites, or implement new technologies.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your understanding of the data center market, future trends, and how AECOM can best serve its clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and case studies is standard for senior operational and technical roles. Candidates should prepare to deeply illustrate their past successes and problem-solving approaches relevant to large-scale data center projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for managing complex multi-site projects, tracking progress, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other virtual meeting and communication tools for seamless remote team interaction and stakeholder engagement.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software is beneficial, as is an understanding of how these tools are utilized by design teams.

• Data Analysis & Reporting Tools: Experience with Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating project dashboards and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Ability to interpret and present data related to project performance, budget adherence, schedule compliance, and risk metrics.

• Experience in developing reports for various stakeholders, including clients, senior management, and internal design teams. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how client interactions are managed and logged within AECOM's systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts and tools that can streamline design processes or project reporting would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role implies a need for strong project management and collaboration tool proficiency. A candidate's ability to leverage technology for efficient remote team management and project oversight will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding AECOM's commitment to ethical conduct and building trustworthy relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance project delivery.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering high-quality, impactful solutions.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of performance, quality, and safety in all aspects of work.

• Sustainability: Commitment to designing and delivering infrastructure that is environmentally responsible and contributes to a better world.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with architects, engineers from various disciplines, project managers, and client representatives to ensure cohesive project development.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels, both within the project team and with external stakeholders, to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Supporting the growth and development of team members through guidance, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform design decisions and project strategies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, collaborative spirit, and a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development, which are all critical for a senior role managing complex, high-stakes projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Teams: Effectively leading and motivating geographically dispersed design teams requires strong communication, delegation, and virtual management skills.

• Complex Project Scope: Handling the intricacies of hyper-scale and colocation data center design, which involves numerous interconnected systems and stringent requirements.

• Client Expectations: Balancing demanding client expectations for speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness in a fast-paced market.

• Regulatory & Compliance: Navigating evolving building codes, environmental regulations, and industry-specific standards across different project locations.

• Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in data center technology, energy efficiency, and digital integration strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing or maintaining advanced certifications like P.E., Uptime Institute accreditations, or Lean Six Sigma.

• Leadership Training: Access to AECOM's extensive internal leadership development programs designed to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of different engineering and architectural disciplines through project collaboration and internal training.

• Global Project Exposure: Opportunities to work on international projects, offering diverse cultural and technical learning experiences.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior engineers and designers, solidifying leadership skills while contributing to team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in a dynamic industry, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement. AECOM's investment in training and development supports proactive career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary design team on a complex data center project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)

• "How would you approach the site due diligence and campus planning phase for a new hyper-scale data center development in a challenging location?" (Assess strategic thinking, risk identification, and site evaluation processes.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a technical and financial proposal for a large-scale data center project. What are the critical components?" (Evaluate proposal development methodology and commercial acumen.)

• "How do you manage client relationships, especially when dealing with conflicting priorities or challenging feedback?" (Assess communication, negotiation, and client management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of AECOM, how would your experience and approach contribute to our mission of delivering a better world through infrastructure?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and innovation within a remote design team?" (Highlight your ability to build team cohesion and drive creative solutions in a distributed environment.)

• "What are your thoughts on the future of data center design and sustainability, and how can AECOM lead in this space?" (Showcase industry foresight and strategic thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically by project, clearly stating the objective, your role, the challenges, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (diagrams, site plans, renderings if available) to illustrate project complexity and design solutions.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project, tailoring your narrative to the requirements of the Design Manager role.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about technical details, decision-making processes, and lessons learned from your projects. Be prepared to discuss your role in detail.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in managing teams, stakeholders, and the overall design process, not just individual technical contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific, data-driven examples for behavioral questions and practicing your portfolio presentation will be crucial. Understanding AECOM's emphasis on "delivering a better world" and sustainability is key to cultural alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in data center design, project management, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and client relationship management. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible, focusing on scale (hyper-scale, colocation) and impact.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your most relevant data center projects, clearly outlining your leadership role, challenges overcome, and project outcomes. Be ready to present this digitally.

• Research AECOM: Understand their global presence, commitment to sustainability, and recent projects in the data center sector. Familiarize yourself with their company values and mission.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be ready to discuss your approach to typical data center design and management challenges. Practice presenting your portfolio clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.