Design Manager I Energy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager I Energy

Company: AECOM

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Design Management (Energy Sector)

Date Posted: 2026-04-29

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design phase for critical Transmission and Distribution (T&D) infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence and strategic oversight.

• Drive multi-disciplinary design solutions for a range of energy infrastructure projects, including industrial, aviation, and healthcare buildings.

• Foster a culture of technical quality, mentoring, and continuous improvement within design and engineering teams.

• Manage client-facing interactions, technical interfaces, and build long-term trusted relationships.

• Support business growth through contributions to bids, proposals, and the development of competitive submissions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within AECOM's Energy practice, focusing on Transmission and Distribution projects in Eastern Australia. The emphasis is on leadership in the design phase, technical excellence, and client engagement, with a strong requirement for experience in T&D infrastructure. The role also offers significant opportunities for mentorship and contributing to Australia's energy transition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead as Design Manager across a portfolio of Transmission & Distribution projects, including substation and transmission line design, driving technical excellence, strategic oversight, and robust engineering decision-making.

• Work closely with Project Managers and Project Directors to ensure seamless project delivery, effective design coordination, proactive risk management, and strong programme performance.

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across the energy and broader infrastructure sectors, fostering a culture of technical quality while mentoring and developing junior engineers.

• Maintain a strong client-facing presence, managing technical interfaces, responding to RFQs, and building trusted, long-term client relationships.

• Apply strong commercial judgement to align scope, budget, schedule, and long-term objectives, finding common ground among stakeholders.

• Support business growth by contributing to bids and proposals, working alongside practice leaders and the Bids & Proposals team to produce competitive, well-crafted submissions.

• Leverage AECOM’s Australian and global technical network to bring leading practices and cutting-edge solutions to projects.

• Support the development of a high-performance design culture based on accountability and continuous improvement, through mentoring, coaching, and development of others across project, workshare, and technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project execution oversight, client relationship management, and business development. The emphasis on T&D projects, substation design, and the broader energy sector's transition indicates a strategic role focused on delivering complex infrastructure. Mentorship and fostering a high-performance design culture are key components, underscoring the leadership aspect of the position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Professional certificate (e.g., engineering-related).

• Registration on the National Engineering Register in Australia is required.

Experience:

• Ideally 10+ years of experience in a consultancy, client-side, or contractor environment delivering complex energy infrastructure projects.

• Proven design and engineering leadership, with the ability to integrate diverse technical disciplines for successful project delivery in grid-scale transmission projects.

• Strong Transmission & Distribution background, with proven experience in substation design. Transmission Lines experience is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage design processes for complex infrastructure projects.

• Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Expertise: Deep understanding of T&D systems, with a focus on substation design.

• Engineering Leadership: Ability to guide and motivate multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Project Delivery: Experience in ensuring projects meet scope, budget, schedule, and quality requirements.

• Client Engagement: Strong skills in building and maintaining client relationships and managing technical interfaces.

• Commercial Judgement: Ability to balance technical requirements with commercial considerations.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in navigating diverse stakeholder needs and achieving consensus.

Preferred Skills:

• Transmission Lines Design: Additional experience in transmission line design.

• Australian Standards & Regulations: In-depth knowledge of local codes and compliance.

• Bid & Proposal Development: Experience contributing to winning proposals.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of project risks.

• Technical Quality Assurance: Commitment to maintaining high standards in engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a senior-level role requiring substantial experience in the energy infrastructure sector, specifically in T&D. The mandatory requirement for Australian professional engineering registration (NER) and the strong preference for CPEng highlight the need for a highly qualified and accredited professional. The skill set is a blend of technical expertise, leadership, client management, and business acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful leadership of the design phase for complex T&D infrastructure projects.

• Examples of integrated multi-disciplinary design solutions, showcasing collaboration across different engineering disciplines.

• Documentation highlighting effective risk management strategies implemented during the design phase.

• Evidence of strong client engagement and relationship management in project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies for the design lifecycle of major energy projects.

• Methodologies for ensuring technical quality and engineering excellence throughout the design process.

• Approaches to mentoring and developing junior design engineers and project engineers within a structured framework.

• Examples of collaboration with project management, project directors, and cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.

• Documentation of contributions to bids and proposals, showcasing how technical solutions were articulated and presented competitively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is crucial for a Design Manager role. This section infers the types of evidence and documentation that would be expected, focusing on leadership in design, project outcomes, client interaction, and contributions to business development. The emphasis is on demonstrating a structured and impactful approach to design management within the energy sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

AECOM, as a global firm, typically offers competitive compensation packages. For a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in the specialized field of Energy Infrastructure (Transmission & Distribution), the estimated annual salary range would be AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum.

This estimate is based on:

• Industry Benchmarks: Data from industry salary surveys for senior engineering and design management roles in Australia's infrastructure and energy sectors.

• Location: Melbourne's cost of living and competitive market for specialized engineering talent.

• Experience Level: 10+ years of experience and the required professional accreditations (NER, CPEng).

• Role Complexity: Leadership of critical infrastructure projects and client-facing responsibilities.

• Company Size & Type: AECOM is a large, global engineering consultancy.

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with market and client-facing role requirements.

• Option to purchase up to 6 weeks of additional annual leave per year.

• Volunteer and representation leave.

• Flex public holidays – ability to swap holidays for ones that better suit personal needs.

• Global well-being program.

• Access to industry-leading technology and thinking.

• Opportunities for transformational work with significant impact.

• Hybrid work options offering flexibility.

Working Hours:

The role is full-time. While specific daily hours are not detailed, the hybrid nature and focus on client-facing responsibilities suggest a standard professional work week (e.g., 38-40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility. The emphasis on client needs and project delivery may require occasional adjustments to working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical compensation for senior engineering management roles in Australia, considering the specific industry, location, and experience required. The benefits package is typical for large professional services firms, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Energy Sector focus: Transmission & Distribution)

Company Size: Fortune 500 company, with a significant global presence and approximately 52,000 employees worldwide according to recent reports.

Founded: AECOM was formed in 1990 through a merger, with roots tracing back much further. It's a well-established global leader in infrastructure consulting.

Team Structure:

• The Energy practice is a key business group within AECOM, likely comprising specialized teams for consulting, engineering design, EPC, and project management.

• This role sits within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector, specifically within the Australian operations, likely reporting to a Sector Director or similar senior leadership.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach, leveraging advanced technical and digital expertise.

• Their methodology likely includes robust project management frameworks, integrated design processes, and a commitment to sustainability and ESG priorities.

• The company culture encourages a "better world" through its projects, focusing on delivering sustainable legacies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting. The culture emphasizes innovation, sustainability, diversity, and client focus. The team structure is likely matrixed, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and leveraging global expertise. The T&D sector is a critical part of their energy business, contributing to critical infrastructure development and energy transition initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level Design Management position. It requires significant experience (10+ years) and professional accreditation (NER, CPEng) to lead complex projects and teams. It's a step beyond individual contributor or junior project engineering roles, focusing on strategic design leadership and technical oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Energy practice, such as a Sector Director (like Mark Lampard, mentioned as Sector Director - Transmission & Distribution) or a Director of Engineering. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of design engineers and potentially junior design managers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical energy infrastructure projects. Their leadership in design ensures technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, adherence to standards, and client satisfaction. This directly influences project profitability, AECOM's reputation, and the successful transition to a more sustainable energy future in Australia.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of T&D design or emerging energy technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to roles like Principal Design Manager, Director of Engineering, or Project Director, managing larger portfolios or business units.

• Business Development: Take on more significant roles in client relationship management and winning new projects.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or contribute to global best practices within AECOM.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior staff and potentially contributing to internal training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career step for experienced engineers looking to move into leadership. The growth path is clear, with opportunities for both technical and managerial advancement within AECOM's extensive global network. The impact extends beyond project delivery to shaping the future of energy infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This means a blend of working from an AECOM office (specifically Collins Square in Melbourne) and remote work. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration and provide access to resources.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: AU - Melbourne, VIC - Collins Square. This is a prime business district location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is likely designed to encourage interaction between project teams, facilitating multi-disciplinary collaboration.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to AECOM's suite of engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face meetings, design reviews, and team-building activities with colleagues in the Energy practice and other departments.

Work Schedule:

Full-time, with a hybrid arrangement. This typically allows for a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, balancing office presence with remote work needs, and accommodating client requirements. Standard professional working hours are expected, with potential for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining the benefits of office-based collaboration and access to AECOM's Melbourne facilities. The focus on collaboration and access to technology is crucial for a design management role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for a role like this at AECOM typically involves several stages to assess technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit:

1. Application Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, with a focus on meeting the 10+ years of experience, T&D background, and NER/CPEng requirements.

2. Initial Interview (Recruiter/HR): Assessment of general fit, motivation, salary expectations, and understanding of the role.

3. Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Sector Director or hiring manager (e.g., Mark Lampard) focusing on technical experience, design leadership philosophy, project examples, and understanding of the energy sector.

4. Technical/Peer Interview: Discussion with senior engineers or other Design Managers to evaluate technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and approach to design challenges. This stage may include a case study or scenario-based questions.

5. Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on key projects that demonstrate their design management capabilities, problem-solving, and impact.

6. Final Interview/Offer: Discussions with senior leadership and finalization of terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 major T&D projects where you led the design phase.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role, decision-making authority, and how you guided the design team.

• Showcase Technical Rigor: Demonstrate your understanding of substation design principles, Australian standards, and engineering best practices.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible (e.g., project value, schedule adherence, cost savings, technical improvements achieved).

• Address Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of how you managed diverse client and internal stakeholder expectations.

• Problem-Solving: Detail a significant design challenge encountered and how you and your team successfully resolved it.

• Mentorship Approach: Briefly explain your philosophy on developing junior engineers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex T&D design challenge, considering constraints, stakeholders, and technical requirements.

• Leadership Questions: Practice answering questions about your leadership style, conflict resolution, and team motivation.

• Client Management: Prepare examples of how you manage client relationships, handle difficult conversations, and build trust.

• Commercial Awareness: Be ready to discuss how design decisions impact project costs and schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of the role. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases leadership, technical depth in T&D, and successful project outcomes will be essential. Focus on demonstrating a strategic and collaborative approach to design management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms for infrastructure design (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation).

• Design & Analysis Software: Familiarity with specialized software for electrical engineering design, power systems analysis, and substation layout (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, REVIT for BIM integration).

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or AECOM's internal platforms for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, design reports, and financial metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience using or interpreting data from project dashboards to monitor design progress, risks, and financials.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly sales, familiarity with CRM concepts for client relationship management and tracking client interactions might be beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing, versioning, and sharing large volumes of design documentation.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with BIM workflows and software for integrated design and project delivery is increasingly standard in infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in this sector would typically be proficient in advanced CAD and specialized power system design/analysis software. Familiarity with project management and BIM tools is also essential for managing complex infrastructure projects effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design decisions and client interactions.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Proactively seeking opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and business growth.

• Pioneering Mindset: Embracing new technologies and approaches to deliver cutting-edge energy solutions.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to better outcomes.

• Sustainability: Commitment to delivering projects that create sustainable legacies and contribute to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes and project responsibilities.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines and with various stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes integrating expertise from various disciplines and business lines to deliver comprehensive solutions.

• Client-Centric Approach: Collaboration is geared towards understanding and exceeding client expectations, acting as a trusted advisor.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the organization, both locally and globally.

• Mentorship & Development: A collaborative environment where senior staff actively mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a continuous learning culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values are central to its operations. For a Design Manager, this translates to leading with integrity, fostering an inclusive team environment, driving innovation in energy solutions, and collaborating effectively to achieve sustainable outcomes for clients and the community.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse clients, regulatory bodies, internal teams, and other stakeholders on large-scale energy projects.

• Navigating Evolving Energy Technologies & Regulations: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in renewable energy, grid modernization, and changing environmental regulations, and translating these into design solutions.

• Ensuring Technical Excellence Across Disciplines: Effectively integrating and coordinating complex designs from multiple engineering disciplines to ensure a cohesive, safe, and efficient final product.

• Driving Innovation in Design Processes: Moving beyond traditional methods to adopt new digital tools and workflows (like advanced BIM or digital twins) to enhance efficiency and design quality.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Cultivating the next generation of design leaders while managing current project demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops on the latest T&D technologies, grid modernization, and renewable energy integration.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers programs focused on enhancing management, strategic thinking, and people leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend key industry events, stay updated on trends, and build professional networks.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of high-profile, complex projects across Australia, offering varied challenges and learning experiences.

• Global Knowledge Exchange: Leveraging AECOM's international network to learn from global best practices and experts in energy infrastructure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in dynamic industries like energy infrastructure. AECOM's commitment to learning and development, coupled with its global reach, provides ample opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design phase of a major Transmission & Distribution project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure technical excellence and stakeholder alignment?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer focusing on a complex T&D project. Emphasize your leadership, problem-solving, and client management skills. Quantify results if possible.

• "How do you foster a culture of technical quality and continuous improvement within a multi-disciplinary design team?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your approach to setting standards, conducting design reviews, encouraging feedback, and implementing lessons learned. Mention specific mentoring strategies.

• "Imagine a scenario where client requirements conflict with regulatory standards on a critical substation project. How would you navigate this situation to achieve a successful outcome?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills, commercial judgement, and ability to find pragmatic solutions while prioritizing safety and compliance. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in the energy sector, particularly regarding Australia's energy transition?"

  • Preparation: Research AECOM's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and strategic focus areas in the Australian energy market. Connect your career goals and passion to their mission.

• "How do you align with AECOM's values of integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to diversity and inclusion?"

  • Preparation: Provide specific examples from your career that demonstrate these values in action.

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior engineers in your team?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your philosophy on talent development, providing constructive feedback, and creating growth opportunities for emerging professionals.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your design management leadership and the positive outcomes achieved.

• Structure: For each project, briefly outline the scope, your role, the challenges, your strategic approach to design, key decisions made, and the final results (technical, commercial, client satisfaction).

• Visuals: Use diagrams, layout drawings, or photos (if permissible) to illustrate the complexity and solutions.

• Be Concise: Respect time limits and focus on the most critical aspects of your contribution.

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your technical decisions, stakeholder management, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong technical leadership, strategic thinking, client management capabilities, and alignment with AECOM's values. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase your experience and impact with concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal linked from the job posting.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in energy infrastructure, specifically T&D design, substation design, and engineering leadership. Ensure your professional registration (NER) is prominently displayed.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate case studies focusing on your leadership in design phases of complex T&D projects. Be ready to articulate your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Research AECOM: Understand their work in the Australian energy sector, their approach to sustainability, and their company values. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and client engagement skills.

⚠️ 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.