Digital Infrastructure Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Infrastructure Design Manager

Company: AECOM

Location: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Digital Infrastructure Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 8+ years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (within the United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning, design, and execution of global digital infrastructure projects, with a specialized focus on submarine cable landing stations, terrestrial fiber networks, and hyperscale data center facilities.

• Drive multidisciplinary team coordination and project management across civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, and security disciplines to ensure successful project delivery.

• Manage critical project parameters including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk for complex, mission-critical communication infrastructure.

• Serve as the primary technical and client-facing liaison, fostering strong relationships with global telecommunications providers, cloud providers, and infrastructure investors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Digital Infrastructure sector, which is a critical component of Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for technology and infrastructure companies. The "Manager" title, combined with the scope of leading global projects and multidisciplinary teams, suggests a senior role with significant autonomy and impact on AECOM's digital infrastructure service offerings. The focus on client relationships and strategic business growth further reinforces its GTM alignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end project lifecycle for digital infrastructure initiatives, from initial site selection and feasibility studies through detailed design and successful delivery.

• Orchestrate and manage multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring seamless collaboration among civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, security, environmental, and permitting experts.

• Maintain rigorous control over project scope, adherence to schedules, financial budgets, quality standards, and proactive risk mitigation strategies throughout all project phases.

• Act as the central point of contact for all project stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external partners, ensuring clear and consistent communication.

• Conduct comprehensive site due diligence, feasibility evaluations, and strategic infrastructure planning to inform project viability and direction.

• Lead the detailed design coordination for critical components such as cable landing stations, extensive backhaul fiber routes, essential network support facilities, and other related telecommunications infrastructure.

• Oversee the integration of critical utility, power, resiliency, security, and operational requirements essential for the uninterrupted functioning of mission-critical communications facilities.

• Facilitate productive design workshops, rigorous technical reviews, and effective interdisciplinary coordination meetings to drive consensus and problem-solving.

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

• Conduct thorough reviews of design deliverables, verifying compliance with client specifications, established industry standards, and AECOM's internal quality assurance processes.

• Provide essential support for construction administration, including timely RFI responses, diligent submittal reviews, on-site coordination, and comprehensive commissioning oversight.

• Actively contribute to the development of winning proposals and strategic business growth initiatives within the digital infrastructure sector.

• Cultivate and nurture strong, long-term client relationships, identifying and pursuing opportunities for expanded service offerings and future engagements.

• Mentor and guide junior staff members, fostering their professional development and contributing to the expansion and expertise of AECOM's Digital Infrastructure practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of technical design oversight and advanced project management. The emphasis on "leading multidisciplinary teams," "managing project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk," and "client relationship management" points to a senior role requiring strong operational leadership and strategic execution capabilities. The mention of "business growth initiatives" and "identifying opportunities for additional services" highlights the GTM aspect of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Telecommunications), Architecture, Construction Management, Information Technology, or a closely related technical field.

• Demonstrated equivalent of experience and/or education may be considered in lieu of a specific degree. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive, relevant professional experience in the planning, design, and delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record of managing project schedules, budgets, and client communications effectively.

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and leading multidisciplinary engineering and design teams. Required Skills:

• Digital Infrastructure Design: Deep understanding of the principles and practices involved in designing telecommunications infrastructure, including submarine cable landing stations, fiber optic networks, and data centers.

• Project Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead complex projects from initiation to closure, managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk.

• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination: Expertise in facilitating collaboration and managing workstreams across diverse engineering and design disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, MEP, telecommunications, security).

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in building and maintaining client relationships, understanding their needs, and advocating for AECOM's solutions.

• Technical Coordination: Ability to coordinate complex technical requirements and ensure alignment across different project components and stakeholder groups.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks to ensure successful outcomes.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities, essential for client interaction, team leadership, and proposal development.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) designation or equivalent industry certification.

• Direct experience with submarine cable systems, cable landing stations, terrestrial backhaul networks, dark fiber infrastructure, or carrier-neutral colocation facilities.

• Experience supporting international telecommunications infrastructure projects, understanding global regulatory and logistical considerations.

• Familiarity with mission-critical facility design principles, including power, cooling, resiliency, and security requirements.

• Knowledge of permitting, utility coordination, and environmental review processes relevant to large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Proficiency with design and planning software such as BIM/Revit, Bluebeam, fiber network planning tools, Civil3-D, or similar technologies.

• Experience in site due diligence, feasibility studies, and infrastructure planning.

• Understanding of construction administration processes, including RFI and submittal management, and commissioning support.

• Proven leadership and team development capabilities, with experience mentoring junior staff.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 8+ years, coupled with the "Manager" title and responsibilities, places this role at a mid-to-senior level. The emphasis on "demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education" suggests a degree of flexibility for exceptionally qualified candidates. The preferred skills highlight a strong preference for specialized experience within the telecommunications and data center infrastructure sectors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Examples: Showcase at least 2-3 complex digital infrastructure projects (e.g., cable landing stations, data centers, fiber networks) that demonstrate your leadership in design coordination and project management.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Provide specific examples of how you have improved design processes, project workflows, or team coordination to enhance efficiency or reduce project risks. Quantify outcomes where possible.

• System Implementation Exposure: Highlight any experience with the implementation or management of design and project management systems, detailing your role and the impact of these systems on project success.

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Include examples that illustrate your ability to manage client expectations, navigate complex stakeholder landscapes, and secure buy-in for technical and project strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to document and optimize workflows for multidisciplinary design projects, ensuring clear handoffs and accountability.

• Implementation & Automation: Illustrate experience with implementing project management tools or methodologies that streamline project execution and communication.

• Measurement & Analysis: Show examples of how you have used metrics or KPIs to track project performance (schedule, budget, quality) and how this data informed decision-making or process adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but vividly illustrate the candidate's contribution to process improvement, team leadership, and successful project outcomes within the digital infrastructure domain. Demonstrating an understanding of the full project lifecycle, from planning and design to construction administration and client management, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• USD $145,000 - $195,000 per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life and Disability: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability benefits.

• Time Off & Leave: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absence policies.

• Voluntary Benefits: Access to a range of voluntary benefit options to supplement core offerings.

• Flexible Work: Flexible work options and arrangement policies, supporting a remote work model.

• Wellness & Support: Dedicated Well-being resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Travel Support: Business Travel Insurance for necessary domestic and international travel.

• Recognition & Retirement: Service recognition awards and a robust Retirement Savings Plan.

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

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The fully remote nature of the role offers flexibility in daily schedule management, provided project deadlines and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $145,000 - $195,000 USD per year aligns with senior-level project management and design leadership roles in specialized infrastructure sectors within the United States. This range is competitive for a fully remote position requiring significant experience and technical expertise in digital infrastructure. The extensive list of benefits indicates a comprehensive compensation package typical of large, established engineering and consulting firms like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering (Fortune 500 company). AECOM operates at the forefront of global infrastructure development, encompassing sectors like water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. The Digital Infrastructure practice is a key growth area, focusing on the backbone of modern connectivity.

Company Size: Global workforce of over 50,000 professionals. This large scale provides access to extensive resources, diverse expertise, and opportunities for large-scale project involvement.

Founded: AECOM's history dates back through predecessor companies, with a significant evolution as a major global player in recent decades. This long-standing presence signifies stability and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• Digital Infrastructure Practice: This role is part of a specialized global practice within AECOM, likely composed of experts in telecommunications, data centers, and related digital infrastructure fields.

• Reporting Structure: The Digital Infrastructure Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Digital Infrastructure group, with direct oversight of project teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role inherently requires extensive collaboration with various AECOM business lines (e.g., Buildings & Places, Transportation, Environment) and technical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes using data analytics for site selection, performance forecasting, and risk assessment in infrastructure projects.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes collaborative approaches that bring together all stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to optimize outcomes.

• Innovation & Technology: AECOM invests in digital tools and innovative solutions, including BIM, digital twins, and advanced modeling, to enhance design and delivery processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's reputation as a global leader implies a culture that values technical excellence, client focus, and innovation. The sheer size of the company suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also offers significant opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse projects and markets. The "better world" mission statement indicates a focus on impactful and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial role within the Digital Infrastructure domain. It requires significant technical expertise, project leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects. The role is pivotal in client engagement and business development for specialized infrastructure services.

Reporting Structure: The Digital Infrastructure Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President within the Digital Infrastructure business line. They will lead project-specific teams composed of engineers, designers, and project coordinators from various AECOM disciplines.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on AECOM's revenue generation and strategic positioning within the rapidly growing digital infrastructure market. Successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and business development contributions directly influence the company's financial performance and market share in areas like hyperscale data centers and global connectivity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director-level positions within the Digital Infrastructure practice, overseeing larger portfolios, more strategic accounts, or broader geographical regions.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in specific areas such as advanced data center design, subsea cable technology, or network resiliency strategies.

• Business Development & Strategy: Potential to move into roles with a greater focus on strategic planning, business development, and client account management for key accounts.

• Mentorship & Training: AECOM offers robust training programs and mentorship opportunities to develop leadership, technical, and strategic skills, facilitating career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of technical leadership, project management, and client-facing responsibilities positions this role as a critical stepping stone for individuals aiming for senior leadership in the infrastructure consulting sector. The emphasis on mentorship and training suggests a commitment to developing talent from within.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position within the United States. While there is no primary office for daily work, the job description mentions that "all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location." This suggests periodic in-person requirements for critical events or onboarding.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, AECOM has numerous office locations across the United States. The specific onboarding location would likely be at a major hub near the employee's residence or a designated central office.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work Setup: Employees are expected to maintain a productive home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Technology & Tools: Access to AECOM's digital infrastructure tools, project management software, and communication platforms will be provided to facilitate remote work and collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Collaboration will primarily occur through virtual channels (video conferencing, instant messaging, project management software). Opportunities for in-person interaction may arise during client meetings, site visits, or team offsites.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is expected.

• Flexibility in daily scheduling is a characteristic of remote work, but availability during core business hours for team collaboration, client calls, and project meetings is essential. The role requires responsiveness to project demands, which may occasionally necessitate work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote" status offers significant flexibility. However, the mandatory in-person Day 1 onboarding and potential travel requirements indicate that candidates should be prepared for occasional in-person engagement. This hybrid approach balances remote work benefits with the need for in-person connection and essential company integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with minimum and preferred qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focused on your experience in digital infrastructure design, project leadership, team management, and client interaction. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your background.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of subject matter experts or peers who will delve deeper into your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and experience with specific project types (e.g., cable landing stations, data centers).

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a selection of your work, highlighting key projects, your role, process improvements, and outcomes. Focus on how you've managed complex multidisciplinary projects.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your alignment with AECOM's values, your collaboration style, and your ability to thrive in a remote, global team environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the Digital Infrastructure practice to discuss strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in digital infrastructure, project management, and multidisciplinary coordination. Focus on impact and results.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the processes you implemented or managed, the solutions you designed or oversaw, and the quantifiable outcomes achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk reduction).

• Highlight Process Improvement: Emphasize instances where you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions to improve design workflows, team collaboration, or project delivery.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of the projects, including design considerations, challenges, and solutions relevant to cable landing stations, fiber optics, and data centers.

• Showcase Client Management: Provide examples of how you managed client expectations, communicated complex technical information, and built strong relationships.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to managing challenging project stakeholders, resolving interdisciplinary conflicts, or mitigating unexpected project risks.

• Process Improvement Exercises: You might be asked to outline how you would approach designing a specific type of digital infrastructure facility or improving a particular project phase.

• Strategic Thinking: Questions may assess your understanding of market trends in digital infrastructure and how AECOM can best serve clients in this evolving landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, typical for a senior role at a large consulting firm. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates practical application of skills and quantifiable results will be a significant asset. Focus on articulating your leadership in complex technical environments and your ability to drive successful project outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Design & Collaboration Platforms: Experience with BIM software (Revit), Bluebeam Revu for document review and markup, and potentially GIS or fiber planning tools.

• Communication & Collaboration Suites: Expertise in Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and other tools essential for remote team collaboration and client communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis; experience with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for dashboard creation and reporting is a plus.

• Reporting Frameworks: Ability to develop and present performance reports on project status, budget, schedule, and risk to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) are used to manage client relationships and track business development activities is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can streamline design reviews, RFI processes, or submittal management within a project context.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document management solutions for organizing and controlling project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list a technology stack, the nature of the role implies a need for proficiency in standard project management, design collaboration, and remote communication tools. Experience with BIM and specialized fiber planning tools would be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards and building trust with clients and colleagues through transparent and reliable work.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional service to foster long-term partnerships.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement and seeking innovative solutions to complex infrastructure challenges.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged for optimal outcomes.

• Sustainability: Commitment to designing and delivering infrastructure that is environmentally responsible and sustainable for future generations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Works seamlessly with diverse teams across different disciplines and business lines within AECOM.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasizes clear, consistent, and timely communication with all stakeholders, especially in a remote setting.

• Feedback Culture: Encourages open feedback exchange to drive continuous improvement in processes and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participates in sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values emphasize a strong ethical foundation, client-centricity, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. For operations professionals, this translates to a need for meticulous process adherence, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication to uphold these values in project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global, Remote Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams spread across different time zones and locations requires strong communication, delegation, and conflict resolution skills.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse interests of global telecommunications providers, cloud operators, investors, and regulatory bodies presents a significant challenge.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the fast-paced advancements in digital infrastructure technology (e.g., 5G, AI, edge computing) and integrating them into designs requires continuous learning.

• Project Complexity & Risk: Digital infrastructure projects, especially those involving subsea cables and hyperscale data centers, are inherently complex and carry substantial technical and financial risks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs to deepen expertise in specialized areas of digital infrastructure.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to attend leadership workshops and gain mentorship to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing certifications to stay current with best practices and emerging technologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: The nature of the role provides exposure to a wide array of engineering and design disciplines, fostering holistic project understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for an operations professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is adept at managing complexity. The challenges presented are significant but offer substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a high-demand industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital infrastructure project you managed from inception to completion. What were the key challenges, your specific role, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, coordination, and results.)

• "How do you approach leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams, especially when working remotely across different time zones?" (Highlight collaboration strategies and communication techniques.)

• "Walk us through your process for identifying and mitigating risks on a large-scale infrastructure project." (Demonstrate your risk management methodology.)

• "How do you ensure design deliverables meet client requirements and industry standards while managing budget and schedule constraints?" (Focus on quality assurance and project control.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in digital infrastructure, particularly cable landing stations and hyperscale data centers?" (Show research into AECOM's projects and market position.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to AECOM's mission of 'delivering a better world' through infrastructure?" (Connect your work to broader impact.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder. How did you manage the relationship and achieve project objectives?" (Assess stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in digital infrastructure design and project management.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific contributions, the processes you managed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., budget adherence, schedule improvements, risk mitigation success).

• Illustrate Process Improvement: Detail specific instances where you improved workflows, team coordination, or design methodologies.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to narrate the project journey, highlighting challenges, solutions, and your leadership role throughout.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about technical details, project challenges, and your decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of digital infrastructure project lifecycles, robust project management capabilities, and effective leadership in a remote, multidisciplinary setting. Be ready to back up claims with specific examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Infrastructure Design Manager position:

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

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in digital infrastructure design, project leadership, multidisciplinary team coordination, and client management. Use keywords from the job description such as "submarine cable landing stations," "hyperscale data center," "terrestrial networks," and "project management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your most relevant projects, focusing on showcasing your leadership, process improvements, and quantifiable achievements in digital infrastructure delivery.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent digital infrastructure projects, company values, and strategic goals. Understand their approach to sustainability and client partnerships.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to address strategic, technical, and behavioral questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and focusing on your process and impact for strategic and technical inquiries.

⚠️ 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.