Engineering / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering / Design Manager

Company: Aurecon

Location: Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering and design activities across complex infrastructure projects, from conceptualization through to final delivery.

• Drive technical excellence and project success by managing engineering interfaces, priorities, and critical deliverables to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality outcomes.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with project managers, discipline leads, clients, contractors, and external delivery partners to achieve project objectives.

• Champion and implement best practices in safety in design, technical assurance, and robust engineering governance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proactively identify and resolve design issues, effectively manage technical risks, engineering changes, and project constraints to maintain project integrity.

• Cultivate and maintain trusted client relationships through clear, effective, and proactive project communication, ensuring client satisfaction and continued business opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Engineering / Design Manager," the provided description and responsibilities clearly indicate a strong focus on the management and coordination of engineering and design processes within project delivery, rather than direct hands-on design work. The emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination, technical assurance, and client engagement aligns with a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations or project management operational function within an engineering consultancy. The core of this role is operationalizing engineering and design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Oversee and orchestrate the integration of various engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, civil, electrical) and design teams to ensure seamless project execution from initial concept to final handover.

• Interface Management: Proactively manage and define engineering interfaces between different project components, teams, and stakeholders to prevent conflicts and ensure design coherence.

• Deliverables & Prioritization: Define, track, and manage project deliverables, ensuring alignment with project timelines, quality standards, and client expectations, while effectively prioritizing tasks.

• Safety & Assurance Leadership: Implement and enforce rigorous safety in design principles, establish comprehensive technical assurance frameworks, and conduct thorough engineering governance and design review processes.

• Risk & Change Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks, manage engineering changes effectively, and ensure project constraints are respected and addressed through structured processes.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture strong, trust-based relationships with clients and key stakeholders, providing transparent communication and actively managing their expectations and feedback.

• Technical Problem Solving: Lead the resolution of complex design issues and technical challenges, applying a pragmatic and collaborative approach to find innovative and effective solutions.

• Project Delivery Focus: Ensure a consistent project delivery focus, aligning engineering and design efforts with overall project management objectives and business outcomes.

• Team Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with project managers, discipline leads, and external partners to leverage collective expertise and drive optimal project performance.

• Quality Assurance: Uphold the highest standards of quality in all engineering and design outputs, ensuring compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and client specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize process oversight, coordination, and risk management, which are core to operations management within a project-driven environment. The role requires a strong operational mindset to translate strategic project goals into actionable engineering and design execution plans.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering is preferred, but related engineering backgrounds will be considered). Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in coordinating multidisciplinary engineering and design activities on complex projects.

• Proven track record in project delivery, with demonstrated ability to manage interfaces, priorities, risks, and technical outcomes effectively. Required Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals: Strong understanding of core mechanical engineering principles and applications.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Expertise in integrating and managing diverse engineering disciplines and design teams within a project context.

• Project Delivery Management: Proven ability to oversee project execution, manage timelines, and ensure the successful delivery of engineering and design outputs.

• Safety in Design: In-depth knowledge and practical application of safety-in-design principles and methodologies.

• Technical Assurance & Governance: Experience in establishing and implementing technical assurance frameworks and engineering governance processes.

• Design Review Processes: Proficiency in conducting and managing various stages of design reviews to ensure technical integrity and compliance.

• Risk Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical and project-related risks.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to manage relationships and communication with diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external partners.

• Client Engagement: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for effective reporting, presentation, and interpersonal interactions.

• Problem-Solving: A practical, collaborative, and analytical approach to identifying and resolving complex engineering and design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Methodologies: Familiarity with formal project management frameworks (e.g., Prince2, PMP).

• Contract Management: Understanding of engineering contract principles and management.

• Specific Industry Software: Familiarity with industry-standard CAD, BIM, or project management software relevant to Aurecon's operations.

• Leadership Experience: Previous experience leading engineering teams or design functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical engineering expertise and strong operational management capabilities, essential for an engineering operations or project management function. The emphasis on "coordinating" and "managing" points towards an operational leadership role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex projects where you demonstrably coordinated multidisciplinary engineering and design activities from concept to delivery.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide documented examples of how you improved engineering or design processes, managed technical risks, or enhanced safety in design, highlighting measurable outcomes.

• System Implementation Standards: Detail your experience in applying technical assurance and engineering governance processes, including examples of design review methodologies and their impact.

• Stakeholder Management Impact: Include case studies illustrating successful client engagement and stakeholder management, demonstrating how you built trust and achieved project consensus.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Present examples of how you have designed, documented, or optimized engineering and design workflows to improve efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Describe instances where you guided the implementation of new processes or technologies within engineering or design teams, focusing on adoption and impact.

• Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how you have used metrics and data to track engineering performance, identify areas for improvement, and report on project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio demonstrating process management, risk mitigation, and successful project execution through coordinated engineering and design efforts is crucial. This aligns with the operational demands of managing complex project workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on Aurecon's presence in Perth, Australia, and the indicated experience level (5-10 years), a competitive salary range for an Engineering / Design Manager would typically fall between AUD $140,000 to AUD $190,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Perth, industry benchmarks for engineering management roles in Australia, and the seniority of the position. Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Aurecon offers flexibility to help employees balance work and personal life.

• Part-time Options: The company is open to discussing part-time employment, providing further flexibility for work-life integration.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career advancement within a global engineering consultancy.

• Health & Wellbeing Programs: Access to programs and resources designed to support employee health and wellbeing.

• Superannuation Contributions: Standard employer contributions to superannuation (Australia's retirement savings scheme).

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses, reflecting individual and company achievements.

• Innovation Culture: An environment that encourages innovative thinking and the development of new solutions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, Aurecon emphasizes flexibility, and discussions around part-time or adjusted schedules are welcomed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry data for similar roles in Perth, Australia, considering the experience level and the nature of a large, established engineering consultancy. The benefits highlight a commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance, which are attractive to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consultancy, Infrastructure, Built Environment, Sustainability. Aurecon operates within a sector focused on designing and delivering critical infrastructure and assets that serve communities and promote sustainability. This context means the operations are driven by project lifecycles, client demands, and a commitment to innovation and quality.

Company Size: 6,000+ employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes, diverse teams, and significant project capacity. For operations professionals, this means access to established systems, potential for specialization, and a broad network of colleagues.

Founded: Aurecon was formed in 2009 through the merger of Connell Wagner (Australia/NZ) and Africon (Africa), with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies. This history suggests a deep well of experience and a stable, reputable presence in the market.

Team Structure:

• Industrial Mechanical Team: The role sits within the Industrial Mechanical team, suggesting a specialization within the broader engineering services.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a senior engineering manager or a divisional head, with direct oversight of project engineering and design teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate extensively with project managers, other engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, structural), client representatives, contractors, and delivery partners. This is a hallmark of operations roles in project-based organizations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from project execution, technical reviews, and risk assessments to inform decisions and optimize outcomes.

• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on refining engineering and design workflows, safety protocols, and governance structures to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Technology Integration: Leveraging technology for design, project management, and communication to streamline operations and improve project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's culture as a large, global engineering consultancy implies a structured yet innovative approach to operations. The emphasis on sustainability and community impact provides a strong mission-driven context for operational roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the engineering operations and management spectrum. It requires a blend of technical understanding and strong managerial capabilities, focusing on the operational execution of engineering and design services. The scope includes managing project-specific engineering teams and ensuring adherence to company-wide operational standards.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering / Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Principal Engineer within the relevant business unit (e.g., Industrial or Infrastructure). They will manage a team of engineers, designers, and potentially project coordinators, influencing project outcomes through effective operational leadership.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Aurecon's ability to deliver profitable, high-quality projects on time and within budget. Effective coordination and risk management in engineering and design operations are critical for client satisfaction, repeat business, and maintaining Aurecon's reputation as a leading consultancy. The operational efficiency of the engineering and design processes directly influences project profitability and resource utilization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into senior management roles, such as Principal Engineer, Technical Director, or General Manager of a business unit, overseeing larger teams and more strategic initiatives.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific sectors (e.g., industrial, energy, transport) or technical areas, becoming a subject matter expert within Aurecon.

• Project Portfolio Expansion: Managing increasingly complex and larger-scale projects, leading to greater responsibility and professional development.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to the development of future talent and honing leadership skills.

• Global Mobility: With Aurecon's international presence, there may be opportunities for international assignments or collaboration on global projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly defined within engineering management and operational leadership, emphasizing the transition from project-level coordination to broader strategic and team management responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Aurecon offers a hybrid work model, balancing office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. The Perth office is likely a modern, professional workspace designed to support collaborative engineering and design activities.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Perth, Western Australia. Specific office details would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process, but it's expected to be centrally located or easily accessible for professionals in the Perth metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is equipped with meeting rooms, collaborative zones, and potentially specialized design studios to facilitate teamwork among engineers, designers, and project teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Aurecon's standard suite of engineering design software (CAD, BIM), project management tools, communication platforms, and data analytics resources.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face interaction with immediate team members, discipline leads, project managers, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, but the hybrid model and emphasis on flexibility allow for adjustments. This provides operational adaptability, allowing team members to manage their time effectively while ensuring project needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment reflects modern operational practices, aiming to balance productivity with employee flexibility, which is a key consideration for many operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio by a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager to explore your experience in multidisciplinary coordination, project delivery, safety in design, and stakeholder management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with other senior engineers, discipline leads, or potential team members. Expect to discuss technical challenges, problem-solving approaches, and your collaborative style. A portfolio presentation might be requested here.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a past project that highlights your coordination, risk management, and delivery capabilities. Focus on the operational aspects and quantifiable outcomes.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with a senior leader, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Aurecon.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operations: Structure your portfolio to highlight your operational management skills. Emphasize how you coordinated teams, managed processes, mitigated risks, and ensured successful project delivery.

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the scope, your role, the challenges faced, the operational strategies implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., time saved, cost efficiencies, safety improvements, quality enhancements).

• Process Documentation: Include examples of process maps, risk registers, design review reports, or workflow improvements that demonstrate your understanding of operational frameworks.

• Client Engagement Stories: Share examples of how you managed client relationships, communicated complex technical information effectively, and built trust.

• Tailor to Aurecon: Research Aurecon's current projects and values, and subtly tailor your portfolio examples to align with their industry focus (e.g., sustainability, complex infrastructure).

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common challenges like managing conflicting priorities between disciplines, resolving design clashes, or implementing new safety protocols on a project.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to describe how you would manage difficult stakeholders, communicate bad news, or gain buy-in for a particular design or process change.

• Technical Problem-Solving: While not a hands-on design role, be prepared to discuss how you would facilitate the resolution of technical issues by guiding your team and leveraging expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical experience and the ability to articulate operational achievements, making a well-structured portfolio crucial for demonstrating competence in managing engineering and design execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is essential for understanding and overseeing design outputs. Examples include AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, and Navisworks.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking. Examples include Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar enterprise-level solutions.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from project reports, risk logs, and performance dashboards is key. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis is expected.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to utilize reporting features within project management software or create custom reports to communicate project status, risks, and performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirect): While not directly managing a CRM, understanding how client interactions and project data feed into CRM systems for business development and client relationship management is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Awareness of how workflows can be automated within engineering and design processes (e.g., through BIM automation, document management systems) to improve efficiency.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation and technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack focuses on tools that enable efficient project execution, collaboration, and communication within an engineering and design context. Proficiency in managing these systems and their outputs is critical for operational success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering and design outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Safety First: An unwavering dedication to safety in all aspects of work, particularly in the design phase, ensuring the wellbeing of employees, clients, and the public.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of collective effort, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team members support each other.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to problem-solving and process enhancement to drive efficiency and deliver better outcomes.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and project dealings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless collaboration between engineering disciplines, project management, and client teams to ensure a unified approach to project execution.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an open dialogue where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, raising concerns, and providing constructive feedback to improve processes and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to foster collective growth and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aurecon's values emphasize a strong operational ethos centered on quality, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement, which are vital for a high-performing engineering consultancy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical requirements, on large-scale projects.

• Balancing Competing Project Demands: Navigating situations where project timelines, budget constraints, and technical quality requirements create tension, requiring strategic operational adjustments.

• Driving Adoption of New Processes/Technologies: Implementing and ensuring buy-in for new engineering methodologies, safety standards, or digital tools across project teams.

• Evolving Industry Standards & Technologies: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in engineering design, safety regulations, and digital tools to maintain competitive operational practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain certifications or advanced training in project management methodologies relevant to large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific industrial mechanical engineering domains or emerging areas like sustainable design and digital engineering.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Aurecon's leadership training to hone skills in team management, strategic planning, and executive communication.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events to stay current with trends, learn from peers, and expand professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges within a dynamic industry, fostering significant professional growth and skill development in engineering leadership and project execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex project where you successfully coordinated multiple engineering disciplines. What were the key challenges, your operational strategy, and the quantifiable outcomes?" (Focus on process, coordination, and results).

• "How do you ensure safety in design is integrated into every stage of a project's lifecycle, especially when managing external design partners?" (Highlight your approach to governance and risk mitigation).

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a significant technical conflict between engineering teams. What was your approach to facilitating a solution?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and collaboration skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aurecon, and how do your values align with our commitment to sustainability and creating infrastructure that makes life better?" (Research Aurecon's mission and recent projects).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your engineering teams, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Discuss your leadership and team-building philosophy).

• "How do you measure the success of engineering and design operations beyond project delivery metrics?" (Think about process efficiency, innovation, team development). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your portfolio presentation with a high-level overview of your most significant achievements and the operational impact you've made.

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a clear story: the challenge, your operational approach, the actions taken, and the results achieved. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the "how" – your management processes, coordination strategies, risk mitigation techniques, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics to back up your claims about efficiency, quality, safety, and client satisfaction.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle setbacks, and your future career aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this interview involves demonstrating a strong understanding of operational management within engineering, supported by concrete examples and a clear articulation of your strategic approach to project delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering / Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link, ensuring all required fields are accurately filled.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in multidisciplinary coordination, project delivery, and operational management. Focus on quantifiable achievements and process improvements.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in this job description, such as "multidisciplinary coordination," "safety in design," "technical assurance," and "stakeholder management." Emphasize achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Presentation: If a portfolio presentation is requested, practice articulating your case studies clearly and concisely, focusing on your operational strategies and their impact.

• Research Aurecon: Gain a deep understanding of Aurecon's projects, values, and recent news. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture to demonstrate your genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.