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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: AECOM

Location: United States (Remote)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Management (Data Centers)

Date Posted: March 03, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Support high-profile, fast-paced data center projects from site assessment through construction administration in a global A/E environment.

• Assist in managing project documentation, tracking critical decisions, risks, and action items to ensure timely and accurate delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

• Develop expertise in data center design principles and project coordination, with a clear path to serving as backup Design Manager and increasing project ownership.

• Leverage a remote work arrangement to contribute to AECOM's leading data center consulting teams across the Americas and globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the data center sector within AECOM's Buildings & Places business line, supporting colocation and hyperscale projects. The "Deputy" title and description indicate a clear growth trajectory towards independent project management and design leadership in this specialized field.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design Manager in daily project coordination activities across multiple engineering and architectural disciplines, ensuring seamless workflow and interdisciplinary alignment.

• Prepare and distribute meeting agendas and minutes, with increasing responsibility for independent ownership of these tasks as expertise grows.

• Capture accurate technical notes during interdisciplinary meetings and coordinate with discipline leads to confirm technical accuracy and consensus.

• Attend client and stakeholder meetings, diligently tracking key decisions, identified risks, and outstanding action items to ensure project momentum and mitigate potential issues.

• Proactively assist in tracking, managing, and communicating project changes, including scope adjustments and design modifications, both internally and externally to all relevant parties.

• Grow into serving as backup to the Design Manager when required, taking on lead responsibilities for specific project phases or client interactions.

• Coordinate internal and external design meetings using various platforms (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet) and track action items to ensure timely resolution by responsible parties.

• Maintain organized project documentation, including Request for Information (RFIs), submittals, drawing revisions, and tracking logs, ensuring easy access and auditability.

• Update spreadsheets, dashboards, trackers, and internal/external reporting tools to provide accurate project status updates and performance metrics.

• Assist with specification edits, data entry, and updates within internal reporting systems to maintain data integrity and project records.

• Develop innovative tracking mechanisms and proactively suggest process improvements to enhance efficiency and project delivery within the A/E environment.

• Manage project files across SharePoint, MS Teams, Google Drive, and Box, ensuring accessibility, version control, and accuracy for all project stakeholders.

• Ensure Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) sets, daily prints, and deliverables are properly prepared, reviewed, and stored according to AECOM standards.

• Assist in assembling and organizing final deliverables prior to submission, ensuring completeness and compliance with client requirements.

• Support Design and Project Managers in developing technical and financial proposals for new and add, move, change data center projects, contributing to business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project coordination, documentation management, and communication within an A/E framework specifically for data center projects. The progression from "support" to "serving as backup" indicates a structured development plan for the candidate to assume greater leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is required.

• Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education may be considered.

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in Architecture/Engineering (A/E) firms.

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in design and/or project management is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Project Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate project activities across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

• Documentation Management: Expertise in organizing, tracking, and managing project documents such as RFIs, submittals, and drawing revisions.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective client and internal team interaction.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Data Center Project Support: Familiarity with the lifecycle of data center projects, including site due diligence, campus planning, design, construction documents, and administration.

• Proficiency in Collaboration Tools: Experience using platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Google Drive, and Box for project file management and communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Management: Experience or strong aptitude for supporting design management functions in an A/E setting.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, track, and communicate project risks.

• Scheduling and Tracking: Skill in developing and maintaining project schedules and tracking action items.

• Technical Proposal Development: Experience supporting the creation of technical and financial proposals.

• QA/QC Processes: Understanding of quality assurance and quality control procedures in design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of foundational A/E experience and specialized knowledge in data centers. The preferred P.E. or Architecture License, along with specific data center experience, signals a desire for candidates with a strong technical background and potential for future leadership in specialized design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Coordination Examples: Showcase instances where you successfully coordinated complex projects involving multiple disciplines, highlighting your role in facilitating communication and progress.

• Documentation Management Samples: Include examples of organized project files, tracking logs (e.g., RFI logs, submittal logs), or meeting minutes that demonstrate your attention to detail and organizational capabilities.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: If possible, document a time you identified and implemented a process improvement within a project setting, detailing the change, the tools used, and the resulting efficiency gains.

• Collaboration Tool Proficiency: While not a direct portfolio item, be prepared to discuss your experience and best practices for using collaborative platforms like SharePoint, MS Teams, or Google Drive for project management.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to map out project workflows, identify bottlenecks, and suggest optimizations for A/E project delivery, particularly within the data center context.

• Implementation & Automation: Be ready to discuss your experience or understanding of implementing new processes or leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks within project management and design coordination.

• Measurement & Analysis: Prepare to discuss how you track project progress, identify key performance indicators (KPIs), and contribute to reporting on project status and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates should prepare to present examples of their work that demonstrate project coordination, documentation discipline, and process awareness, particularly in an A/E or data center project context. The ability to articulate process improvements and demonstrate proficiency with collaboration tools will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $158,000 per year

Benefits:

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

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

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

• Additional Benefits & Perks: Voluntary benefits, employee perks, and well-being resources.

• Work-Life Support: Flexible work options, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and business travel insurance.

• Long-Term Incentives: Service recognition awards, Retirement Savings Plan, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Working Hours: The job description implies a standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility of remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the explicit data found in the job listing. The benefits are comprehensive and detailed, reflecting a large, established organization like AECOM. The "flexible work options" mentioned align with the remote nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Buildings & Places, Data Centers)

Company Size: Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees globally.

Founded: AECOM's history can be traced back to 1910, but the current entity was formed through various mergers and acquisitions, solidifying its position as a global leader.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Buildings & Places business line, specifically supporting Data Centers. This team is part of AECOM's larger Americas operating group.

• The reporting structure involves supporting a Design Manager, with a clear path to acting as backup Design Manager, indicating a collaborative and hierarchical structure focused on project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using data to inform project decisions and drive better outcomes, evident in the need for accurate tracking and reporting.

• Process Optimization: The role actively seeks suggestions for process improvements, highlighting a culture that values efficiency and continuous enhancement in project delivery.

• Client-Centric Approach: AECOM partners with clients to solve complex challenges, indicating a focus on client satisfaction and delivering tangible impacts.

• Global Collaboration: Operating as a global team, AECOM fosters collaboration across diverse teams and geographies to leverage expertise for complex projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description emphasizes its role as a global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. The "Work with Us. Change the World." slogan and focus on solving complex challenges suggest a mission-driven culture. The company size and Fortune 500 status indicate a stable, well-resourced organization with established processes and career development opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Deputy Design Manager," indicating an intermediate level of experience. It serves as a stepping stone, providing exposure to design management responsibilities with the expectation of growing independence and eventually taking on lead roles. It's ideal for individuals looking to specialize in data center design and project coordination within the A/E consulting sector.

Reporting Structure: The Deputy Design Manager will report to and support a Design Manager. This provides direct mentorship and oversight from an experienced professional, facilitating skill development and understanding of AECOM's project management methodologies. The role also implies interaction with various discipline leads and project stakeholders.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "revenue operations" role in the traditional sense, this position has a significant impact on project success and client satisfaction within the infrastructure consulting domain. Effective coordination, documentation, and communication directly contribute to:

• Project Efficiency: Ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget by proactively managing risks and action items.

• Quality Delivery: Facilitating accurate technical documentation and adherence to QA/QC processes.

• Client Relationships: Contributing to strong client relationships through clear communication and responsiveness.

• Business Development: Supporting the creation of proposals for future projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in colocation and hyperscale data center design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership Progression: Advance from Deputy Design Manager to Design Manager, leading projects independently and managing teams.

• Skill Development: Enhance project management, technical coordination, and client-facing communication skills through hands-on experience and AECOM's training programs.

• Global Exposure: Work on projects for global clients and collaborate with diverse international teams, broadening professional perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Deputy" title is a strong indicator of a defined career path. AECOM’s emphasis on training and development suggests structured opportunities for individuals to advance their careers within the infrastructure consulting and data center design specializations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a remote role, offering flexibility. Periodic travel may be required for client meetings, key project milestones, or onsite collaboration sessions. This suggests a hybrid approach where remote work is the norm, supplemented by necessary in-person engagements.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote within the U.S., AECOM has offices in various locations, including Arlington, VA, and Chicago, IL. The remote nature means candidates can be based from home, with potential for occasional visits to AECOM offices or client sites.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The work environment necessitates strong digital collaboration skills, utilizing tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, SharePoint, and Box.

• Independent Work: A significant portion of the role will involve self-directed work, requiring discipline, time management, and proactive engagement.

• Team Interaction: Despite being remote, there are opportunities for team interaction through virtual meetings, project discussions, and scheduled collaboration sessions.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. The remote aspect offers flexibility in managing one's workday, provided project deadlines and meeting schedules are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role is a key aspect, emphasizing the need for self-discipline and strong virtual communication skills. The mention of periodic travel indicates that while flexibility is high, occasional on-site presence for critical events is expected.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess fit for the Deputy Design Manager role and data center experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussions about your A/E experience, project coordination skills, understanding of data center projects, and familiarity with relevant software and processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past roles.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, communication style, ability to handle pressure, and cultural fit with AECOM.

• Portfolio Discussion (if applicable): If you have a portfolio, be prepared to walk through specific projects that highlight your responsibilities in project coordination, documentation, and process management.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management or the hiring manager to discuss career aspirations and confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects related to infrastructure, A/E design, or complex project coordination. If you have data center experience, showcase it prominently.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your contributions (e.g., "reduced RFI turnaround time by X%", "managed documentation for projects valued at $Y million").

• Showcase Process Skills: Include examples of tracking logs, meeting minutes, or process improvement documentation that demonstrate your organizational and efficiency-focused approach.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with different disciplines, clients, and stakeholders.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: For each project presented, be ready to articulate your specific role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Scenario: You might be presented with a scenario involving a project coordination challenge, a documentation issue, or a communication breakdown, and asked how you would resolve it. Focus on systematic problem-solving and clear communication.

• Data Center Knowledge: Brush up on the basics of data center design, colocation, and hyperscale requirements, including common systems (MEP, structural, architectural) and project phases.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with project management software, document management systems (SharePoint, Box), and communication platforms (Teams, Zoom).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical aptitude for data center projects and soft skills crucial for coordination and remote work. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience using concrete examples and demonstrate an understanding of AECOM's project delivery methods.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management & Collaboration Hubs:

  • Microsoft Teams: Essential for daily communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration.
  • SharePoint: Likely used for document management, version control, and centralized project information.
  • Google Drive / Box: Alternative or supplementary cloud storage and collaboration platforms.

• Documentation & Tracking:

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint): For creating spreadsheets, reports, presentations, and general documentation. Excel will be critical for tracking and data management.

• Design & Engineering Software (Familiarity Preferred):

  • While not directly a design role, understanding or familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM platforms (e.g., Revit) used by design teams can be beneficial for understanding deliverables and coordination.

• Communication Platforms:

  • Zoom / Google Meet: For virtual meetings and client interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheets (Excel): Used extensively for tracking project progress, creating custom reports, and basic data analysis.

• Internal AECOM Reporting Tools: Specific company-developed or licensed software for project status reporting and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): While not explicitly mentioned, awareness of how client data is managed and how proposals are generated within a CRM context is helpful.

• Proposal/Document Generation Tools: Experience with tools used to assemble technical and financial proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with collaboration and document management tools is paramount for this remote role. Familiarity with standard A/E project management workflows and the ability to quickly learn AECOM's internal systems are key technical requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Deliver a Better World: AECOM's overarching mission. This translates to a focus on impactful, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure projects.

• Integrity & Ethics: Operating with honesty and adhering to high ethical standards in all dealings.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working together as a global team, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive environment.

• Innovation & Excellence: Striving for creative solutions and maintaining high standards of quality and performance in project delivery.

• Client Focus: Partnering with clients to understand and solve their most complex challenges.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote & Hybrid: Embraces both remote work flexibility and the necessity of in-person collaboration for key project phases or client engagement.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working seamlessly with diverse A/E disciplines, project managers, and other stakeholders.

• Open Communication: Encourages clear, proactive, and honest communication, particularly through virtual channels.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Values constructive feedback on processes to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture appears to be a blend of a large, established corporation with a strong mission and a forward-thinking approach to work flexibility and process optimization, particularly relevant for its remote and global teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Coordination Complexity: Effectively coordinating across multiple disciplines and stakeholders in a remote setting requires exceptional communication, organization, and proactive follow-up.

• Data Center Project Pace: Data center projects are often fast-tracked, demanding agility, quick decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks under pressure.

• Technical Nuances: While not a design role, understanding the technical aspects of data center infrastructure (MEP, structural, architectural) is crucial for effective coordination and communication with design teams.

• Navigating Large Organizations: Adapting to the processes, systems, and stakeholder management within a large global firm like AECOM.

• Balancing Support and Independence: Transitioning from a support role to taking on more independent responsibilities requires initiative and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Data Center Specialization: Gain in-depth knowledge of colocation and hyperscale data center design, construction, and operational considerations.

• Project Management Skills: Develop advanced project coordination, scheduling, risk management, and client communication skills through hands-on experience.

• AECOM Systems & Processes: Become proficient in AECOM's internal project delivery methodologies, documentation standards, and digital collaboration tools.

• Career Advancement: A clear path exists to grow into a Design Manager role, leading projects and potentially managing teams within AECOM's Buildings & Places division.

• Industry Exposure: Work on high-profile projects for leading clients, building a strong portfolio and professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to complex, fast-paced projects and remote work, but they also present significant growth opportunities for ambitious professionals looking to specialize in the in-demand data center sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Coordination Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to coordinate a complex project with multiple engineering disciplines. What was your approach, and what were the outcomes?" Focus on your methods for tracking progress, managing communication, and resolving conflicts.

• Documentation Management: "How do you ensure project documentation is organized, accurate, and accessible to all stakeholders, especially in a remote environment?" Be ready to discuss your systems for managing RFIs, submittals, and drawing revisions.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design decision is delayed, impacting the project schedule. How would you, as a Deputy Design Manager, facilitate a resolution?" Emphasize your communication strategy, risk identification, and proactive steps.

• Data Center Familiarity: "What are the key considerations when supporting the design of a colocation or hyperscale data center?" Demonstrate your understanding of the unique demands of these facilities (e.g., power, cooling, uptime, security).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for AECOM: "Why are you interested in AECOM and this specific role as a Deputy Design Manager?" Connect your career goals with AECOM's mission and the growth opportunities in data centers.

• Remote Work Effectiveness: "How do you maintain productivity and collaboration while working remotely?" Highlight your self-discipline, communication strategies, and experience with virtual tools.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." Emphasize your proactive communication and willingness to support others.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibilities (e.g., coordination, documentation, process improvement).

• Storytelling: For each example, clearly state the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the actions you took, and the positive outcomes or lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the value of your contributions (e.g., efficiency gains, schedule adherence, cost savings).

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific tools you used and how they facilitated your work.

• Relevance to Data Centers: If possible, tailor your examples to highlight any experience, even indirect, with complex technical projects, infrastructure, or demanding timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who are organized, proactive, excellent communicators, and capable of thriving in a remote, fast-paced environment. Demonstrating an understanding of the data center industry and AECOM's values will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in project coordination, documentation management, A/E firms, and any familiarity with data center projects or complex technical infrastructure. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Project Coordination," "Data Centers," "A/E," "RFIs," and "Submittals." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile examples of your work that showcase your organizational skills, documentation management capabilities, and experience with cross-disciplinary coordination. Be prepared to discuss these examples in detail during interviews, focusing on your role and the outcomes.

• Company & Industry Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's mission, values, and its significant role in the global infrastructure and data center consulting sectors. Understand the current trends and demands in the data center industry.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common interview questions related to project coordination, remote work, problem-solving, and your experience with A/E processes. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with the requirements of a Deputy Design Manager role.

⚠️ 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.