Design Manager - Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Leadership

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams for complex building engineering projects, ensuring seamless integration of architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines.

• Serve as the primary client liaison, adept at facilitating stakeholder workshops, understanding operational requirements, and translating them into comprehensive design briefs.

• Drive the front-end design strategy, establishing robust project execution plans, technical assurance frameworks, risk registers, and program controls from initial concept through to detailed design phases.

• Provide strategic technical direction and leadership, resolving complex challenges related to technical, functional, and legislative requirements, maintaining high-level oversight while diving deep when necessary.

• Oversee stringent quality and design governance, chairing coordination reviews, ensuring adherence to sector-specific standards (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport), and upholding technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned engineering professional with a strong blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and client management skills. The focus on "Building Engineering" implies a deep understanding of the systems and structures within commercial, industrial, and public buildings, while "Design Manager" signifies a strategic oversight role rather than pure technical execution. The emphasis on multidisciplinary coordination and client-facing responsibilities points towards a Senior/Lead position within AECOM's Building and Places (B&P) business line.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design coordination across major building projects, ensuring alignment and integration between architectural, civil, structural, and building engineering disciplines from concept to delivery.

• Act as the primary client lead, responsible for facilitating stakeholder workshops, extracting functional and operational requirements, and translating these into clear, coordinated design briefs.

• Own and define the front-end design strategy, establishing comprehensive project execution plans, robust technical assurance processes, detailed risk registers, and effective program controls from concept through detailed design.

• Provide essential design direction and leadership in solving complex challenges that arise, encompassing technical, functional, and legislative requirements, maintaining high-level oversight of the project's technical aspects while also being prepared to delve into specifics as needed.

• Oversee quality and design governance by chairing coordination reviews, ensuring compliance with sector-specific standards relevant to healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, and transport, and maintaining rigorous technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Offer strong leadership and mentorship to discipline leads, fostering a collaborative environment, effectively resolving interface challenges between disciplines, and ensuring the delivery of buildable, efficient, and sustainable design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and client-facing role. The emphasis on "owning the front-end design strategy," "establishing project execution plans," and "risk registers" points to a proactive and planning-oriented approach. The requirement to "go deep when required" indicates that while leadership is key, a strong technical foundation is still critical for credibility and problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related technical field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive engineering experience, with a significant portion dedicated to hands-on technical delivery before transitioning into multidisciplinary design leadership.

• Proven track record in leading and delivering complex building projects across key sectors such as healthcare, aviation, sports venues, commercial, or transport infrastructure.

• Demonstrated success in client-facing roles, effectively representing the full design team at senior stakeholder levels.

• Strong understanding of program management principles, commercial awareness, risk mitigation strategies, and integrated design delivery methodologies.

Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Design Coordination & Integration

• Client Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Design Brief Development & Requirement Gathering

• Front-End Design Strategy & Planning

• Project Execution Plan Development

• Technical Assurance & Quality Governance

• Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies

• Program & Schedule Management

• Design Direction & Problem-Solving

• Leadership & Team Mentoring

Preferred Skills:

• Australian Citizenship (preferred for project specifics)

• Prior Defence Clearance (highly advantageous for specific projects)

• Advanced knowledge of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and digital design tools

• Experience with sustainable design principles and certifications (e.g., Green Star, LEED)

• Commercial negotiation and contract management familiarity

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "12+ years of engineering experience, including substantial hands-on technical delivery before moving into multidisciplinary design leadership" indicates a need for someone who has "walked the walk" technically before leading others. The preference for Australian Citizenship and Defence Clearance suggests that some projects may involve sensitive government or defense sector work, requiring specific security protocols.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of complex, multidisciplinary building engineering projects from inception to completion.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to integrate diverse engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, civil) and collaborate effectively with architectural teams.

• Present evidence of your client management skills, including examples of stakeholder workshops, requirement gathering, and successful brief development.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting design coordination processes, ensuring alignment and flow between different engineering disciplines.

• Showcase your ability to document technical assurance protocols and quality governance procedures for major building projects.

• Include examples of how you have documented and managed design risks, from initial identification through to mitigation strategies.

• Present examples of program controls and reporting mechanisms used to track design progress and ensure timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but illustrate the candidate's process, problem-solving approach, and leadership impact. The focus should be on demonstrating how they managed complexity, integrated disciplines, and delivered successful outcomes, especially in challenging sectors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing, and hybrid work options.

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

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

• Continuous learning and growth opportunities, including:

  • Lunch and learn sessions.
  • Professional development courses.
  • Financial study assistance.
  • 5 days paid study leave per year.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely around 37.5 to 40 hours per week.

• AECOM offers flexible work arrangements, which may include adjusted start/finish times and hybrid work models, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major Australian cities. Actual compensation will be determined by AECOM based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific scope of responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance and professional development, which are key attractions for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates in the global infrastructure consulting sector, focusing on advisory, planning, design, engineering, and program/construction management. Their Building & Places (B&P) business line specifically addresses the design and realization of buildings across various sectors. AECOM is a Fortune 500 company and is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded global firm with approximately 52,000 employees worldwide (as of recent reports). This size offers significant opportunities for career growth, access to diverse projects, and a robust professional network.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, giving it over a century of experience and a deep history in the engineering and construction industry. This longevity signifies stability, extensive expertise, and a proven track record of delivering complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The Building Engineering team in Brisbane is part of AECOM's larger International Operating Group and specifically the Buildings & Places (B&P) business line.

• This role likely reports to a Director or Principal within the Building Engineering or B&P division, overseeing multiple discipline leads (e.g., structural, mechanical, electrical, facade engineers).

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on delivering sustainable outcomes and leveraging digital capabilities and innovations for consistency and efficiency.

• Data analysis and performance metrics are integral to project management and design governance.

• Workflow planning and optimization are driven by integrated design delivery principles, aiming for buildable, efficient, and sustainable design solutions.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through digital tools and integrated workflows.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated commitment to "a better world" and sustainability, combined with its "Fortune 500" status and awards for diversity and inclusion, paints a picture of a forward-thinking, responsible, and large-scale organization. The "Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity" slogan reinforces the career development aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design management hierarchy. It signifies a transition from deep technical specialization to strategic leadership, program oversight, and client engagement. It's a crucial step for engineers looking to move into management, offering a blend of technical oversight and project delivery responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) division, such as a Director of Building Engineering or a Regional Manager. They will, in turn, manage and mentor discipline leads and design teams, fostering collaboration across various engineering specializations.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, directly influencing the technical feasibility, efficiency, sustainability, and overall success of major building projects. Their role is critical in bridging the gap between client vision, regulatory requirements, and the practical execution of design, ultimately impacting project timelines, budgets, and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to roles such as Director of Building Engineering, Regional Design Lead, or Project Director, with increased responsibility for larger portfolios and strategic business development.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific high-growth sectors like healthcare, aviation, or advanced technology facilities, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Global Mobility: Leveraging AECOM's international presence for opportunities to work on high-profile projects in different regions.

• Professional Development: Access to AECOM's extensive learning resources, professional development courses, and financial study assistance to enhance technical and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at AECOM is clearly defined, moving from technical execution to strategic oversight and client leadership. The emphasis on "impact" highlights the critical nature of this role in ensuring project success and client satisfaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM's Brisbane office operates on a hybrid work model. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, while also allowing employees flexibility to work remotely. The office environment likely fosters a professional, collaborative atmosphere conducive to complex problem-solving.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. AECOM has a strong presence across Australia, and this role will be based in their Brisbane hub, offering access to major projects within the region and potentially across Queensland.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will likely feature meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas designed for team interaction and design reviews.

• Technology & Tools: Access to AECOM’s advanced digital design tools, project management software, and communication platforms will be standard. This includes BIM software, data analytics tools, and collaborative cloud platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with discipline leads, project teams, and senior management, balanced with remote work flexibility.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for flexibility. While a standard full-time week is expected, employees can often tailor their start and end times, and the balance between office and remote work, in agreement with their manager and team, to best support project needs and personal productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a significant aspect of the work environment, reflecting current industry trends and AECOM's commitment to flexibility. This model requires strong self-management and communication skills from employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess overall fit, experience, and interest.

• Technical & Leadership Interview: This will likely involve a discussion with senior members of the Building Engineering team, focusing on your technical expertise, project leadership experience, and approach to multidisciplinary design management. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and solutions.

• Client-Facing Simulation/Discussion: You may be asked to discuss how you would handle client interactions, manage expectations, and lead stakeholder workshops.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, your strategic approach, and the outcomes achieved. This is a critical step.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or director, focusing on cultural fit, strategic alignment with AECOM's goals, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, using a consistent structure for each: Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Challenges Faced, Design Strategy & Solutions, Outcomes & Impact (including metrics on efficiency, sustainability, client satisfaction).

• Discipline Integration: Clearly articulate how you managed and integrated multiple engineering disciplines and collaborated with architects and other stakeholders.

• Client Focus: Highlight your client-facing skills, demonstrating your ability to understand and translate client needs into actionable design briefs.

• Technical Depth: Showcase your technical understanding, explaining complex design decisions and problem-solving approaches.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, renderings, and project photos where appropriate to illustrate your points.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a hypothetical project scenario or a deep dive into one of your past projects. Focus on your strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership approach.

• Technical Questions: Anticipate questions related to building systems, structural integrity, energy efficiency, and compliance with relevant Australian building codes and standards.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing conflict within a team, motivating engineers, and ensuring technical quality under pressure.

• Company Research: Understand AECOM's values, recent projects, and strategic priorities, especially within the Buildings & Places sector in Australia.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Design Manager role at a firm like AECOM will be rigorous, assessing not only technical skills but also leadership, client management, and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and potentially Civil 3D for integrated design and coordination.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project reports, simulations, and performance metrics. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating progress reports, risk registers, and technical assurance documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not a direct sales role, understanding client relationship management principles is key. Familiarity with CRM concepts for managing client interactions and project pipelines.

• Integration: Awareness of how different software platforms (e.g., BIM, project management, financial systems) can be integrated to improve workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM, as a global leader, will utilize advanced digital tools. A Design Manager must be comfortable with BIM and integrated design workflows, as well as standard project management and collaboration software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards in all dealings, from client interactions to design recommendations.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, technical execution, and project delivery.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance design efficiency and sustainability.

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

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring successful project outcomes that meet and exceed expectations.

• Sustainability: Commitment to developing designs that promote environmental responsibility and long-term community well-being.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless interaction and knowledge sharing between architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering disciplines.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and consistent communication channels with clients, project teams, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Mentorship & Development: Fostering a culture where senior team members mentor junior staff, and feedback is encouraged for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to global challenges. The values listed reflect a company that values technical prowess alongside strong ethical practices and a drive for innovation and sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating multiple engineering disciplines on large-scale, complex projects, each with its own technical requirements and timelines.

• Client Expectation Management: Balancing client demands with technical feasibility, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that emerge during the design process, requiring innovative solutions.

• Navigating Sector-Specific Regulations: Ensuring designs meet stringent and often evolving standards in sectors like healthcare, aviation, and defence.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively motivating and guiding teams of specialists with varying expertise and working styles, often in a hybrid environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops to deepen knowledge in specific building engineering areas or emerging technologies.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or enhancing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional).

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers programs designed to cultivate leadership skills, strategic thinking, and management capabilities.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, engage with professional bodies, and stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in building engineering and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing large, complex engineering projects. AECOM's investment in learning and development provides a clear pathway for professionals to overcome these challenges and advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary design team through a significant technical challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving process, and ability to integrate disciplines).

• "How do you approach translating complex client functional requirements into a clear, coordinated design brief for engineering teams?" (Highlight your stakeholder management, communication, and analytical skills).

• "Walk me through your process for establishing and managing a design program and risk register for a major building project." (Demonstrate your project planning, risk mitigation, and control methodologies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AECOM and specifically to this Design Manager role within our Building Engineering team?" (Research AECOM's projects, values, and recent news).

• "How do you foster collaboration and resolve conflicts within a diverse engineering team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your leadership style and experience with team dynamics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each key project, tell a compelling story: the context, your specific role, the key challenges, your strategic decisions, the collaborative effort, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful delivery).

• Highlight Integration: Emphasize how you brought different engineering disciplines together. Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate the coordination process.

• Client Impact: Clearly articulate the value delivered to the client and stakeholders.

• Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss technical details, but frame them within the context of project objectives and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical knowledge, but also leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and client relationships effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your experience in leading multidisciplinary building engineering projects. For each project, clearly outline your role, the integration of different engineering disciplines, challenges overcome, and the successful outcomes achieved, ideally with quantifiable metrics.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Multidisciplinary Design Coordination," "Client Lead," "Project Execution Plans," "Technical Assurance," and experience in specific sectors like "healthcare," "aviation," or "transport infrastructure." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare a concise presentation of 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your leadership and strategic approach. Research AECOM's recent projects and values.

• Company Research: Deeply understand AECOM's mission, values, and recent achievements, particularly within their Buildings & Places division and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.

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