Design Manager - Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (with potential for Sydney or Melbourne)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Building Design Operations

Date Posted: March 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Serve as the primary client liaison, responsible for extracting functional and operational requirements and translating them into comprehensive design briefs.

• Develop and implement front-end design strategies, including project execution plans, technical assurance processes, risk registers, and program controls from concept through detailed design.

• Provide high-level technical direction and problem-solving for design challenges, encompassing technical, functional, and legislative requirements, with the ability to delve into specialized areas as needed.

• Oversee quality and design governance by chairing coordination reviews, ensuring adherence to sector-specific standards, and maintaining technical assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Mentor and lead discipline leads, fostering collaboration, resolving interface issues, and promoting the development of buildable, efficient, and sustainable design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data is for a "Design Manager - Building Engineering," it has been categorized under "Engineering Management / Building Design Operations" to align with operations-focused roles. The core responsibilities involve managing the process of design delivery, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance, which are key operational functions within a large engineering firm like AECOM. The emphasis on project execution plans, risk registers, and program controls further solidifies its operational relevance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of multidisciplinary design processes for major building engineering projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and project scope.

• Facilitate and manage stakeholder engagement through workshops, requirements gathering sessions, and regular progress meetings to ensure all functional and operational needs are captured and addressed.

• Develop, document, and enforce robust project execution plans, technical assurance frameworks, comprehensive risk registers, and stringent program controls from conceptualization to final design handover.

• Provide expert technical guidance and leadership to resolve complex design issues, ensuring compliance with relevant building codes, standards (e.g., healthcare, aviation, sports infrastructure, transport), and client specifications.

• Establish and maintain high standards of design quality and governance, including chairing design coordination reviews, implementing quality assurance checks, and ensuring technical integrity across all engineering disciplines.

• Mentor and develop a team of discipline leads and engineers, fostering a collaborative environment, proactively identifying and resolving interdisciplinary interface challenges, and driving innovation in design solutions.

• Manage project budgets and timelines effectively, contributing to commercial awareness and ensuring efficient resource allocation for design activities.

• Maintain a high-level understanding of all project technical aspects while being prepared to dive deep into specific discipline challenges when required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the operational aspects of design management, focusing on process ownership, stakeholder management, and quality assurance, which are critical in large-scale engineering projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Formal engineering degree (e.g., Bachelor of Engineering) in a relevant discipline (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Architectural Engineering).

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive engineering experience, with a significant portion dedicated to hands-on technical delivery and project execution.

• Proven track record in multidisciplinary design leadership, managing complex building projects from concept through to detailed design and construction documentation.

• Demonstrated experience leading designs for projects within sectors such as healthcare, aviation, sports venues, commercial real estate, or transport infrastructure.

• Substantial client-facing experience, with the ability to represent the entire design team effectively at senior client management levels.

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

• A robust technical foundation across multiple engineering disciplines, enabling effective guidance of specialists and maintenance of credibility within the team.

Required Skills:

• Multidisciplinary Design Coordination and Integration

• Client Relationship Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Design Strategy Development and Implementation

• Project Execution Planning and Control

• Technical Assurance and Quality Governance

• Risk Management and Mitigation

• Program and Project Management Fundamentals

• Leadership, Team Management, and Mentoring

• Commercial Awareness and Contract Management Basics

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with defense projects and familiarity with defense clearance processes.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and green building certifications (e.g., LEED, Green Star).

• Proficiency in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and advanced design software.

• Experience in international project environments.

• Public speaking and presentation skills for client and industry forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to emphasize the blend of technical expertise and leadership required for this operational management role. Specific mention of Australian context and defense clearance has been included as per the input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing leadership in complex, multidisciplinary building engineering projects, highlighting your role in driving design coordination and integration.

• Provide case studies that illustrate your ability to translate client functional and operational requirements into successful design briefs and execution plans.

• Showcase examples of risk registers, technical assurance processes, and program controls you have developed and implemented for significant projects.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing structured design execution plans, detailing phases, milestones, and resource allocation for large-scale projects.

• Examples of technical assurance frameworks and quality control processes designed to ensure compliance with sector-specific standards and regulatory requirements.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation throughout the design lifecycle.

• Workflows and methodologies for effective interdisciplinary coordination and interface management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been tailored to reflect the operational focus of a Design Manager, emphasizing the need to showcase the processes and systems they manage and implement, rather than just the final design outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

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

• Flexibility to swap public holidays for dates that better suit personal needs.

• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities, including lunch and learns, specialized courses, financial study assistance, and 5 days of paid study leave.

• Access to global career opportunities within AECOM's extensive international network.

• Comprehensive health and well-being programs.

• Retirement savings plans (superannuation).

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through alternative start/finish times and hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical Australian market rates for this senior engineering management role. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and highlight AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering Services

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global corporation, consistently ranked as a Fortune 500 company, indicating a substantial workforce and extensive operational reach. This implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, evolving over decades, which suggests a stable, experienced, and established corporate culture with deep industry knowledge and a commitment to long-term growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Building Engineering team is part of AECOM's broader Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, operating within the International group. This team is multidisciplinary, comprising specialists in architectural, civil, structural, and building services engineering.

• The Design Manager will likely lead project-specific design teams, reporting into a senior leadership role within the Building Engineering or B&P division. The structure encourages cross-functional collaboration essential for complex project delivery.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a digitally enabled approach, leveraging advanced technical and digital capabilities for consistency and efficiency in their project delivery.

• The company focuses on sustainable outcomes and promoting long-term health and well-being, integrating these principles into their design and engineering methodologies.

• A data-driven approach is likely employed, utilizing analytics and insights to inform design decisions and optimize project performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure have been elaborated to provide context for an operations-focused role, highlighting AECOM's global presence, commitment to digital innovation, and structured approach to project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the operations of AECOM's building engineering division. It requires significant technical expertise combined with strong leadership and project management capabilities. The role involves strategic oversight of the design process, client management, and team leadership, positioning it as a key operational contributor to project success and client satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President within the Building Engineering or Buildings & Places group. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of discipline leads, engineers, and technical staff, overseeing their day-to-day operational activities related to design delivery.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to AECOM's operational efficiency and client delivery. By ensuring coordinated, high-quality, and timely design outputs, they directly influence project profitability, client retention, and AECOM's reputation. Effective management of design processes minimizes costly rework, reduces project risks, and contributes to the sustainable and efficient realization of iconic projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Advance into broader leadership roles overseeing multiple projects or entire business units within Building Engineering or B&P. Potential to specialize in specific high-demand sectors like advanced healthcare facilities or complex transportation hubs.

• Technical Mastery: Deepen expertise in specific areas of building engineering or design management, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert or technical fellow within AECOM.

• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's global presence for international assignments or leadership opportunities in different regions.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives focused on enhancing AECOM's design processes, implementing new technologies, or developing innovative delivery models.

• Client Relationship Management: Transition into roles with a stronger focus on strategic client account management and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the career trajectory and operational influence of a Design Manager, framing it within the context of AECOM's organizational structure and industry position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates on a Hybrid Work Model. This suggests a combination of in-office presence for collaboration, team meetings, and client engagements, and remote work for focused individual tasks, analysis, and documentation. AECOM offices are typically professional, modern, and equipped with the necessary technology to support complex engineering work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with flexibility for candidates in Sydney or Melbourne. These are major metropolitan hubs with well-established AECOM offices, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and access to advanced design software and hardware.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates strong virtual and in-person collaboration tools and practices. Expect to work closely with diverse teams, including engineers, architects, project managers, and clients, requiring effective communication and coordination across different locations and time zones.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D), project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6), BIM coordination tools, and collaboration suites (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack).

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, client presentations, and informal interactions are expected. The hybrid setup encourages intentional engagement to foster team cohesion and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week), with AECOM offering flexible work arrangements including alternative start/finish times. This allows for adaptation to project demands while promoting a healthy work-life balance, crucial for sustained high performance in a demanding role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are contextualized for a hybrid operations role, emphasizing collaboration, technology access, and the need for effective coordination in a distributed team setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your key achievements and interest in AECOM.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Hiring Manager (likely a senior leader in Building Engineering) to delve deeper into your technical expertise, leadership style, project experience, and approach to design management.

• Technical/Design Challenge: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio focusing on a complex multidisciplinary design project. This will assess your problem-solving skills, technical depth, and ability to communicate complex information clearly.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential peers, direct reports, or key stakeholders (e.g., senior engineers, client representatives) to evaluate your collaboration skills, team leadership potential, and ability to build rapport.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or divisional head for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term potential within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 complex, multidisciplinary building engineering projects that best showcase your leadership in design coordination, client management, and technical oversight.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly outline the challenges, your specific role and responsibilities, the design processes you managed (e.g., coordination, risk, quality), the tools/technologies used, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, risk reduction, successful delivery).

• Structure Your Narrative: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar structured approach to tell compelling stories about your projects. Emphasize your decision-making process and problem-solving strategies.

• Highlight Client Engagement: Showcase how you effectively managed client expectations, extracted requirements, and fostered strong working relationships.

• Address Sector-Specific Standards: If applicable, demonstrate your understanding and application of sector-specific standards relevant to healthcare, aviation, or transport infrastructure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've resolved complex interdisciplinary conflicts or technical challenges.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to developing and implementing project execution plans, risk registers, and technical assurance frameworks.

• Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about your strategic thinking and leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored for operations-focused roles, emphasizing the demonstration of process management, problem-solving, and leadership through portfolio examples and interview responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with platforms like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and potentially Bentley Systems' equivalents for integrated design modeling and clash detection.

• CAD Software: Strong command of AutoCAD for 2D design and drafting.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and reports on project progress, risks, and performance metrics.

• Reporting Systems: Experience generating reports on design compliance, technical assurance, and project status for senior management and clients.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms like SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for managing project documentation, drawings, and specifications in a controlled environment.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage software to automate routine tasks within the design process, such as document routing, review approvals, and data validation.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems (e.g., SAP) for project costing, resource management, and financial reporting integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the specific technology stack relevant to a Design Manager in a large engineering firm, focusing on tools used for design, project management, collaboration, and reporting, which are core to operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and efficient design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together cohesively, openly sharing knowledge, providing constructive feedback, and supporting collective success.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies, methodologies, and sustainable practices to enhance design outcomes and operational efficiency.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring transparency and reliability in all dealings.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and building strong, long-term relationships based on trust, responsiveness, and delivering value.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Integrated: Encouraging early and continuous engagement between all design disciplines, project management, and clients to identify and resolve issues proactively.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication channels, utilizing a mix of formal reviews and informal discussions to ensure alignment and efficient problem-solving.

• Mentorship & Development: A culture that supports the growth and development of team members through knowledge sharing, constructive feedback, and opportunities for skill enhancement.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing project data and performance metrics to guide discussions, resolve conflicts, and make informed strategic decisions regarding design and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values have been aligned with typical corporate engineering environments, emphasizing collaboration, technical excellence, and client focus, which are crucial for operational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Effectively coordinating multiple engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.) on large, intricate projects, each with its own technical requirements and constraints.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating competing demands and priorities from clients, regulatory bodies, internal teams, and end-users to achieve optimal design outcomes.

• Technological Adaptation: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in design software, BIM technologies, and digital engineering tools, and integrating them effectively into existing workflows.

• Risk Mitigation in Design: Proactively identifying and mitigating potential technical, financial, and programmatic risks inherent in complex building projects.

• Geographical Coordination: Managing design teams and projects that may be distributed across different locations or time zones, especially within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specialized design management disciplines.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending key industry events focused on building engineering, sustainable design, and digital construction to stay abreast of trends and network with peers.

• Internal AECOM Training Programs: Participating in AECOM's extensive professional development offerings, including leadership training, technical deep-dives, and specialized software courses.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging in formal or informal mentorship with senior leaders within AECOM to gain insights into strategic management and career progression.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across a wide range of project types and sectors to broaden technical knowledge and operational expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed within the operational context of managing complex engineering projects and developing within a large, global firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary design team through a particularly challenging project. What were the key challenges, your approach to resolving them, and the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on process, coordination, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure technical assurance and quality governance are maintained across all engineering disciplines on a complex project, especially within a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight your process for oversight and compliance.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM emphasizes a 'better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise.' How do you see this role contributing to that mission, particularly in terms of sustainable design and digital integration?" (Connect your operational responsibilities to AECOM's overarching goals.)

• "Our culture values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. How have you fostered an inclusive environment within your previous design teams, and what is your approach to managing diverse perspectives?" (Showcase your leadership and interpersonal skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the project scope, your specific role, the key operational processes you managed (e.g., design coordination, risk management, quality assurance), the challenges encountered, your strategic approach, and the measurable results.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your management strategies (e.g., "reduced design coordination issues by X%", "delivered project Y% under budget/ahead of schedule," "achieved Z compliance rating").

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you facilitated collaboration between disciplines, stakeholders, and clients, showcasing your communication and interpersonal skills.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results by detailing the processes, methodologies, and tools you employed. This is crucial for an operations-focused role.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, risk assessments, and problem-solving approaches within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is geared towards assessing operational management skills, process adherence, and strategic thinking, emphasizing the demonstration of these through past experiences and portfolio examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Building Engineering position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 12+ years of engineering experience, emphasizing your leadership in multidisciplinary design coordination, project execution, client management, and technical assurance. Use keywords from the job description that align with your experience.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your operational management capabilities. Focus on projects where you led design processes, managed risks, ensured quality, and effectively coordinated multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to present these with a clear narrative on challenges, your actions, and quantifiable results.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global projects, values, and commitment to sustainability and digital innovation. Understand their approach to building engineering and how this role fits into their broader strategy.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, problem-solving, and project management. Be prepared to articulate your management philosophy and how you foster collaboration and drive efficiency within design teams.

⚠️ 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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