Design Manager, Data Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Data Center

Company: AECOM

Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design & Management / Operations Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-02-18T14:04:20.463

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and engineering efforts for critical data center projects, including colocation and hyper-scale facilities, ensuring adherence to client requirements and quality standards.

• Oversee multi-site project and program management plans, coordinating with internal AECOM teams and external stakeholders across various design disciplines.

• Drive client engagement through effective communication, proactive issue resolution, and the development of trusted relationships.

• Manage the full project lifecycle from site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic, detailed design, construction documents, and construction administration.

• Contribute to business development by developing compelling technical and financial proposals for new and existing data center design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This "Design Manager, Data Center" role, while externally labeled as design-focused, possesses significant operational oversight responsibilities typical of a senior operations or program management function within the data center and infrastructure consulting sector. The emphasis on project and program management, client relations, proposal development, and cross-functional team leadership indicates a strong operational component essential for successful project delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams (architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, BMS/EPMS) for complex data center projects.

• Execute comprehensive site due diligence, campus planning, and master planning for new and expanding data center facilities.

• Oversee the development and delivery of design documentation at all stages: conceptual, schematic, detailed design, construction documents, and through construction administration.

• Develop, implement, and enforce robust multi-site project and program management plans to ensure consistent quality and execution across diverse locations.

• Proactively manage project scope, schedule, and budget, identifying potential risks and developing effective mitigation strategies.

• Facilitate and lead meetings with clients, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Drive problem-solving initiatives, identifying issues early and developing innovative, practical solutions to meet project objectives.

• Develop and refine technical and financial proposals for new data center design and build projects, and for add/move/change initiatives.

• Foster strong, trusting relationships with client stakeholders, understanding their strategic objectives and ensuring AECOM's services align with their business needs.

• Champion AECOM's commitment to delivering a better world by ensuring projects are sustainable, resilient, and meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a broad scope of project leadership and client management, extending beyond pure design to encompass strategic planning, program management, and business development. This suggests the role requires a strong blend of technical understanding and operational execution prowess, typical of senior GTM or project operations leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in design and/or project management within the data center or mission-critical facilities sector.

• Twelve (12) years of relevant experience is preferred, particularly in design management and engineering for colocation and/or hyper-scale data centers.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams through the entire project lifecycle.

• Strong understanding of data center infrastructure systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.

• Expertise in site due diligence, campus planning, and facility master planning for large-scale developments.

• Proficiency in developing and managing construction documents and overseeing construction administration.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective client interaction and team coordination.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and present technical and financial proposals.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and devise creative solutions.

• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, time-sensitive situations with minimal oversight.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architecture License.

• Lean Six Sigma Certification, demonstrating a commitment to process improvement and efficiency.

• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional certification, signifying expertise in data center reliability and design.

• Active or recent leadership involvement in data center and mission-critical trade organizations.

• Experience with international data center projects and global clients.

• Strong presentation skills for client meetings and proposal defense.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering/architectural expertise and project/program management capabilities. The inclusion of certifications like Lean Six Sigma and Uptime Institute Tier Professional points towards a need for operational excellence and a deep understanding of data center reliability, aligning with GTM and operations leadership expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of three (3) complex data center projects (colocation or hyper-scale) where you held a significant design management or leadership role.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, including scope management, team coordination, and problem resolution.

• Provide evidence of your ability to manage design processes from conceptualization through construction documentation and administration.

• Highlight examples of successful client engagement and stakeholder management within your project portfolio.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to detail their methodologies for managing multidisciplinary design teams and coordinating across various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Examples of workflow design and optimization strategies for data center projects, particularly those involving multiple sites or complex technical requirements, will be advantageous.

• Ability to articulate processes for conducting site due diligence, campus planning, and developing comprehensive design packages.

• Familiarity with processes for implementing and managing construction administration phases, including RFI, submittal, and change order management.

• Experience in documenting and presenting project status, risks, and solutions to clients and senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the role and the responsibilities strongly imply that candidates will need to demonstrate their project management and design oversight capabilities through case studies or project examples. This is standard for senior roles in consulting and engineering firms, particularly those involving client-facing responsibilities and proposal development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability benefits (short-term and long-term).

• Paid time off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options.

• Voluntary benefits and employee perks programs.

• Flexible work options to support work-life balance.

• Well-being resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Business travel insurance for project-related travel.

• Service recognition awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment expectations.

• Given the hybrid work model and the nature of project management, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially involving occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($190,000 - $240,000 USD annually) is based on the explicit data provided in the job listing. This range is competitive for a Design Manager role with 10+ years of experience in a high-demand sector like data centers, particularly in a major metropolitan area like Arlington, VA. The listed benefits are comprehensive and reflect typical offerings from a large, established firm like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering Services. AECOM operates as a global leader in designing, building, operating, and managing infrastructure, with a significant focus on data centers, transportation, environment, and buildings.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich organization. This size provides opportunities for diverse project involvement and career progression.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, signifying a long history and deep expertise in the engineering and construction industry. This legacy suggests stability and a well-established reputation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of AECOM's Buildings & Places (B&P) business line, operating within the Americas region.

• The role will likely involve managing project teams composed of AECOM's internal subject matter experts across various disciplines (architecture, engineering, planning) and potentially external consultants.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on delivering innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

• The company promotes a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement, encouraging employees to bring "bold ideas and big dreams."

• Data-driven decision-making is likely a core component, with an emphasis on rigorous analysis, planning, and execution to solve complex infrastructure challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's description highlights its global reach, commitment to sustainability, and focus on solving complex infrastructure challenges. For a Design Manager, this translates to working on high-impact projects with a diverse range of clients and leveraging a vast pool of internal expertise. The "better world" mission and emphasis on innovation are key cultural drivers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the infrastructure consulting domain, specifically focused on data center design and program management. It sits at the intersection of technical design leadership and operational project execution, requiring significant experience and strategic oversight. It is positioned as a key player in delivering critical infrastructure projects.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior program director or a vice president within the Buildings & Places business line, overseeing data center operations or projects.

• They will be responsible for leading and mentoring project teams, which may include junior engineers, designers, and project coordinators.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's work directly impacts the successful planning, design, and delivery of data center facilities that are crucial for global digital infrastructure.

• Their leadership ensures that projects meet stringent client requirements for performance, reliability, scalability, and efficiency, which are paramount for data center operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to advance into broader Program Management roles, overseeing larger portfolios of data center projects or expanding into other critical infrastructure sectors.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of data center design (e.g., hyper-scale, sustainability, advanced cooling technologies) or project delivery methodologies.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop into a key client executive or account manager role, fostering long-term strategic partnerships.

• Business Development: Contribute significantly to proposal development and sales efforts, potentially leading to roles focused on business growth and strategy.

• Global Mobility: With AECOM's international presence, opportunities may arise to work on projects in different regions or contribute to global initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title may understate the operational oversight and strategic program management aspects of this role. Growth opportunities clearly point towards leadership in project delivery and client management within the infrastructure sector, aligning with senior operations and GTM career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This offers flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): While based out of any AECOM office, the primary location mentioned is Arlington, VA. AECOM has numerous offices across the United States, providing potential flexibility for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model suggests a dynamic work environment where collaboration can occur both virtually and in person.

• Candidates should expect to utilize standard office technology and potentially specialized design and project management software.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week.

• Given the fast-paced nature of data center projects and client demands, flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines, which could involve occasional work outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for self-discipline and effective time management, crucial for operations roles. The mention of "telecommuting" suggests a modern approach to work, balanced with the necessity of in-person collaboration for critical design and client discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess your fit for the minimum and preferred requirements, with a focus on data center experience and project management skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to explore your experience in data center design, project leadership, client management, and team coordination. Expect questions about your approach to managing complex projects and resolving challenges.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with other senior engineers, designers, or project leads. You might be asked to discuss specific case studies from your experience, focusing on technical problem-solving and design decision-making processes.

• Presentation/Case Study (Potential): While not explicitly stated, it is common for senior roles to involve a presentation based on a past project or a hypothetical scenario. This would likely focus on your project management approach, design strategy, and ability to articulate complex technical information to different stakeholders.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and AECOM's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 of your most relevant and impactful data center projects (colocation or hyper-scale) that demonstrate your design management and project leadership capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, highlight specific achievements using data and metrics. For example, "Managed design team of 15 engineers, delivering construction documents 10% ahead of schedule," or "Successfully resolved critical MEP coordination issue, saving an estimated $X in construction costs."

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly outline the project scope, your role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Use a consistent format for each project.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio examples explicitly demonstrate your expertise in areas like site due diligence, campus planning, MEP/architectural design oversight, program management, and client communication.

• Focus on Process and Impact: Explain your design management process and how it led to successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and positive business outcomes for AECOM and its clients.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Management Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage competing priorities, resolve design conflicts, handle scope creep, and motivate diverse project teams under pressure.

• Client Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you build and maintain client trust, manage client expectations, and present complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Review common data center design challenges (e.g., power distribution, cooling efficiency, space optimization) and be ready to discuss your approach to solving them.

• Proposal Development: Understand the key components of a winning technical and financial proposal for infrastructure projects and be ready to discuss your experience contributing to or leading this process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The lack of explicit mention of a portfolio requirement or specific interview stages suggests a need to infer best practices for senior roles in consulting. Candidates should proactively prepare to showcase their project leadership and design management capabilities, as this is standard for such positions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress across multiple sites.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with the output and integration of CAD (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM modeling (e.g., Revit), and potentially simulation software used in MEP and architectural design. Understanding how these tools are used by design teams is crucial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, BIM 360) for seamless communication and file sharing in a hybrid and global environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project reports, financial statements, and performance metrics. Experience with Excel for data analysis and reporting is essential.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting project dashboards to visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) related to schedule, budget, scope, and quality.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Basic Understanding): While not a sales role, understanding how client interactions are managed within CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for client relationship management and proposal tracking.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Appreciation for how workflows can be automated within project management or design processes to improve efficiency, though direct automation tool experience may not be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the nature of the role and AECOM's industry position imply a need for proficiency in project management software, collaboration platforms, and a strong understanding of the design software used by their teams. A data-driven approach to project oversight suggests analytical skills are also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to high-quality project execution, meeting or exceeding client expectations for technical performance, schedule, and budget.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams can work together effectively, sharing knowledge and expertise to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative thinking and the development of novel solutions to complex infrastructure challenges, pushing the boundaries of design and engineering.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships based on trust, transparency, and delivering tangible value.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Integrating environmental responsibility and long-term durability into design and project planning, contributing to a "better world."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes a collaborative approach across its various business lines and disciplines. The Design Manager will need to effectively integrate architectural, engineering, and construction management expertise.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive and transparent communication with clients, consultants, vendors, and internal teams is critical for alignment and successful project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across project teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values ("Work with Us. Change the World.") and emphasis on global teams, innovation, and client partnerships are key cultural indicators. The Design Manager role is central to embodying these values through project leadership and client interaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex, Multi-Site Projects: Coordinating design and execution across numerous locations, each with unique site conditions and client requirements, while maintaining consistency and quality.

• Balancing Client Demands with Technical Constraints: Navigating client expectations for speed and cost against the realities of complex engineering, regulatory compliance, and site-specific challenges.

• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Industry: Introducing new technologies, methodologies, or sustainable practices within a sector that can sometimes be slow to adopt change.

• Global Team Coordination: Effectively leading and collaborating with geographically dispersed teams, managing different time zones, cultures, and communication styles.

• Fast-Paced Data Center Market: Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of data center technology and client needs in a highly competitive and accelerated market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Center Technologies: Opportunities to stay abreast of cutting-edge developments in data center design, cooling systems, power solutions, and automation.

• Project & Program Management Certifications: AECOM likely supports professional development, offering opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or specialized data center credentials.

• Leadership Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs designed to develop leadership, client management, and strategic thinking skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gaining exposure to diverse infrastructure projects and working with experts across AECOM's broad service offerings.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within AECOM or to mentor junior staff, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of the data center industry and large-scale project management. Growth opportunities are framed around continuous learning and career advancement within AECOM's extensive global structure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex, multi-disciplinary data center design project. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and leadership.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration among a distributed team of engineers, architects, and consultants?" (Highlight your communication strategies and tools.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting site due diligence and campus planning for a hyper-scale data center project." (Demonstrate your technical and strategic planning approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as AECOM's biggest strengths in the data center market, and how would you contribute to them?" (Showcase your understanding of AECOM's business and your value proposition.)

• "How do you align your project management style with a company culture that emphasizes innovation and delivering a 'better world'?" (Connect your values and approach to AECOM's mission.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Prepare a concise presentation (e.g., 10-15 slides) showcasing 2-3 key projects. For each, include: Project Overview (client, type, scale), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design/Management Solutions, and Outcomes/Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible (e.g., budget adherence, schedule improvements, efficiency gains, risk mitigation).

• Focus on Process: Explain how you managed the projects, not just what you did. Emphasize your methodology for team coordination, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, site plans, or key design elements (if permissible) to illustrate project complexity and your contribution.

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as compelling narratives that highlight your expertise and ability to deliver results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, technical acumen in data center design, strong project/program management skills, and client-facing capabilities. Proactively preparing portfolio examples and case studies will be crucial for this senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your comprehensive resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience in data center design management and project leadership through the AECOM careers portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio or prepare detailed case studies of 2-3 significant data center projects you have managed, highlighting your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with site due diligence, campus planning, multidisciplinary design team leadership, and client proposal development, using keywords from the job description.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and its position in the global data center market. Understand their mission to "deliver a better world" and how your skills align.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common interview questions related to project management, technical problem-solving in data centers, client relationship management, and team leadership. Prepare to articulate your approach to hybrid work and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.

---