Design Manager (Energy)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Energy) Company: AECOM Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering / Energy / Management & Leadership / Consulting Date Posted: 2026-01-27T08:55:02.212Z Experience Level: 10+ years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design management for a portfolio of Transmission & Distribution projects, ensuring technical excellence and robust engineering decision-making.
• Drive seamless project delivery by collaborating closely with Project Managers and Directors, focusing on design coordination, risk management, and program performance.
• Foster a culture of technical quality and mentorship by working with multi-disciplinary teams across the energy and broader infrastructure sectors.
• Maintain a strong client-facing presence, managing technical interfaces, responding to RFQs, and cultivating long-term client relationships.
• Contribute to business growth by supporting bids and proposals, developing competitive and well-crafted submissions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within AECOM's Energy practice, specifically focusing on Transmission & Distribution projects. It's described as suitable for an established Design Manager or a senior Project Engineer transitioning into a broader technical and leadership capacity. The emphasis is on leading design efforts, ensuring technical quality, managing client relationships, and contributing to business development within the energy infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership: Act as the primary Design Manager for Transmission & Distribution projects, including substation and transmission line design, ensuring adherence to technical standards and project objectives.
• Project Delivery Oversight: Collaborate with Project Managers and Directors to guarantee effective design coordination, proactive risk identification and mitigation, and achievement of program milestones.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with diverse engineering disciplines within the energy and infrastructure sectors to facilitate integrated design solutions and promote a unified approach to project execution.
• Team Mentorship & Development: Guide and mentor junior engineers and design teams, fostering their technical growth and contributing to the overall capability of the Energy practice.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as a key technical point of contact for clients, managing communication, addressing technical queries, and building strong, enduring partnerships to foster repeat business and client satisfaction.
• Business Development Support: Contribute expertise to bids and proposals, working in conjunction with practice leaders to develop compelling and competitive submissions that align with client needs and AECOM's capabilities.
• Technical Quality Assurance: Uphold rigorous standards of technical quality throughout the design process, implementing best practices and ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic Input: Provide strategic input on design approaches, technology adoption, and resource allocation to optimize project outcomes and enhance AECOM's competitive positioning in the energy market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project execution oversight, team management, client engagement, and business development. This suggests a role that requires not only deep technical expertise in energy infrastructure but also strong interpersonal and strategic skills to drive project success and contribute to the growth of AECOM's Energy business in Australia.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary engineering qualification (Electrical Engineering preferred) or equivalent practical experience.
• Professional accreditation such as CPEng (Chartered Professional Engineer) and/or RPEV (Registered Professional Engineer of Victoria) is preferred but not essential, indicating a value placed on formal recognition of expertise.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in the delivery of complex energy infrastructure projects, preferably within a consultancy, client-side, or contractor environment.
• Proven track record in Transmission & Distribution (T&D) project delivery, with specific expertise in substation design.
• Experience with Transmission Lines design is considered advantageous, suggesting a broader scope of T&D knowledge is beneficial.
• Demonstrated understanding of Australian standards, regulatory frameworks, and various design delivery models relevant to the energy sector.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex design processes for energy infrastructure projects.
• Transmission & Distribution Expertise: In-depth knowledge of T&D systems, with a strong focus on substation design principles and practices.
• Project Coordination: Skill in coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams to ensure cohesive and efficient project execution.
• Client Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key clients.
• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide clear technical direction, drive engineering decision-making, and ensure high standards of technical quality.
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design and project-related risks.
• Bids & Proposals Contribution: Experience in contributing to the development of competitive and compelling tender submissions.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership Acumen: Demonstrated capacity to lead, motivate, and develop engineering teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Transmission Line Design: Specific experience in the design of transmission lines.
• Australian Regulatory Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Australian energy sector standards, codes, and compliance requirements.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of commercial aspects, bid strategies, and business growth initiatives within the consulting engineering sector.
• Mentoring Capabilities: Experience in guiding and developing junior engineering talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in energy infrastructure, particularly T&D, coupled with significant project experience. The preference for professional accreditations and Australian regulatory knowledge highlights the importance of local context and recognized expertise. The role seeks a candidate who can not only manage designs but also lead teams, engage clients, and contribute to AECOM's business objectives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio of past energy infrastructure projects, with a particular emphasis on Transmission & Distribution and substation design. Each case study should detail your role, the project's complexity, technical challenges, and the outcomes achieved.
• Technical Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of leading design teams, making critical engineering decisions, and ensuring technical quality. This could include examples of design reviews, problem-solving scenarios, and implementation of best practices.
• Client Engagement Documentation: Illustrate your ability to manage client relationships, present technical solutions, and negotiate project requirements. This might involve sample client communication or project proposals where you played a key client interface role.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Demonstrate instances where you have identified and implemented improvements in design processes, workflow efficiencies, or technical standards to enhance project delivery or reduce risk.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Frameworks: Be prepared to discuss your approach to establishing and managing design management frameworks for large-scale energy projects, including phases for concept, FEED (Front-End Engineering Design), detailed design, and construction support.
• Coordination and Collaboration Workflows: Outline your methodologies for ensuring effective coordination between multi-disciplinary engineering teams, clients, and other stakeholders, including the use of collaboration tools and regular review meetings.
• Quality Assurance and Control Protocols: Detail your experience with implementing QA/QC processes within design projects to ensure compliance with Australian standards, client specifications, and industry best practices.
• Risk Management Protocols: Describe your process for identifying, assessing, and managing technical and project-related risks throughout the design lifecycle, including the development of mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just individual technical contributions but also leadership in managing design processes, teams, and client expectations. The emphasis on Australian standards and T&D projects is critical. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for design management, quality assurance, and risk mitigation within the context of complex energy infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per annum (plus superannuation).
• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Manager roles with 10+ years of experience in major engineering consultancies in Melbourne, Australia. Factors considered include the complexity of energy infrastructure projects, the leadership responsibilities outlined, and the competitive market for specialized engineering talent in Victoria. Salary data from reputable sources like Hays, Robert Walters, and industry-specific surveys for engineering and construction roles in Australia were referenced.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Including alternative start/finish times, part-time options, job-sharing, and hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Continuous Learning and Growth: Opportunities for professional development through lunch and learns, dedicated courses, and financial assistance for further study.
• Paid Study Leave: 5 days of paid leave specifically allocated for study purposes, encouraging ongoing skill enhancement.
• Global Career Opportunities: Access to a global network and potential for international career progression within AECOM.
• Comprehensive Well-being Program: A robust global well-being program designed to support employee health and happiness.
• Professional Development: Access to professional development courses and resources to advance technical and leadership skills.
• Other Perks: Potential for benefits such as health insurance, superannuation contributions (beyond the statutory minimum), and other company-specific incentives often found in large engineering firms.

Working Hours:

• Standard: Approximately 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility: AECOM promotes flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times and hybrid work options, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing work schedules to accommodate project demands and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a senior role in a major engineering consultancy in Melbourne. Benefits are extensive, focusing on professional development, flexibility, and employee well-being, which are key attractors for experienced professionals in this sector. The hybrid work model is a significant benefit for work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM operates globally, providing a wide range of professional services including advisory, planning, design, engineering, and construction management across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment. Company Size: Fortune 500 company, indicating a large, established, and globally recognized organization. This typically translates to robust processes, extensive resources, and diverse career opportunities. Founded: AECOM's history traces back to 1910, demonstrating a long-standing legacy and deep expertise in the industry. The company has evolved significantly through growth and acquisitions to become a global leader.

Team Structure:

• Energy Practice: The role is within the Energy practice, specifically the Transmission & Distribution group in Melbourne. This group comprises approximately 250 experts across Australia and New Zealand.
• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Practice Leader within the Energy business line. They will also work closely with Project Managers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate extensively with multi-disciplinary teams across AECOM's broader infrastructure sectors, fostering a unified approach to project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: AECOM emphasizes using technical and digital expertise to solve complex challenges, suggesting a data-informed approach to design and project management.
• Collaborative Project Delivery: The company culture champions collaboration, equity, diversity, and inclusion, indicating a team-oriented approach where diverse perspectives are valued.
• Focus on Sustainability: AECOM is committed to delivering sustainable legacies and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities, which will likely influence design approaches and project selection.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's size and global presence offer stability and vast resources, while the specific Energy practice in ANZ provides a focused environment for specialized expertise. The emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability reflects modern corporate values and likely influences project execution and team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, typically classified as a Principal Engineer, Senior Design Manager, or Technical Director within the Energy sector. It requires significant technical expertise combined with leadership, client management, and business development capabilities. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior leadership within the Energy business line (e.g., Project Director, Practice Leader) and will lead design teams on specific projects. Collaboration with Project Managers is a key aspect of the role. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical in ensuring the technical success, quality, and delivery efficiency of energy infrastructure projects. This directly influences client satisfaction, AECOM's reputation, profitability, and the successful realization of sustainable energy solutions. Their leadership in design shapes the technical integrity and long-term performance of crucial infrastructure assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas of Transmission & Distribution, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert (SME) within AECOM or the industry.
• Leadership Progression: Advance into roles with broader project portfolio responsibility, such as a Program Manager, Sector Lead, or General Manager for the Energy practice in a region.
• Business Development Leadership: Grow into a role focused on strategic business development, client relationship management at a higher level, and driving growth for the Energy business line.
• Global Mobility: Leverage AECOM's international presence for opportunities in other regions or on global projects.
• Professional Development: Continuous access to training, certifications, and mentorship programs to enhance leadership and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for experienced engineers, offering a pathway to senior leadership and strategic influence within a global firm. The career trajectory emphasizes both deepening technical expertise and broadening management and business development responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers a hybrid work environment, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility. The Melbourne office (Collins Square) provides a professional workspace overlooking the harbour, equipped with amenities like barista coffee machines and social event spaces. Office Location(s): Primary location is Melbourne, VIC, at Collins Square. AECOM operates across Australia and New Zealand, offering potential for broader engagement. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages team members to leverage office time for collaborative activities, team meetings, and relationship building, while remote work allows for focused individual tasks.
• Tools and Technology: As a leading infrastructure firm, AECOM likely provides access to advanced design software, project management tools, and digital collaboration platforms.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of energy experts, project managers, and other engineering professionals within the Melbourne office and across the ANZ region.

Work Schedule:

• Standard: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility in start and finish times.
• Hybrid Model: Employees are expected to work a blend of office and remote days, with specific requirements likely discussed during the hiring process or determined by team needs. This allows for efficient management of design tasks, client meetings, and team collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, signaling a modern approach to work-life balance. The Melbourne office provides a well-equipped base for collaboration and professional engagement, while the flexibility supports efficient execution of design and project management duties.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on technical experience, leadership capabilities, project management approach, and understanding of the energy sector.
• Technical/Team Interview: May involve a panel interview with senior engineers or practice leaders to assess technical depth, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This is where your portfolio will be a key discussion point.
• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study from their portfolio demonstrating their design management approach on a complex project, highlighting challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Final Interview: Potential discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the role and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your experience in Transmission & Distribution, substation design, and design management.
• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the scale of the project, key challenges overcome, innovative solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, technical performance enhancements).
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, coordinating disciplines, managing client interfaces, and driving technical decision-making.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, using clear headings, concise descriptions, and compelling visuals (diagrams, charts where appropriate). Be prepared to walk through each project, explaining your thought process and impact.
• Demonstrate Australian Context: If possible, include projects that clearly demonstrate your understanding of Australian standards, regulations, and local project delivery environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common design management challenges, such as managing scope creep, resolving inter-disciplinary conflicts, ensuring constructability, or meeting aggressive project timelines.
• Client Engagement Strategies: Rehearse how you would handle difficult client conversations, present complex technical information, or negotiate project requirements and scope.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss a technical problem you encountered on a project and how you, as a design leader, facilitated its resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical application of skills and experience. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates leadership, technical acumen, and project success in the energy sector, particularly T&D, will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for detailed design and modeling.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management systems for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or AECOM's chosen collaboration suite for team communication and document sharing.
• 3D Modeling & BIM: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D design software is increasingly important for complex infrastructure projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and risk assessments. While specific tools aren't listed, a general understanding of data analysis is beneficial.
• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating project status reports, design progress updates, and technical documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) may be beneficial for understanding client management processes, though not explicitly stated as a requirement for this technical role.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control and management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex) is essential for handling extensive project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not detailed, a strong command of standard engineering design software, project management tools, and collaboration platforms is expected. Familiarity with BIM and advanced data analytics would be advantageous given AECOM's focus on digital expertise.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for design outcomes and project commitments.
• Excellence and Innovation: Striving for the highest technical quality, seeking innovative solutions, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in energy infrastructure design.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively towards common goals.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building trust, and delivering exceptional value through expert advice and solutions.
• Sustainability and ESG: Commitment to designing for a better world, integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into all aspects of project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging open communication and seamless integration between design disciplines, project management, and other business units.
• Constructive Feedback: Promoting a culture where feedback is welcomed and used constructively to improve designs, processes, and team performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing technical expertise, lessons learned, and best practices across teams and projects to foster collective growth and efficiency.
• Proactive Engagement: Encouraging team members to proactively engage with stakeholders, identify potential issues, and propose solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, client focus, and sustainability are central to its culture. The Design Manager will be expected to embody these values and foster them within their teams, driving a high-performance, client-centric, and responsible approach to energy infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Energy Projects: Managing the intricate technical, regulatory, and stakeholder requirements of large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
• Balancing Technical Rigor with Program Demands: Ensuring high-quality design outcomes while meeting aggressive project schedules and budget constraints.
• Navigating Evolving Technologies: Keeping abreast of rapid advancements in energy technology, grid modernization, and digital solutions to incorporate them effectively into designs.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing communication and integration across diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical languages.
• Client Expectations Management: Meeting and exceeding the expectations of sophisticated clients in a competitive market, often requiring innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in emerging energy technologies, advanced design methodologies, and new software tools.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance skills in team management, strategic planning, financial acumen, and business development through AECOM's internal programs and external courses.
• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and professional bodies to stay current with trends and network with peers.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within AECOM and to mentor junior engineers, fostering continuous learning and skill transfer.
• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of project types and complexities within the energy sector, providing invaluable on-the-job learning and experience diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in complex engineering environments. AECOM's commitment to learning and development provides structured pathways to overcome these challenges and advance one's career, both technically and managerially.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading the design process for a complex Transmission & Distribution project, from concept through to detailed design."
  • Preparation: Outline your methodology, including phases, key deliverables, team structure, risk management integration, and quality assurance processes. Reference specific examples from your portfolio.
• "How do you ensure seamless coordination and communication between multi-disciplinary engineering teams on a large-scale project?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your strategies for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, managing interfaces, and utilizing communication tools. Provide examples of successful coordination efforts.
• "Walk us through a challenging technical problem you encountered on an energy infrastructure project and how you, as a design leader, facilitated its resolution."
  • Preparation: Select a strong case study from your portfolio. Detail the problem, your role in analyzing it, the solutions considered, the decision-making process, and the final outcome. Quantify impact if possible.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AECOM and this specific Design Manager role within our Energy practice?"
  • Preparation: Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic direction. Connect your skills and career aspirations to the company's mission and the role's responsibilities. Highlight your passion for energy infrastructure.
• "How do you foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within an engineering team?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, strategies for mentorship, promoting best practices, encouraging innovation, and providing constructive feedback.
• "AECOM is committed to sustainability and ESG. How would you integrate these principles into the design of energy infrastructure projects?"
  • Preparation: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of sustainable design principles in the energy sector and provide examples of how you've incorporated them or would propose to incorporate them.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate your specific role, the project's objectives, the challenges you faced, the innovative solutions you implemented, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, safety improvements).
• Structure Your Narrative: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework for each case study to ensure a clear and compelling story.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in decision-making, team coordination, client management, and technical oversight.
• Visual Aids: Utilize presentation slides with key diagrams, charts, or images to illustrate complex designs or data, making your presentation more engaging and understandable.
• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your technical approaches, decision-making rationale, and handling of project complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise in energy infrastructure, strong leadership and team management skills, and a client-centric approach. Using specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate your capabilities and aligning your responses with AECOM's values will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the AECOM careers portal or the provided SmartRecruiters link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience in energy infrastructure, specifically detailing your expertise in Transmission & Distribution, substation design, and design management. Use keywords from the job description and incorporate quantifiable achievements.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities. Ensure each project includes a clear description of your role, technical challenges, innovative solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. Be ready to present these projects concisely and effectively.
• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's Energy practice, recent projects in Australia and New Zealand, and the company's values regarding sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.
• Practice Your Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to design management, leadership, client engagement, and technical problem-solving, using your portfolio as a basis for your answers.

⚠️ 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.