Design Manager | Ingeniería Civil hidráulica

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager | Civil Engineering - Hydraulic Infrastructure

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: October 13, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead complex hydraulic infrastructure design projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project timelines.

• Manage client relationships, effectively communicating needs, expectations, and project progress.

• Supervise and mentor engineering teams, providing technical guidance and ensuring efficient task execution.

• Oversee project planning and cost control to maintain budget adherence and maximize project profitability.

• Develop comprehensive technical documentation in English, ensuring accuracy and clarity for international stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager or Project Coordinator, indicating a blend of technical leadership and project management responsibilities within the hydraulic engineering domain. The emphasis on international projects and bilingual communication suggests a need for strong stakeholder management and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and construction of hydraulic infrastructure projects, both domestically and internationally, ensuring alignment with AECOM's rigorous quality standards and established deadlines.

• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships, proactively understanding their needs, managing expectations, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Provide technical leadership and direct supervision to engineering teams, including mentoring less experienced engineers, reviewing work, and ensuring the accurate and timely completion of all assigned tasks.

• Develop detailed project plans, monitor progress closely, and implement robust cost control measures to ensure projects remain within budget constraints and deliver optimal financial performance.

• Author and refine technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and design documents, in English, ensuring precision, clarity, and compliance with international engineering best practices.

• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between international project teams, stakeholders, and clients through effective verbal and written communication in both English and Spanish.

• Conduct feasibility studies and design reviews for various hydraulic systems, including stormwater management, water supply, and sewage networks, identifying potential risks and proposing mitigation strategies.

• Contribute to the development of innovative design solutions for complex hydraulic challenges, leveraging advanced engineering principles and software tools.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations and standards governing hydraulic infrastructure design and construction.

• Actively participate in business development activities by contributing technical expertise to proposals and client presentations, fostering new project opportunities for AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior role requiring a strong technical foundation in hydraulic engineering coupled with significant project management and client-facing experience. The mention of international projects and bilingual documentation underscores the global nature of AECOM's operations and the need for a candidate comfortable with diverse cultural and regulatory environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive professional experience in the design and engineering of hydraulic infrastructure.

• Proven track record of successfully managing projects from concept through to completion, ideally within a consultancy or engineering firm environment.

Required Skills:

• Hydraulic Infrastructure Design: Deep expertise in the design of water supply, sanitation, and stormwater drainage networks.

• Technical Design Elements: Proficient in the design of associated components such as pump stations, regulation tanks, pump and valve selection, surge protection devices (anti-hammer devices), retention tanks, and flow regulation basins.

• Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex engineering projects from initiation to closure.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven skills in building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring satisfaction.

• Team Coordination and Mentorship: Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing technical guidance, and mentoring junior engineers.

• Cost Control and Budget Management: Strong understanding of project financial management, including cost estimation, budget tracking, and cost control strategies.

• Technical Documentation: Ability to draft clear, accurate, and comprehensive technical reports, specifications, and design documents in English.

• Bilingual Communication: Fluency in both spoken and written English and Spanish is mandatory for effective communication with international teams and clients.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex engineering challenges and propose effective solutions.

• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard hydraulic modeling software (e.g., EPANET, SWMM, HEC-RAS) and CAD tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international project delivery and familiarity with diverse regulatory frameworks.

• Knowledge of flood risk assessment and urban development planning.

• Experience with data centers, logistics centers, or other specialized infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for hydraulic systems.

• Advanced project management certifications (e.g., PMP).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10-12 years of experience, including prior project engineering roles, signifies a need for a candidate who can not only manage but also deeply understand the technical intricacies of hydraulic design. The explicit mention of specific hydraulic components and systems suggests that practical, hands-on design experience is as crucial as management acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant hydraulic infrastructure projects you have led or significantly contributed to. For each, detail the project's scope, your specific role, the challenges encountered, the design solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk reduction).

• Design Documentation Samples: Include examples of technical reports, design specifications, or calculation summaries you have authored, demonstrating your ability to produce clear, accurate, and professional documentation in English.

• Client Communication Examples: If possible, provide anonymized examples of client proposals, progress reports, or presentations that highlight your client management and communication skills.

• Team Coordination Evidence: Describe your approach to team management and coordination, perhaps through a project plan example or a description of how you've managed multidisciplinary teams on past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate your understanding of designing and optimizing hydraulic engineering workflows, including stages from initial concept, detailed design, review, and final delivery.

• System Implementation Standards: Show how you ensure the successful implementation of hydraulic systems, considering factors like constructability, integrated systems, and adherence to specifications.

• Performance Analysis: Illustrate your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for hydraulic projects and how you track and analyze performance against these metrics, especially in relation to cost, schedule, and technical compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should emphasize not just individual technical contributions but also the ability to lead, manage, and deliver complex projects. Case studies demonstrating leadership, client satisfaction, and successful project outcomes will be paramount. The inclusion of documentation samples in English is a critical requirement given the job description.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10-12 years of experience in Madrid, Spain, specializing in Civil/Hydraulic Engineering, the estimated annual salary range is expected to be between €55,000 and €75,000 gross per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in Madrid, the specialized nature of the role, and AECOM's standing as a global infrastructure consulting firm.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to blend working from home with office-based collaboration, promoting work-life balance.

• Flexible Working Hours: Options for adjusting daily work schedules to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

• Dynamic Work Environment: Opportunity to work in a stimulating and evolving professional setting that encourages innovation and continuous learning.

• Competitive Compensation Package: A comprehensive remuneration that includes base salary, potential bonuses, and other financial incentives.

• Professional Development Plan: Structured opportunities for ongoing training, skill enhancement, and career advancement, including access to industry certifications and specialized courses.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Access to resources and programs designed to support employee physical and mental well-being.

• International Project Exposure: The chance to work on high-profile, international projects, broadening professional experience and global perspective.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions towards a company-sponsored retirement savings plan.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. AECOM offers a hybrid work model and flexible working hours, allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project deliverables and team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Madrid are based on current market data for senior engineering and project management roles, adjusted for the specific specialization in hydraulic infrastructure. AECOM's global presence and focus on employee development suggest a robust benefits package beyond standard offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global Infrastructure Consulting sector, a critical industry focused on planning, designing, constructing, and managing essential public and private infrastructure. This includes transportation, water, energy, environmental, and building systems. The company's work directly impacts communities and economies worldwide.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded corporation with over 50,000 employees globally. This scale offers significant opportunities for career growth, exposure to diverse projects, and access to extensive resources and expertise. For operations professionals, a large company often means structured processes, specialized teams, and a clear career progression framework.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, with its modern iteration formed through significant mergers and acquisitions. This longevity signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven ability to adapt to evolving market demands and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Civil Engineering – Hydraulic Infrastructure team is a specialized unit within AECOM's broader Infrastructure division. It likely comprises a mix of senior engineers, project managers, design specialists, and potentially junior engineers and technicians.

• Reporting structures are typically hierarchical within large engineering firms, with project managers and design managers reporting to divisional heads or senior executives. This role will likely report to a Director or Senior Principal Engineer.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes leveraging data analytics and advanced modeling tools to inform design decisions, optimize performance, and predict outcomes for hydraulic systems.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes collaborative approaches that bring together all stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and improve project value.

• Sustainability and ESG Focus: AECOM is committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, integrating sustainable design practices and considering the long-term environmental and social impact of its projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's status as a Fortune 500 company suggests a professional, structured work environment with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, client service, and corporate responsibility. The global reach implies a diverse workforce and exposure to a wide array of project types and challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, aligning with a Design Manager or Project Coordinator designation. It signifies a transition from primarily individual technical contributions to leading teams and managing project lifecycles. The scope includes technical oversight, client management, and financial responsibility for projects within the hydraulic infrastructure domain.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level engineering director, a principal engineer, or a program manager within AECOM's Civil Infrastructure division. This role will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of engineers and technical staff, fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.

Operations Impact: As a Design Manager, the individual will have a direct and significant impact on AECOM's profitability and reputation. Successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and efficient resource management directly contribute to revenue generation and client retention. The quality of designs will ensure public safety, environmental protection, and the successful realization of critical infrastructure projects, aligning with AECOM's mission to "deliver a better world."

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in niche areas of hydraulic engineering, such as advanced flood modeling, sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), or specialized water treatment technologies.

• Project Management Advancement: Progress into larger, more complex, or higher-value international projects, potentially moving into Program Management roles overseeing multiple projects.

• Leadership Development: Access to AECOM's leadership training programs, preparing for roles with greater strategic responsibility, such as Sector Lead, Technical Director, or Country Manager.

• Global Mobility: Potential to transfer to other AECOM offices worldwide, gaining international experience and exposure to different market dynamics and project types.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers, contributing to the development of future talent within AECOM and solidifying one's own expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title implies a career path that bridges deep technical expertise with management responsibilities. Growth opportunities are likely to involve increasing project complexity, team size, and strategic influence within AECOM's operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM typically operates with a hybrid work model, meaning employees will divide their time between working remotely and in a physical AECOM office. This model aims to balance the flexibility and autonomy of remote work with the collaboration, team cohesion, and focused work environment that an office provides.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Madrid, Spain. AECOM likely maintains modern office facilities in Madrid equipped to support engineering and design activities, including collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized technical labs or software access points.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will be designed to foster interaction among team members, encouraging spontaneous discussions, brainstorming sessions, and efficient problem-solving for complex hydraulic design challenges.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to AECOM's robust IT infrastructure, including high-performance workstations, specialized engineering software (CAD, BIM, hydraulic modeling), and secure network access for both office and remote work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face meetings with colleagues, project teams, and management will be available, facilitating stronger working relationships and effective knowledge sharing. The hybrid model means scheduled in-office days are often optimized for these collaborative activities.

Work Schedule: The role involves a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model and potentially flexible start/end times, as long as core business hours and project deadlines are met. This flexibility is crucial for operations professionals who may need to coordinate with international teams across different time zones or manage project-specific demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, suggesting a company that values employee well-being and productivity through flexible arrangements. The office environment in Madrid will be a hub for collaboration and access to essential resources for a global engineering firm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will review your application and resume, focusing on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the core requirements. Be prepared to briefly articulate your most relevant hydraulic design and project management experience.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the direct hiring manager (likely a senior engineer or director). This interview will delve deeper into your technical expertise, project leadership experience, and understanding of hydraulic engineering principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

3. Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a panel interview with potential team members and subject matter experts. Expect technical questions related to hydraulic design, problem-solving scenarios, and how you would approach specific project challenges. Your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will be assessed.

4. Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to prepare and present a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on a complex hydraulic project. This is your opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills, leadership, and impact. Prepare to discuss methodologies, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results. Ensure your presentation is clear, concise, and tailored to AECOM's business.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the division or a Director. This interview will focus on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term career aspirations within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the measurable impact. Use numbers and data to demonstrate success (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, capacity increases, risk reduction).

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework to present your projects logically. Highlight your specific contributions and leadership.

• Showcase Bilingual Capability: If possible, present a project that involved international collaboration or documentation in both English and Spanish to demonstrate your language skills in practice.

• Focus on Design Management: Emphasize your role in managing the design process, coordinating teams, and ensuring quality, not just individual technical contributions.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's recent projects and values. Frame your experience and portfolio around their strategic priorities, such as sustainability, innovation, and client satisfaction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to hydraulic design challenges (e.g., designing for extreme weather events, optimizing existing systems, addressing regulatory changes).

• Project Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would manage project risks, resolve team conflicts, handle scope changes, or deliver a project under tight deadlines and budget constraints.

• Client Management: Practice explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical clients and how you would manage client expectations and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, assessing both technical depth and management capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for demonstrating leadership and project success effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Hydraulic Modeling Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as EPANET, SWMM (Storm Water Management Model), HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System), and potentially specialized software for surge analysis or pipe network design.

• CAD Software: Expertise in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for creating detailed engineering drawings and site plans.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Revit, especially as it applies to infrastructure design and coordination, is increasingly important.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use tools like Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis. Familiarity with more advanced analytics platforms or BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for creating dashboards and reports could be beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating technical reports, progress updates, and financial summaries using standard office software.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing customer relationships in a sales sense, an understanding of CRM principles and how client data is managed within a company like AECOM would be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how to leverage software or scripting (e.g., Python for data analysis or design automation) to improve efficiency in design processes.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Bentley ProjectWise) for organizing and collaborating on project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of specialized hydraulic modeling and CAD software is non-negotiable. Experience with project management tools and an understanding of BIM are also critical for this role within a large engineering consultancy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, ensuring honesty and transparency in project execution and client interactions.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality technical solutions and exceptional client service, consistently striving for best-in-class outcomes in hydraulic design and project management.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve design efficiency, sustainability, and project value.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is essential for success.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental and social considerations into all aspects of design and project delivery, aiming to create lasting positive impacts for communities and the environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes collaboration across its various engineering disciplines and service lines. This role will require working closely with transportation engineers, environmental specialists, construction managers, and other professionals.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture of continuous improvement where processes are regularly reviewed, and feedback is actively sought and given to enhance team performance and project delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of technical expertise, project lessons learned, and best practices across teams and geographical locations to drive collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, excellence, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability will shape the team's operational ethos. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work aligns with these principles, particularly regarding technical quality, teamwork, and responsible engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex International Projects: Navigating diverse regulatory environments, cultural nuances, and logistical complexities inherent in global projects.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Project Constraints: Ensuring high-quality hydraulic designs while adhering to strict budget, schedule, and client-specific requirements.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating multidisciplinary teams, potentially with varying levels of experience and from different backgrounds, to achieve common project goals.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in hydraulic modeling software, BIM, and sustainable design practices to maintain a competitive edge.

• Client Expectation Management: Proactively addressing client concerns, managing scope creep, and ensuring consistent communication to maintain strong client relationships.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications in areas like advanced hydraulics, flood modeling, sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), and water resource management.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional project management certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) to enhance career progression.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in AECOM's internal leadership training initiatives designed to cultivate skills in team management, strategic planning, and business development.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events for networking, learning about cutting-edge trends, and professional development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on projects with other AECOM engineering disciplines provides invaluable exposure to different areas of infrastructure development, broadening overall expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle technically challenging and globally significant projects, fostering substantial professional and personal growth. Addressing these challenges will require a combination of technical acumen, strong leadership, and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex hydraulic infrastructure project from design through to client handover. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure its success, particularly regarding budget and schedule?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills).

• "How do you approach managing client expectations and ensuring their satisfaction, especially when dealing with technical complexities or unforeseen issues? Provide an example." (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and client-centric approach).

• "Walk me through your process for designing a critical hydraulic component, such as a pump station or regulation tank. What factors do you consider, and how do you ensure compliance with relevant standards?" (Demonstrate your technical depth and systematic approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of AECOM, what do you believe makes our approach to hydraulic engineering unique or impactful?" (Show you've researched AECOM's projects, values, and brand).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Align your answer with AECOM's stated values and work model).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your career and highlight 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your leadership, technical skills, and impact. Use a consistent format (e.g., Project Goal, Your Role, Challenges, Solutions, Results).

• Quantify Everything: For each project, provide concrete data on outcomes – e.g., "Reduced system failure risk by 25%," "Delivered project 10% under budget," "Improved water flow capacity by 15%."

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals where appropriate – simplified diagrams, process flowcharts, or before/after comparisons – to illustrate your points effectively.

• Highlight Bilingualism: If relevant, mention specific instances where your English and Spanish skills were crucial for project success.

• Focus on Management: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing client relationships, controlling costs, and ensuring technical quality, rather than just individual design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating both technical expertise and leadership capabilities, using specific examples from your experience. Demonstrating an understanding of AECOM's global operations, commitment to sustainability, and hybrid work model will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to clearly highlight your 10-12+ years of experience in hydraulic infrastructure design and project engineering. Use keywords from the job description such as "Hydraulic Infrastructure Design," "Project Leadership," "Client Relationship Management," "Technical Documentation," and "Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your most impactful hydraulic engineering projects. For each, prepare a concise case study detailing the scope, your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. Ensure you have sample technical documentation ready, ideally in English.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's global presence, recent hydraulic infrastructure projects, and their stated values (integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability). Understand their commitment to delivering a better world through infrastructure.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions by practicing your responses, focusing on providing structured, example-based answers that demonstrate your technical skills, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and client management experience. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ 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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