Design Manager | Ingeniería Civil hidráulica

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager | Ingeniería Civil hidráulica

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: A jornada completa (Full-time)

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: 2025-10-24

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role requires a seasoned professional to lead the design and construction of hydraulic infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project timelines.

• Key responsibilities include managing client relationships, providing technical guidance to engineering teams, and overseeing project cost control.

• The position involves the creation and review of detailed technical documentation in both English and Spanish for national and international projects.

• A strong emphasis is placed on bilingual communication skills and leadership capabilities to influence, coordinate, and technically represent the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Design Manager" with a strong focus on hydraulic engineering within the Civil Engineering discipline. The description implies a senior leadership capacity, bridging technical design expertise with project management and client-facing responsibilities. The emphasis on leading projects nationally and internationally, coupled with bilingual requirements, suggests a strategic operational role within AECOM's Transportation division.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and construction of hydraulic infrastructure projects at national and international levels, ensuring compliance with quality standards and established deadlines.

• Manage client relationships effectively, understanding their needs and expectations, and ensuring their satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Coordinate and supervise engineering teams, reviewing their work, providing technical guidance to less experienced engineers, and ensuring the proper execution of assigned tasks.

• Plan and control project costs, monitoring progress and expenses to ensure projects remain within budget.

• Author technical documentation, including reports, specifications, and other technical documents in English, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

• Facilitate effective communication in both English and Spanish, fostering teamwork with international collaborators and clients, and ensuring accurate documentation in both languages.

• Conduct hydraulic design for water supply, sanitation, and urban drainage systems, including flood studies for urban developments.

• Provide technical expertise for the design of rainwater networks in road and railway projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and client engagement. The mention of leading projects at "national and international levels" and the requirement for bilingual communication (English/Spanish) indicate a role that operates within a global context, requiring strong stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills. The specific mention of "utilities of water" and "rainwater networks" points to a specialized area within hydraulic engineering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (Ingeniería Civil).

Experience:

• Over 10-12 years of experience in the design of hydraulic infrastructures, with a specific focus on the utilities sector.

Required Skills:

• Technical mastery in the design of hydraulic networks and elements.

• Fluent spoken and written English and Spanish.

• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence, coordinate, and technically represent the company.

• Experience in client relationship management and stakeholder engagement.

• Proficiency in project planning and cost control.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in flood studies and urban drainage design.

• Familiarity with road and railway infrastructure design related to hydraulic systems.

• Experience with international projects and diverse client bases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10-12 years" combined with the "Design Manager" title suggests a senior-level position. The strong emphasis on bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) is critical for this role, indicating frequent interaction with international clients and project teams. The preference for a Master's degree points to a desire for advanced theoretical knowledge in addition to practical experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio of successfully led hydraulic infrastructure design projects, highlighting complexity and scale (e.g., national/international scope).

• Include examples of design solutions for water supply, sanitation, urban drainage, and flood mitigation.

• Demonstrate experience in managing project timelines and budgets, with quantifiable cost control achievements.

• Present case studies that illustrate effective client relationship management and stakeholder satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Documented examples of technical reports, specifications, and design documents prepared in both English and Spanish.

• Examples of project planning documentation, including scope definition, resource allocation, and risk assessment.

• Workflow examples demonstrating the process of client needs assessment and translation into design requirements.

• Evidence of quality assurance processes applied to design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate leadership, problem-solving within hydraulic design, and successful project delivery. The emphasis on bilingual documentation means candidates should be prepared to present examples of work in both languages. Showing a clear process for how projects are managed from client engagement through to design completion is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Package

• Flexible Work Hours

• Hybrid Model (combining office and remote work)

• Continuous Training Access

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technologies

• Real Professional Development Opportunities

• Participation in high-impact social, environmental, and technical projects.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid model and flexible work hours suggest a degree of autonomy in managing work schedules, balancing project demands with personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on senior engineering management roles in Spain, specifically Madrid, considering the specialized nature of hydraulic engineering and the required bilingualism. AECOM is a large, established firm, so benefits are expected to be comprehensive, aligning with their stated commitment to employee growth and well-being. The hybrid model is a significant perk for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering. AECOM is a global leader in providing professional services across the entire infrastructure project lifecycle.

Company Size: Fortune 500 company with approximately 52,000 employees globally.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910.

Team Structure:

• The role is within AECOM's Spain Transportation area, specifically focusing on Civil and Hydraulic Engineering.

• The team consists of highly specialized engineers in civil and hydraulic infrastructure.

• The Design Manager will lead projects and coordinate with teams, likely including junior engineers, senior specialists, and potentially project administrators.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes technical excellence and partners strategically with clients.

• Projects span national and international scopes, requiring innovative solutions for complex challenges.

• The company culture promotes integrity, professional growth, and a commitment to sustainability.

• Data-driven decision-making and advanced digital technologies are likely integral to project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and reputation as a Fortune 500 company suggest a structured yet dynamic work environment. The company's focus on "delivering a better world" and its commitment to ESG principles (Environmental, Social, and Governance) indicate a culture that values impactful and sustainable engineering solutions. The size of the company offers significant opportunities for professional development and exposure to diverse projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Lead Technical Specialist. This role is positioned as a Design Manager, indicating leadership responsibility over design processes and teams for specific projects. It requires significant technical depth combined with management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or vice president within AECOM's Transportation division in Spain. They will manage a team of engineers and collaborate with project managers, client representatives, and other internal stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical hydraulic infrastructure projects, influencing public safety, environmental quality, and urban development. Effective design management contributes significantly to AECOM's reputation, client satisfaction, and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in hydraulic design, project leadership, and client management. Potential to lead larger, more complex, or strategically important projects.

• Leadership Development: Transition into broader program management roles or develop into leadership positions within specific service lines or geographic regions.

• Specialization: Further specialize in niche areas of hydraulic engineering (e.g., advanced flood modeling, sustainable drainage systems) or broaden expertise into related infrastructure sectors.

• International Exposure: Leverage bilingual skills and experience to take on roles with increased international responsibility or lead cross-border projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title implies a career path that values both deep technical expertise and managerial acumen. Growth opportunities are likely to involve scaling project scope, team size, and strategic influence within AECOM's operations in Spain and potentially across Europe.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM likely operates modern, professional office spaces designed to support both individual work and collaborative team efforts. The hybrid model suggests that office days are intended for team meetings, client interactions, and collaborative design sessions.

Office Location(s): Madrid, Spain. This central location provides access to a major business hub and facilitates collaboration with clients and partners in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team coordination suggest a workspace that encourages interaction, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, and communication tools essential for hydraulic engineering and global project collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with engineers from various disciplines within transportation and other AECOM sectors, as well as with project managers and client representatives.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the hybrid model and flexible hours offer autonomy. This flexibility is beneficial for operations professionals who may need to manage complex project timelines that necessitate focused work periods, potentially outside traditional hours, balanced by personal time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, offering flexibility while maintaining the collaborative aspects of an office environment. This setup is common for senior engineering roles where focused technical work can be done remotely, but in-person collaboration and client meetings are essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter focusing on your experience in hydraulic design, project leadership, and bilingual capabilities.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves in-depth discussions about your experience with hydraulic infrastructure projects, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches. Expect case study questions related to managing complex designs or client challenges.

• Leadership & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team coordination skills, and how you align with AECOM's values (integrity, collaboration, sustainability). This may involve behavioral questions.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation (Potentially): You might be asked to simulate a client interaction or present a project proposal to assess your communication and influencing skills.

• Final Interview: With senior management to discuss your strategic fit, long-term goals, and overall value to the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role and responsibilities in leading design teams and projects. Quantify your achievements (e.g., project value, cost savings, timeline adherence).

• Showcase Technical Depth: Present diverse examples of hydraulic design challenges you've solved, focusing on innovative or complex solutions. Include visuals where possible.

• Demonstrate Bilingual Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss and potentially present specific project elements in both English and Spanish. Ensure any written portfolio materials are professional in both languages.

• Client Management: Include examples of how you've managed client expectations, resolved conflicts, and ensured client satisfaction.

• Process & Tools: Briefly explain the design processes and software tools you've utilized effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common hydraulic design challenges (e.g., designing for extreme weather events, integrating new infrastructure with existing systems, managing cost constraints).

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving team conflicts, or motivating a diverse team.

• Business Acumen: Be ready to discuss project budgeting, cost control strategies, and how your design decisions impact project profitability and client value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and bilingual skills means candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase these requirements. The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential and cultural alignment with AECOM's global operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation for detailed design and drafting.

• Hydraulic Modeling Software: HEC-RAS, SWMM, EPANET, InfoWorks ICM for simulating water flow, drainage, and flood behavior.

• Project Management Software: MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and cost control.

• BIM Software (Potentially): Revit, Navisworks for Building Information Modeling, especially for integrated infrastructure projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in generating reports from modeling software.

• Tools for data analysis and visualization to present findings to clients and management.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding client management principles is key. Experience with client communication platforms and document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, ProjectWise) is likely beneficial.

• Automation in design processes (e.g., script development within CAD/BIM) can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in hydraulic modeling software is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific industry-standard tools. The integration of BIM and advanced digital technologies is increasingly important in infrastructure design, so familiarity with these is a strong advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, from design accuracy to client communication.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest technical quality and innovative solutions in hydraulic engineering and project management.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, fostering open communication and knowledge sharing across different departments and geographies.

• Sustainability: Commitment to designing infrastructure that is environmentally responsible and contributes to long-term community well-being.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through responsive communication and tailored solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with other engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, geotechnical, transportation) and project management teams to deliver integrated solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Proactive and clear communication with clients, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of continuous learning by sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned within the team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, sustainability, and client focus should be reflected in how candidates approach their work and interactions. Demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with these values will be important during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Leading large-scale, multi-disciplinary hydraulic projects with intricate design requirements and tight deadlines.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Business Objectives: Ensuring designs are technically sound while also meeting budget constraints and client profitability goals.

• Navigating International Regulations and Standards: Adapting designs to comply with diverse regulatory frameworks and engineering standards across different countries.

• Technological Adaptation: Staying abreast of evolving design software, modeling techniques, and digital tools in the rapidly advancing field of infrastructure engineering.

• Client Expectations Management: Handling demanding clients or navigating complex stakeholder environments to ensure project success.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops in cutting-edge hydraulic engineering techniques and software.

• Leadership and Management Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance skills in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending key industry events and obtaining professional certifications to stay current and expand professional networks.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within AECOM or to mentor junior engineers, fostering growth in both technical and leadership capacities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in global engineering firms. AECOM's commitment to professional development suggests that employees are encouraged to tackle these challenges as growth opportunities, supported by company resources.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "How would you approach the design of a complex urban drainage system for a rapidly developing city, considering climate change impacts and existing infrastructure?" (Focus on process, risk assessment, stakeholder consultation, and innovative solutions).

• Leadership & Team Management: "Describe a time you had to lead a team through a challenging technical problem or a tight deadline. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight leadership style, conflict resolution, motivation techniques).

• Client Management: "How do you ensure client satisfaction when managing a technically complex project with evolving requirements?" (Emphasize communication, expectation setting, proactive problem-solving).

• Cost Management: "What strategies do you employ to control costs effectively on large infrastructure design projects without compromising quality?" (Discuss budgeting, value engineering, risk mitigation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM's work in hydraulic engineering and infrastructure development?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and impact).

• "How do you see your skills contributing to AECOM's mission of delivering a better world?" (Connect your experience to their values and project types).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your career and key achievements. Then, select 2-3 diverse projects that best showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and bilingual capabilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, describe the challenge, your approach (detailing your leadership role), the solutions implemented, and the tangible results/impact. Quantify where possible.

• Highlight Bilingualism: Be prepared to discuss specific aspects of a project in Spanish and English, demonstrating fluency and technical vocabulary in both.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs have positively impacted communities, the environment, or client objectives.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, project management decisions, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples for behavioral questions. Demonstrating a clear understanding of AECOM's global operations and values, alongside strong technical and leadership examples, will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently features your experience in hydraulic infrastructure design, project leadership, client management, and your bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish), using keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Highlight your most relevant projects and experiences that align with the Design Manager role, emphasizing your leadership capabilities and technical expertise in water utilities and drainage.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in leading hydraulic design projects, managing teams, and delivering successful outcomes. Be ready to present these in detail, highlighting your contributions and the project's impact.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects in Spain and globally, their sustainability initiatives, and their company culture to articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.