Semiconductor Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Semiconductor Design Manager Company: AECOM Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Remote options available within the US) Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering & Design Management (Advanced Manufacturing/Infrastructure) Date Posted: January 13, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years (with 2+ years leadership) Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote within the US with expected travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary design teams for complex semiconductor manufacturing facilities, ensuring project delivery aligns with stringent client requirements, timelines, and quality standards.
• Oversee the end-to-end design process, encompassing master planning, detailed design across architecture, civil, structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS, for advanced manufacturing projects.
• Drive client engagement through effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and building trusted relationships, acting as a key representative for AECOM's capabilities in the semiconductor sector.
• Manage project resources strategically, including team onboarding and offboarding, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment among geographically dispersed subject matter experts and local engineering talent.
• Develop and present compelling technical and financial proposals, demonstrating AECOM's expertise and value proposition for semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager in advanced manufacturing, particularly semiconductors, requires a strong blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. This position emphasizes leading distributed teams and interfacing directly with clients on high-stakes projects, typical of large-scale infrastructure and industrial facilities. The focus on "Semiconductor Design" and "Advanced Manufacturing" within AECOM's "Buildings + Places" business line indicates a strategic growth area for the company.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and guide the semiconductor manufacturing facility design team to achieve project objectives, ensuring adherence to client specifications, budget constraints, and aggressive delivery schedules.
• Manage all aspects of project execution, from initial concept and master planning through detailed design and construction administration, ensuring seamless integration of all engineering disciplines.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration and collective ownership within the design team, which will include subject matter experts from AECOM's centers of excellence and local project engineers, requiring strong remote team leadership.
• Proactively identify potential project risks, challenges, and changes, developing creative and effective solutions, and communicating these effectively to all stakeholders.
• Conduct and oversee comprehensive peer reviews and quality checks of design deliverables, ensuring compliance with both client-specific standards and AECOM's internal quality assurance protocols.
• Facilitate and lead regular meetings with clients, internal teams, and external consultants to ensure alignment, resolve issues, and provide transparent project updates.
• Develop and refine technical specifications, scope of work, and detailed financial proposals for new semiconductor manufacturing projects, contributing to business development efforts.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients, understanding their evolving needs and ensuring AECOM consistently exceeds expectations.
• Manage project resources efficiently, including staffing levels, to meet dynamic project demands and optimize team performance.
• Proactively manage and communicate any project scope, schedule, or budget changes to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior role requiring not just technical oversight but also significant project management, client relations, and leadership in a complex, distributed team environment. The emphasis on "semiconductor manufacturing facility design" and "advanced manufacturing projects" points to specialized knowledge required in cleanroom environments, specialized MEP systems, and high-purity utilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in design and/or project management within the engineering or construction industry.
• A minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated leadership experience, managing teams or significant project components.
• Five (5) years of specific experience in semiconductor design or related advanced manufacturing facilities is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Semiconductor Design Expertise: Proven understanding of the unique design considerations for semiconductor fabrication facilities, including cleanroom technology, specialized MEP systems, and process utility requirements.
• Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects from inception through completion, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource management.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, essential for client interaction, proposal development, and leading distributed teams.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and foster collaboration among diverse teams, including remote staff and subject matter experts, promoting a shared sense of ownership.
• Problem-Solving Prowess: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues early and develop innovative, practical solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Client Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Adaptability & Situational Awareness: High degree of emotional intelligence and situational adaptability to navigate complex social and professional dynamics, adjust communication styles, and respond effectively in diverse situations.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architecture License.
• Experience in construction administration for advanced manufacturing facilities.
• Strong understanding of sustainability, resiliency, and innovation principles in design.
• Proficiency in developing technical and financial proposals.
• Familiarity with AECOM's core business lines, particularly Buildings + Places and its Science & Technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Emotional intelligence," "situational awareness," and "interpersonal judgment" indicates a significant focus on soft skills and the ability to manage complex human dynamics within project teams and client relationships, especially in a hybrid and potentially globalized team structure. This is crucial for a leadership role managing diverse engineering disciplines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of leading multi-disciplinary design teams for complex industrial or manufacturing facilities, highlighting your role in scope, schedule, and budget management.
• Process Optimization Demonstrations: Provide evidence of implementing process improvements within design workflows, leading to enhanced efficiency, quality, or cost savings.
• Client Engagement Examples: Include instances where you successfully managed client relationships, resolved complex issues, and delivered projects that met or exceeded client expectations.
• Team Management & Collaboration: Illustrate your approach to managing distributed teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective communication across different disciplines and locations.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and utilizing standardized design processes and quality assurance protocols for large-scale engineering projects.
• Showcase your ability to document design workflows, decision-making rationale, and risk mitigation strategies for advanced manufacturing projects.
• Provide examples of how you have measured and reported on the performance of design processes, identifying areas for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should highlight leadership and management capabilities rather than purely technical design work. Emphasis should be on project outcomes, team leadership, client satisfaction, and process efficiency. Demonstrating experience with semiconductor-specific design processes and challenges would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $185,000 - $240,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Disability benefits.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options.
• Access to voluntary benefits programs.
• Employee perks and well-being resources.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Business travel insurance.
• Service recognition awards to value long-term contributions.
• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Flexible work options, including remote work flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week. The role demands flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs, which may occasionally require working beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior Design Manager role in the US, especially within the specialized field of semiconductor manufacturing. The extensive benefits package reflects AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement, offering robust support for professionals and their families. The "flexible work options" and remote capabilities are key considerations for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering (Global Leader) Company Size: Large (AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally). Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its origins tracing back decades, evolving into the current global entity.

Team Structure:

• This role sits within AECOM's Buildings + Places (B+P) business line, specifically focusing on the Science & Technology and Advanced Manufacturing sectors across the western United States.
• The Design Manager will lead a distributed team comprising architects, engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, ICT, security), and other specialists. This team will include subject matter experts from AECOM's global centers of excellence and local engineers situated near project sites.
• The role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with project managers, construction administrators, clients, and external stakeholders, requiring strong matrixed management and communication skills.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on delivering innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
• The company champions a data-driven approach to design and project management, leveraging deep technical abilities and digital innovation.
• Emphasis is placed on collaboration, continuous improvement, and fostering a global team culture to tackle complex challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global scale and diverse project portfolio present significant opportunities for growth and exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure development. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns with current industry trends, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking impactful work. The "Buildings + Places" division suggests a focus on the built environment, with "Science & Technology" and "Advanced Manufacturing" being key growth areas within that.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, overseeing complex projects and leading specialized teams. It represents a significant step up from individual contributor roles, requiring strategic thinking, client management, and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a Senior Director or Vice President within the Buildings + Places, Science & Technology, or Advanced Manufacturing business unit. They will manage a team of design professionals, who may report directly or indirectly depending on project structure.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on AECOM's revenue and reputation by successfully delivering critical semiconductor manufacturing projects. Effective design management ensures client satisfaction, repeat business, and efficient project execution, which are key drivers of profitability and market position. The ability to secure and deliver on these high-value projects is crucial for the growth of AECOM's advanced manufacturing sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles such as Director of Design, Sector Lead for Advanced Manufacturing, or Vice President of Operations within the Buildings + Places business line.
• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in semiconductor facility design, leading AECOM's strategy and execution in this highly specialized and lucrative market.
• Broader Project Portfolio: Potential to manage larger, more complex, and geographically diverse projects across AECOM's global network.
• Mentorship and Development: Access to AECOM's extensive training and development programs, including leadership training, technical certifications, and opportunities to mentor junior staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established firm like AECOM. The emphasis on specialized sectors like semiconductor design means that success in this role can lead to significant opportunities for leadership and expertise development within a high-demand field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model allowing for remote work within the US, with expected travel to project sites and AECOM offices as needed. This suggests a blend of remote autonomy and in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): While the primary role is based out of Phoenix, Arizona, the position is open to candidates located near any AECOM regional office in the US, with remote work flexibility. AECOM has a significant presence across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is dynamic and client-facing, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills.
• Professionals will utilize AECOM's advanced digital tools and platforms for design, collaboration, and project management.
• Opportunities for collaboration will exist both virtually with distributed teams and in-person during site visits, client meetings, and potential office-based workdays.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours, but the nature of high-profile, fast-paced projects may necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines and client demands. This requires effective time management and prioritization skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote-friendly nature of this role is a significant draw, offering work-life balance while still demanding presence and engagement for key project milestones and client interactions. This model is increasingly common for senior operational and management roles, allowing access to a wider talent pool.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the minimum and preferred requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience in design management, semiconductor projects, leadership style, and understanding of AECOM's business.
• Technical/Team Interview: May involve discussions with senior engineers or other design managers to assess your technical depth, problem-solving abilities, and approach to managing multi-disciplinary teams. This could include scenario-based questions related to project challenges.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your project leadership, process improvements, and client management successes.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term career aspirations within AECOM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Focus on examples where you led teams, managed complex scope, and drove successful project outcomes. Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15%," "Managed a $50M design budget").
• Showcase Process Improvement: Present specific instances where you identified inefficiencies in design or project management processes and implemented solutions that led to tangible improvements.
• Demonstrate Client Engagement: Use case studies to illustrate how you built rapport with clients, managed expectations, and navigated challenging client interactions to achieve successful project completion.
• Address Semiconductor Specifics: If possible, include projects related to semiconductor facilities or similarly complex industrial/manufacturing environments, detailing the unique challenges and your approach to overcoming them.
• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio around key themes (e.g., Project Leadership, Process Optimization, Client Success, Team Management) and be prepared to speak to each example in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for behavioral questions assessing your leadership style, conflict resolution skills, and ability to manage under pressure.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to managing distributed teams, ensuring quality across diverse disciplines, and driving collaboration across geographical boundaries.
• Familiarize yourself with AECOM's values, recent projects, and their approach to sustainability and innovation, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, emphasizing both technical competence and leadership capabilities. A strong, well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates experience in managing complex design projects, especially in specialized industrial sectors, will be critical for success. The focus on emotional intelligence and situational adaptability suggests interviewers will probe your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate complex team dynamics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and potentially specific tools for advanced manufacturing design (e.g., plant layout software, simulation tools).
• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and digital whiteboarding tools for remote team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Ability to interpret and utilize project performance data, financial reports, and quality metrics.
• Experience with dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for presenting project status and key performance indicators to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM principles influence client relationship management and proposal development is beneficial.
• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts and tools that can enhance design and project management processes.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or similar integrated business management software used by large consulting firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific tools, a Design Manager in this field would be expected to be highly proficient with industry-standard CAD/BIM software and project management platforms. The ability to leverage digital tools for collaboration and reporting is paramount given the distributed team structure.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Deliver a Better World: A core AECOM value, emphasizing the positive impact of their projects on communities and the environment. Professionals are expected to contribute to sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
• Integrity & Client Focus: Upholding high ethical standards and prioritizing client needs and satisfaction. Building trust and delivering exceptional service are paramount.
• Innovation & Collaboration: Encouraging creative thinking, embracing new technologies, and fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued to solve complex challenges.
• Excellence & Accountability: Striving for the highest quality in all deliverables and taking ownership of project outcomes and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• AECOM promotes a global, integrated team approach that transcends geographical boundaries and functional silos.
• The company fosters an environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect are encouraged to drive collective success.
• Collaboration is key in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects, requiring effective communication and coordination among various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values suggest a culture that balances professional rigor with a commitment to making a positive societal impact. For a Design Manager, this means not only delivering technically sound projects but also considering their broader implications for sustainability and community development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse team spread across different locations and time zones requires strong communication, trust-building, and remote management skills.
• Complex Technical Requirements: Semiconductor facilities have highly specialized and stringent design requirements that demand deep technical understanding and meticulous execution.
• Fast-Paced Project Environment: The semiconductor industry is known for its rapid technological advancements and market demands, requiring agile project management and quick decision-making.
• Client Expectations: High-profile global clients often have demanding expectations regarding quality, schedule, and budget, requiring exceptional client management and problem-solving abilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in semiconductor facility design, advanced manufacturing technologies, and emerging industry trends.
• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers robust programs designed to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and management skills, preparing professionals for senior roles.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events, gain certifications, and stay abreast of the latest developments in engineering and construction management.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and support from experienced leaders within AECOM, fostering career growth and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in specialized engineering sectors, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement. AECOM's investment in employee development suggests a commitment to helping individuals navigate these challenges and advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a complex, multi-disciplinary project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)
• "How do you approach managing and motivating a remote team, particularly one with diverse technical expertise?" (Highlight your remote management strategies, communication techniques, and emphasis on collaboration.)
• "Tell me about your experience with semiconductor facility design or similar advanced manufacturing projects. What are the critical design considerations you prioritize?" (Showcase your technical knowledge, understanding of specialized environments, and risk mitigation for such projects.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to manage a significant change in project scope, schedule, or budget. How did you communicate this to stakeholders and navigate the situation?" (Demonstrate your change management, communication, and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific role within our Buildings + Places, Science & Technology sector?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and their strategy in advanced manufacturing.)
• "How do you align with AECOM's core values, such as 'Deliver a Better World' and 'Integrity'?" (Provide specific examples from your career that demonstrate these values.)
• "How would you foster a sense of camaraderie and collective ownership within a geographically dispersed design team?" (Discuss your strategies for team building, communication, and creating a shared vision.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in complex design management, ideally with some relevance to industrial or manufacturing facilities.
• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline the project's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., schedule adherence, budget management, quality improvements, client satisfaction).
• Emphasize Process: Detail your approach to design management, team coordination, quality assurance, and stakeholder communication. Highlight any process improvements you introduced.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, conflict resolution within teams, and how you measure project success beyond standard metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating robust leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of managing complex engineering projects, particularly in specialized industrial sectors. The emphasis on soft skills like emotional intelligence and situational adaptability suggests interviewers will be looking for candidates who can navigate complex team dynamics and client relationships effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AECOM careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience in design management, project leadership, and any specific work within semiconductor or advanced manufacturing facilities. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, client management, and process optimization skills. Be ready to present these effectively.
• Research AECOM: Understand AECOM's mission, values, recent projects in the Buildings + Places sector, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
• Prepare for Behavioral & Situational Questions: Reflect on your experiences in leadership, team management, client relations, and problem-solving, particularly in complex project environments.

⚠️ 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.