MEP Design Manager | Building Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: MEP Design Manager | Building Engineering

Company: AECOM

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Building Engineering / MEP Design Management

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health, Fire Protection, and Telecom) engineering teams to deliver high-quality building and infrastructure projects.

• Act as the primary technical liaison between clients and AECOM, ensuring effective communication, client satisfaction, and the achievement of project goals.

• Drive the technical excellence of engineering solutions, from conceptual design through to completion, leveraging advanced methodologies like BIM, energy modeling, and CFD.

• Coordinate MEP design delivery with other disciplines (Architecture, Structural Engineering) and project stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution within budget and timeline.

• Foster a collaborative team environment, enhance individual and team technical expertise, and contribute to AECOM's reputation as a trusted infrastructure consulting firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an MEP Design Manager within AECOM's Building Engineering team, focusing on project delivery and client interaction. The emphasis on "managing" and "leading" multidisciplinary teams, coupled with client liaison responsibilities, suggests a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant experience in MEP design coordination and project execution. The integration of advanced technologies like BIM and energy modeling indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary MEP engineering teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and sustainable building and infrastructure designs.

• Oversee the development, review, and approval of innovative and technically sound engineering solutions that meet client requirements and project specifications.

• Serve as the principal point of contact for clients, fostering strong relationships, managing expectations, and ensuring clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proactively plan and schedule MEP-related project activities in close collaboration with the Planning Engineer, ensuring alignment with overall project timelines.

• Identify, assess, and manage project changes, providing technical justifications and supporting the Project Manager in change order processes.

• Cultivate robust working relationships with architectural, structural, and other engineering disciplines to ensure integrated and coordinated design outcomes.

• Champion continuous professional development within the team, promoting the adoption of best practices, new technologies, and advanced engineering methodologies.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of AECOM's Building Engineering practice by sharing expertise and driving operational efficiencies.

• Ensure adherence to AECOM's quality standards, safety protocols, and project management frameworks.

• Support business development efforts by contributing technical expertise to proposals and client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and client relationship management. The emphasis on "delivery," "review," and "approval" of engineering solutions points to a need for strong technical acumen and decision-making capabilities. Coordination with other disciplines and proactive management of project changes are critical operational aspects of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in MEP design and coordination within the building services sector.

• Demonstrated success in developing conceptual installation designs through to project completion, including significant experience in direct client interaction and MEP discipline coordination.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary design teams on both national and international projects.

Required Skills:

• MEP Design Expertise: Comprehensive technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, public health, fire protection, and/or telecom systems design for buildings.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to plan, schedule, and manage project activities, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.

• BIM Proficiency: Strong understanding and practical application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and software for design coordination and information management.

• Client Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients.

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• English & Spanish Fluency: Professional proficiency in both written and spoken English and Spanish is essential for effective communication with international clients and local teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of energy modeling and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for optimizing building performance and sustainability.

• Experience with contract administration and construction phase support.

• Familiarity with local Spanish building codes and regulations.

• Proficiency in project management software beyond basic scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is inferred from the "Manager" title and the scope of responsibilities, placing it in the mid-to-senior level. The explicit need for English and Spanish fluency is a critical qualification for international project coordination. BIM is highlighted as a key technical skill for modern building engineering design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated selection of past MEP design projects, demonstrating end-to-end project involvement from conceptualization to final delivery.

• Coordination Case Studies: Examples illustrating successful MEP discipline coordination within multidisciplinary project teams, highlighting problem-solving and integration strategies.

• BIM Implementation Examples: Visual evidence or case studies showcasing the application of BIM in design coordination, clash detection, and information management.

• Client Interaction Documentation: Evidence of successful client engagement, project communication, and relationship management, perhaps through anonymized case summaries or project success metrics.

• Technical Solution Examples: Demonstrations of innovative or complex MEP solutions developed to meet specific project challenges, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, or performance improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you have designed, documented, or optimized MEP design workflows, potentially including the integration of BIM or other technologies.

• Project Delivery Metrics: Evidence of successful project delivery, including on-time completion, budget adherence, and client satisfaction metrics.

• System Implementation Standards: Documentation or examples of how you have ensured the implementation of robust and compliant MEP systems in past projects.

• Collaboration Protocols: Demonstrations of established protocols or practices for cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should showcase not only technical design but also leadership, coordination, and client-facing capabilities. The emphasis is on demonstrating a systematic approach to project delivery and problem-solving, with a strong focus on collaboration and the application of advanced design tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• Disability benefits to provide income protection.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and flexible leave policies.

• Flexible working hours and hybrid work model supporting work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support.

• Business travel insurance for any work-related travel.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension scheme) to support long-term financial planning.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for opportunities to invest in AECOM.

• Access to well-being resources and programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Offers flexible working hours, allowing employees to adjust their start and end times within defined parameters, supporting better work-life integration.

• Hybrid work model requires 2-3 days per week in the Madrid office, depending on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general industry benchmarks for similar roles in major European cities, adjusted for Madrid's market. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided text and are highly competitive for engineering management roles. The hybrid nature and flexible hours are key aspects of the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting sector, a critical field focused on planning, designing, engineering, and managing projects across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. For the Building Engineering team, this means contributing to the creation of safe, sustainable, and functional built environments.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale offers extensive resources, international collaboration opportunities, and career mobility, while the Building Engineering team in Spain likely maintains a more focused, agile operational unit.

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910 (as the independent firm of Leigh & Orange) and has grown through mergers and acquisitions into a global powerhouse. This long history signifies stability, deep industry experience, and a legacy of impactful projects.

Team Structure:

• The Building Engineering team in Spain is part of AECOM's broader international network, likely comprising specialized MEP engineers, designers, and project managers.

• The MEP Design Manager will report to a senior project or operations leader within the Spanish Building Engineering practice, potentially a Director or Principal Engineer.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes the use of advanced technologies like BIM, energy modeling, and CFD to inform design decisions and optimize building performance.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes close collaboration between disciplines and stakeholders to ensure holistic project outcomes.

• Client Partnership: A core tenet is acting as a trusted advisor and partner to clients, working towards shared goals and long-term success.

• Continuous Improvement: AECOM fosters a culture of learning and development, encouraging the enhancement of technical expertise and adoption of best practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes AECOM's global leadership, commitment to sustainability, and use of advanced technologies. The Building Engineering team likely operates with a strong technical focus, supported by a vast international network. The methodology reflects a modern approach to engineering and project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into management within the building engineering and MEP design field. It sits at a level where an individual is expected to lead technical teams, manage project deliverables, and contribute to client strategy, moving beyond purely technical execution to strategic oversight and leadership.

Reporting Structure: The MEP Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within AECOM Spain's Building Engineering division (e.g., Director of Building Engineering, Head of MEP). They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers, overseeing their technical contributions and professional development.

Operations Impact: The MEP Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful delivery of complex building projects. Their leadership ensures that mechanical, electrical, and other systems are designed efficiently, sustainably, and safely, directly influencing building functionality, operational costs, and client satisfaction. This role contributes significantly to AECOM's revenue generation through successful project execution and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific MEP systems, advanced modeling techniques (e.g., net-zero design, smart building technology), or niche project typologies.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or strategically important projects, potentially taking on roles like Project Director or Program Manager.

• Operational Management: Advance into broader management roles, overseeing entire business lines or regional operations within AECOM's Buildings & Places group.

• International Mobility: Leverage AECOM's global presence for opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other AECOM offices.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and training skills by mentoring junior engineers and contributing to AECOM's internal development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for an MEP Design Manager at a firm like AECOM typically involves progressing from individual contributor to team lead, then to project management and potentially broader operational leadership. The global nature of AECOM offers diverse growth avenues beyond just technical advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Madrid and operates under a hybrid work model. This suggests a professional office environment designed to facilitate collaboration, client meetings, and focused work, complemented by the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Madrid, Spain, specifically at C/Alfonso XII. AECOM likely has well-equipped facilities in this location, providing necessary resources for design work and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-disciplinary coordination, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to industry-standard design software, BIM platforms, high-speed internet, and other technological tools essential for MEP design and project management.

• Professional Atmosphere: The environment is professional, geared towards delivering high-quality engineering services to international clients, encouraging focused work and effective communication.

• Hybrid Flexibility: The combination of office presence and remote work allows for a balanced approach, promoting autonomy while maintaining team cohesion.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexible start and end times to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity. The hybrid model requires 2-3 days per week in the Madrid office, with project needs dictating the exact schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration in a professional setting with the flexibility of remote work. This is typical for management roles in modern professional services firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior MEP leader) focusing on technical experience, leadership style, project management approach, and team management capabilities.

• Technical/Team Interview: An interview with other members of the MEP or Building Engineering team, potentially involving a technical discussion, case study presentation, or problem-solving exercise related to MEP design or project coordination.

• Client/Stakeholder Interaction Simulation (Potential): Depending on the role's emphasis, there might be a scenario where candidates are asked to demonstrate client communication skills or stakeholder management.

• Final Interview: A meeting with a senior leader in the business unit to discuss overall fit, strategic alignment, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your MEP design management skills, client interaction, and team leadership.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority in each project. Use "I" statements for your actions and "we" for team accomplishments.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, explain your design process, coordination methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and how you managed project constraints (time, budget, scope).

• Showcase Technical Depth: Include relevant technical details, system schematics, or BIM model screenshots where appropriate to illustrate your technical acumen.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate success – e.g., percentage of budget saved, schedule adherence, energy efficiency improvements achieved, client satisfaction ratings.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's recent projects and values (sustainability, innovation) and subtly align your portfolio examples to show resonance.

Challenge Preparation:

• MEP Design Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a complex MEP design challenge, potentially involving conflicting requirements, tight deadlines, or integration with novel technologies. Focus on your methodology and decision-making process.

• Team Management Scenario: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving interdisciplinary conflicts, or motivating a team under pressure.

• Client Management Scenario: Practice articulating how you would handle a demanding client, present a complex technical solution, or negotiate project scope changes.

• Process Optimization Question: Be ready to discuss how you would improve an existing MEP design workflow or implement new tools/processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess technical competence, leadership, and client-facing skills. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating practical experience and impact, and preparation for case studies focusing on technical problem-solving, team management, and client interaction is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MEP Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is essential. This includes:

  • Revit MEP: For comprehensive building information modeling and detailed design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
  • AutoCAD MEP: For 2D drafting and design.
  • Navisworks: For clash detection, 4D/5D project management, and model aggregation across disciplines.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or AECOM's internal project management tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools for document sharing, communication, and virtual meetings, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Energy Modeling Software: Experience with tools like IESVE, EnergyPlus, or eQUEST for analyzing building energy performance and sustainability.

• CFD Software: Familiarity with Computational Fluid Dynamics tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent) for simulating airflow, thermal comfort, and ventilation.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis; experience with dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus for reporting project performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Basic Understanding): While not a primary CRM role, understanding how client interactions are managed and how project data flows into CRM systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools (Conceptual): Awareness of how automation can streamline design processes, document control, or reporting is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on BIM and advanced design simulation tools, reflecting AECOM's commitment to modern engineering practices. Proficiency in these tools is critical for effective design management and coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and reliable engineering solutions that meet the highest industry standards.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication, mutual respect, and knowledge sharing are encouraged across disciplines and geographies.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and objectives, building long-term partnerships through trust, responsiveness, and delivering tangible value.

• Sustainability & Innovation: Driving environmentally responsible design practices and embracing new technologies and methodologies to create resilient and future-proof infrastructure.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings and taking ownership of project responsibilities and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Approach: Encouraging seamless integration and communication between MEP, architectural, structural, and other engineering disciplines from project inception.

• Proactive Feedback Exchange: Establishing a culture where constructive feedback is regularly shared and acted upon to refine designs and improve processes.

• Knowledge Sharing Initiatives: Promoting workshops, technical reviews, and internal forums where team members can share best practices, lessons learned, and emerging trends in MEP engineering.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Working collaboratively with project managers, planners, and construction teams to ensure design intent is realized effectively throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture emphasizes global collaboration, technical rigor, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and innovation. The team culture likely reflects these values, with a strong emphasis on integrated design and client partnership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading and motivating engineers and designers with varied experience levels, technical backgrounds, and working styles across different projects.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Project Constraints: Ensuring high-quality, innovative MEP designs while adhering strictly to project timelines, budgets, and client expectations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination Complexity: Navigating the intricate coordination requirements of large-scale building projects involving numerous specialized disciplines and external stakeholders.

• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: Continuously updating knowledge and skills on evolving BIM technologies, sustainable design practices, and new engineering tools.

• Client Relationship Management: Maintaining strong client relationships amidst project pressures, scope changes, and potential unforeseen issues.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Tools Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs for mastering the latest BIM software, data analytics, and digital design platforms.

• Sustainability & Green Building Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like LEED, BREEAM, or other credentials focused on sustainable design and energy efficiency.

• Leadership & Project Management Development: Participation in AECOM's leadership development programs, offering training in strategic management, financial acumen, and advanced project controls.

• Industry Conferences & Professional Bodies: Support for attending relevant industry conferences, workshops, and engaging with professional engineering institutions to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within AECOM, providing guidance on career progression, technical challenges, and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing complex engineering projects and teams in a large, dynamic organization. AECOM's commitment to employee growth is evident in the broad range of learning and development opportunities available, catering to both technical and leadership advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex MEP design challenge you managed and how you resolved it. What was your specific role, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to detail a project where you faced significant technical hurdles, coordination issues, or client demands. Focus on your problem-solving methodology, leadership in guiding the team, and quantifiable results.

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between MEP engineers and other disciplines (e.g., architects, structural engineers) on a project?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your strategies for fostering communication, establishing clear protocols, utilizing BIM for clash detection, and proactively addressing interdisciplinary conflicts. Provide examples of successful collaboration.

• "Walk me through your process for developing and delivering an MEP design for a large-scale building project from concept to completion."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in AECOM, and what aspects of our company culture appeal to you?"

  • Preparation: Research AECOM's values, recent projects (especially in Spain or the Building Engineering sector), and commitment to sustainability. Connect these to your own career aspirations and professional principles.

• "How do you foster a high-performing and collaborative team environment?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, methods for motivating teams, approach to conflict resolution, and strategies for encouraging knowledge sharing and professional development.

• "How do you measure the success of your MEP designs and your leadership of the design team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, follow a clear story: Problem/Client Need -> Your Approach/Solution -> Key Actions Taken (Your Role) -> Outcome/Results.

• Visual Aids are Key: Use concise slides with visuals (schematics, BIM views, photos) to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced energy consumption by 15%", "Completed design 2 weeks ahead of schedule", "Resolved 90% of clashes during design phase").

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical decisions, challenges faced, or how you managed team dynamics.

• Showcase Management Skills: Highlight your ability to delegate, mentor, make decisions, and manage stakeholders, not just your technical design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, technical expertise in MEP and BIM, strong project management capabilities, and effective client/stakeholder engagement. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for showcasing practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this MEP Design Manager position:

• Submit your comprehensive application, including your CV and a cover letter, through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in MEP design management, building engineering, project coordination, BIM proficiency, and client relationship management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Develop Your Portfolio: Prepare a concise and impactful portfolio showcasing 3-5 key projects. Focus on demonstrating your leadership, technical problem-solving, coordination skills, and quantifiable project outcomes. Ensure it is easily shareable (e.g., PDF, online link).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clearly articulating your role, methodology, and achievements for each project. Prepare answers for common interview questions related to technical challenges, team management, and client interaction.

• Research AECOM: Thoroughly understand AECOM's mission, values, recent projects in Spain or Building Engineering, and their approach to sustainability and innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.