Semiconductor Design Manager, Data Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Semiconductor Design Manager, Data Center

Company: AECOM

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States (with remote work options flexibility within the US)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Advanced Manufacturing Design

Date Posted: June 09, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid if near an AECOM office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams for semiconductor manufacturing facilities and associated infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to client requirements, schedule, and quality standards.

• Oversee the full project lifecycle, from master planning and detailed design through construction administration, with a focus on advanced manufacturing and data center environments.

• Foster collaboration and collective ownership within a geographically dispersed team, leveraging Centers of Excellence SMEs and local project engineers.

• Drive client engagement through proactive communication, meeting facilitation, and building strong, trusting relationships.

• Develop and present technical and financial proposals, demonstrating a strong understanding of client needs and project feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for AECOM's Buildings + Places business line, specifically within the Science & Technology and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. The emphasis on semiconductor fabrication facilities and data centers indicates a need for deep technical expertise in complex, high-specification environments. The "remote work options flexibility" suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Team Leadership: Lead architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS design disciplines for semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

• Project Resource Management: Manage project resources, including onboarding and offboarding staff, to ensure optimal team composition and capacity for project demands.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate seamless collaboration between semiconductor SMEs in Centers of Excellence and local project site engineers, ensuring integrated design delivery.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Host and attend meetings with clients and other stakeholders, clearly communicating project status, risks, and solutions.

• Problem Identification & Resolution: Proactively identify project challenges and develop creative, effective solutions to maintain project momentum and quality.

• Team Development & Culture: Manage AECOM's semiconductor manufacturing facility design team, cultivating camaraderie, collective ownership, and a collaborative work environment.

• Change Management: Proactively manage and communicate project changes to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring alignment and minimizing disruption.

• Quality Assurance: Oversee and perform peer reviews and quality checks in line with client and AECOM standards to ensure design integrity.

• Communication & Issue Resolution: Proactively communicate with all stakeholders to provide project updates and resolve outstanding issues promptly.

• Proposal Development: Develop compelling technical and financial proposals that accurately reflect project scope, requirements, and AECOM's capabilities.

• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain trusting relationships with clients, serving as a key point of contact and advocate for AECOM's services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and client-facing skills. The need to manage a distributed team of SMEs and local engineers implies a strong focus on communication protocols and virtual team management. The emphasis on "Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities" and "Data Centers" suggests a deep understanding of cleanroom environments, MEP systems, and critical infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Ten (10) years of relevant experience in design and/or project management.

• Two (2) years of demonstrated leadership experience. Required Skills:

• Semiconductor Design Expertise: Proven experience in the design of semiconductor fabrication facilities or similar advanced manufacturing environments.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead complex design projects from inception to completion, managing scope, schedule, and budget.

• Team Leadership: Experience leading and motivating multidisciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.

• Client Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with clients, understanding their needs and delivering value.

• Technical Proposal Development: Skill in creating comprehensive technical proposals that clearly articulate project approaches and solutions.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively to diverse audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify issues early and develop creative and practical solutions.

• Quality Control & Peer Review: Experience in conducting thorough design reviews and quality checks.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Licensure: Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architecture License.

• Advanced Manufacturing Experience: Five (5) years of dedicated experience in semiconductor design.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrated ability to assess social and professional dynamics, adapt communication styles, and respond appropriately in diverse situations.

• Situational Adaptability: Capacity to read social cues, navigate nuanced environments, and make informed decisions based on audience reactions.

• Interpersonal Judgment: Skill in understanding group dynamics and adjusting tone, messaging, or actions to align with context and audience.

• Financial Proposal Development: Experience in developing financial proposals and understanding project economics.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage expectations and communication with various internal and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Emotional intelligence and situational awareness" and "Strong interpersonal judgment" suggests that AECOM values candidates who can navigate complex team dynamics and client interactions, especially in a remote or hybrid setting. The preference for PE/RA licensure and specific semiconductor design experience indicates a need for deep technical credentials.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Demonstrations: Showcase examples of leading complex design projects, highlighting your role in team management, client engagement, and successful project delivery.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of how you improved design processes, workflow efficiency, or quality control in previous roles, ideally within advanced manufacturing or semiconductor projects.

• System Implementation & Integration: Include examples of managing the integration of various design disciplines (architecture, MEP, structural, etc.) and associated systems (BMS, EPMS, ICT) within a project framework.

• ROI & Value Proposition: Demonstrate how your leadership and process improvements contributed to cost savings, schedule adherence, or enhanced project value for clients.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide evidence of designing or optimizing design workflows, particularly for multidisciplinary teams and complex project types like semiconductor fabs.

• Automation & Efficiency Methods: Illustrate how you've leveraged technology or process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline design processes.

• Performance Analysis & Reporting: Showcase your ability to track, measure, and report on key performance indicators related to design team productivity, project delivery, and quality outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should strongly emphasize leadership in complex engineering and design projects, particularly within the semiconductor or advanced manufacturing sectors. Evidence of managing distributed teams, integrating diverse technical disciplines, and demonstrating tangible improvements in efficiency and quality will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $185,000 - $240,000 yearly (USD)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life & Disability: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability Benefits.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), Leaves of Absences, and Flexible Work Options.

• Additional Support: Voluntary Benefits, Perks, Well-being Resources, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Financial & Retirement: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Professional Recognition: Service Recognition Awards and Business Travel Insurance.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected for project demands and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a management-level design role with significant experience, especially in specialized fields like semiconductor manufacturing. The extensive benefits package indicates AECOM's commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention. The mention of "flexible work options" aligns with the remote-friendly aspect of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management. AECOM is a global leader in designing and managing complex infrastructure projects worldwide.

Company Size: Over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale offers opportunities for diverse projects and career paths.

Founded: AECOM (formerly a division of URS Corporation) has a long history, with its roots tracing back to the early 20th century, and has evolved into a major publicly traded company.

Team Structure:

• Business Line Focus: The role sits within the "Buildings + Places" business line, specifically focusing on Science & Technology and Advanced Manufacturing sectors.

• Geographic Reach: The US West operations provide opportunities across a wide range of project typologies and client needs.

• Global Collaboration: Teams are a mix of Centers of Excellence SMEs and local project engineers, requiring strong virtual collaboration and communication skills.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Director or VP within the Buildings + Places division, overseeing project-specific design managers and teams.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: AECOM emphasizes partnering with clients to solve complex challenges and deliver tangible impacts.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly detailed for this role, infrastructure consulting generally relies on robust data analysis for planning, design, and execution.

• Innovation & Sustainability: The company culture promotes incorporating beauty, sustainability, resiliency, equity, and innovation into projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and extensive project portfolio suggest a robust, process-oriented environment. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and tackling "complex challenges" points to a culture that values impact and technical excellence. The "Buildings + Places" division’s focus on innovation and sustainability is a key cultural indicator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position, likely equivalent to a Senior Manager or Director level, responsible for leading critical design functions for high-value projects. It sits above individual contributor engineers and junior project managers.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into senior leadership within the Buildings + Places division, likely a VP or Director overseeing advanced manufacturing or technology projects. The Design Manager, in turn, leads project-specific design teams comprising architects, engineers, and technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful execution of complex semiconductor fabrication facilities and data centers. This includes ensuring designs meet stringent technical specifications, regulatory compliance, and client objectives, directly influencing project timelines, costs, and the ultimate functionality of these critical infrastructure assets. Their leadership directly contributes to AECOM's reputation and revenue within the advanced manufacturing sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles overseeing broader project portfolios, managing larger teams, or specializing in specific advanced manufacturing sectors.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in semiconductor facility design, cleanroom technology, or advanced data center infrastructure, becoming a recognized SME.

• Business Development: Contribute to technical proposal development and client relationship management, potentially moving into roles with a stronger business development focus.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or contribute to AECOM's global Centers of Excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within AECOM's extensive infrastructure consulting framework. The emphasis on leading complex, high-stakes projects in a growing sector like advanced manufacturing provides significant opportunities for leadership development and specialized expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM operates a hybrid work model. Employees near a regional office can expect a hybrid arrangement, combining remote work with in-office collaboration. Those not near an office will have more flexibility for remote work within the US. The company emphasizes collaboration and provides resources for remote work.

Office Location(s): While the primary stated location is Phoenix, AZ, the role is flexible for remote work within the US. AECOM has numerous regional offices across the western United States and nationwide, facilitating potential in-person collaboration or client meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Technology: Expect utilization of advanced collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, video conferencing) for seamless communication with distributed teams.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Asana) and design collaboration platforms will be essential.

• Digital Design Tools: While not directly responsible for drafting, understanding the integration and workflows of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and other digital design tools is likely beneficial.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: The company culture encourages knowledge sharing, providing opportunities to learn from and mentor colleagues across different disciplines and locations.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but flexibility is key. Project deadlines, client demands, and global team coordination may require occasional work outside of standard hours. The remote flexibility aims to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote-friendly nature of this role requires strong organizational skills, self-discipline, and proactive communication to maintain team cohesion and project momentum across geographical boundaries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Expect a discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your leadership experience, project management approach, and technical expertise in semiconductor design.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve interviews with senior engineers, SMEs, or peers from the design team. They will likely probe your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario demonstrating your design management, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership may occur to confirm strategic alignment and suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership: Highlight projects where you led design teams, managed complex scopes, and drove successful outcomes. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15%," "Managed a $50M design budget").

• Showcase Semiconductor Expertise: If possible, include specific examples of semiconductor fabrication facility or critical infrastructure projects, detailing your role and the challenges overcome.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Present case studies illustrating how you implemented process improvements, enhanced collaboration, or improved quality control within design teams.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work with diverse teams, including SMEs and geographically dispersed members. Explain your communication strategies for managing remote teams.

• Client Focus: Include examples of successful client interactions, proposal development, and relationship building.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach managing a complex semiconductor fab design project, including risk mitigation, resource allocation, and quality assurance strategies.

• Team Leadership Scenarios: Be ready to answer questions about motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration in a distributed environment.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Review common challenges in semiconductor facility design (e.g., contamination control, MEP system integration, site constraints) and be prepared to discuss your approach to solving them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority and complexity of this role, applicants should be prepared for a rigorous interview process that assesses both technical acumen and leadership capabilities. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating relevant project experience and leadership impact will be essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar platforms for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for virtual communication, meetings, and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Aconex, or other enterprise content management systems for organizing and sharing project documentation.

• BIM Software (Familiarity): While not a BIM modeler, understanding the principles and workflows of Revit, Navisworks, or other BIM tools is highly advantageous for integrating design disciplines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting dashboards for tracking project progress, team performance, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis; familiarity with more advanced analytics tools may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Familiarity): Understanding how client relationship management is tracked and managed within AECOM's CRM (if applicable) is helpful for proposal development and client engagement.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: While not directly implementing automation, understanding how to identify opportunities for streamlining design processes through technology or improved workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in tools that facilitate remote collaboration, project management, and the integration of complex design data. While hands-on experience with every specific tool might not be mandatory, a strong understanding of their application in managing large-scale engineering projects is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards and building trust with clients and colleagues is paramount in infrastructure consulting.

• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated to achieve common goals.

• Sustainability & Resilience: Incorporating sustainable practices and resilient design principles into all projects to create long-term value.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building lasting partnerships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes breaking down silos between disciplines (architecture, engineering, planning, construction management) to ensure holistic project solutions.

• Global Team Synergy: Proactive communication and a shared commitment to project success are key to overcoming geographical barriers in collaboration.

• Feedback & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous learning to refine processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values are deeply embedded in its mission to "deliver a better world." Candidates should demonstrate how their professional approach aligns with these values, particularly in areas of integrity, collaboration, and a drive for excellence in complex engineering projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Distributed Teams: Effectively leading and motivating a multidisciplinary design team that is geographically dispersed requires strong communication and virtual leadership skills.

• Complex Technical Requirements: Semiconductor fabrication facilities have extremely stringent requirements for cleanrooms, MEP systems, and process integration, demanding deep technical understanding and meticulous management.

• Fast-Paced Project Environments: Projects in advanced manufacturing and data centers often have aggressive timelines, requiring efficient decision-making and proactive problem-solving.

• Client Expectations: Meeting the high expectations of global clients for quality, schedule, and budget on critical infrastructure projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training programs focused on semiconductor design, cleanroom technology, and data center infrastructure.

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM offers various programs to enhance leadership, project management, and business development skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events and pursue relevant certifications to stay at the forefront of advanced manufacturing design.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and SMEs within AECOM for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the complexity of the projects and the nature of managing distributed teams. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for individuals looking to advance their careers in specialized infrastructure design and management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex design project for a highly technical facility. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure success?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and technical oversight.)

• "How do you manage and motivate a multidisciplinary design team that is working remotely?" (Highlight communication strategies, collaboration tools, and fostering team cohesion.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a technical proposal for a major infrastructure project." (Emphasize understanding client needs, defining scope, resource planning, and articulating value.)

• "How do you ensure quality and mitigate risks in the design of critical facilities like semiconductor fabs?" (Discuss peer reviews, QA/QC processes, and proactive risk management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AECOM's work in the Science & Technology or Advanced Manufacturing sectors?" (Research recent projects and company statements.)

• "How do your personal values align with AECOM's commitment to 'delivering a better world'?" (Connect your professional ethos to sustainability, innovation, and client impact.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style to a different audience or stakeholder group." (Demonstrate situational adaptability and interpersonal judgment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key skills (e.g., Leadership, Semiconductor Design, Process Improvement).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scope and value, and the measurable outcomes you achieved (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Tell a Story: For case studies, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar method to clearly articulate challenges and your contributions.

• Focus on Leadership: Highlight instances where you successfully led teams, managed stakeholders, and drove successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with advanced manufacturing environments, leadership of technical teams, and client relationship management. Demonstrating an understanding of AECOM's business and values will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Semiconductor Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights your leadership experience in complex design projects, with specific emphasis on semiconductor fabrication facilities or similar advanced manufacturing environments. Quantify your achievements and showcase your team management capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 10+ years of relevant experience, including your 2+ years of leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "Semiconductor Design," "Project Management," "Master Planning," "Construction Administration," "Team Leadership," and "Client Relationship Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to project management, team leadership, problem-solving, and client engagement. Be ready to discuss your experience with distributed teams and complex technical designs.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects in the Buildings + Places division, particularly within the Science & Technology and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with AECOM before making application decisions.