Senior Digital Infrastructure Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Digital Infrastructure Design Director

Company: AECOM

Location: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Digital Infrastructure Design & Delivery Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning, design, and end-to-end delivery of complex digital infrastructure projects, including submarine cable landing stations, terrestrial fiber networks, and hyperscale/edge data centers.

• Manage and direct multidisciplinary engineering and design teams, ensuring seamless coordination across civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, environmental, permitting, and security disciplines.

• Serve as the primary client-facing leader, fostering strong relationships, driving strategic account growth, and ensuring overall project success and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Oversee critical project performance metrics, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management, to achieve optimal project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within AECOM's Digital Infrastructure practice, emphasizing not just technical design leadership but also significant client relationship management and business development responsibilities. The focus on "entrepreneurial" leadership suggests a need for proactive engagement in growing the practice's footprint and capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the comprehensive delivery of digital infrastructure projects from initial due diligence and site selection through detailed design, permitting, procurement, construction support, and final commissioning.

• Direct and guide diverse engineering and design professionals, ensuring alignment with project objectives and AECOM's best practices for critical communications and connectivity infrastructure.

• Act as the principal client liaison, responsible for understanding client needs, communicating project status, managing expectations, and identifying opportunities for expanded services and strategic partnerships.

• Implement robust project management frameworks to meticulously control scope, adherence to schedules, budget performance, quality standards, and proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies.

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on design decisions for mission-critical facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, performance requirements, and client specifications for data centers and telecommunications infrastructure.

• Support the development and execution of projects involving submarine cable landing stations, extensive fiber optic networks, carrier-neutral colocation facilities, hyperscale and edge data centers, and associated utility and power infrastructure.

• Facilitate and lead critical design reviews, collaborative workshops, and high-level stakeholder meetings, ensuring clear communication and consensus among all parties.

• Actively identify, assess, and mitigate potential project delivery risks, developing contingency plans to ensure project continuity and success.

• Provide technical direction and oversight during complex permitting processes, utility coordination efforts, and environmental review stages, ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Oversee construction administration activities, lead commissioning efforts, and conduct operational readiness reviews to ensure successful project handover.

• Cultivate and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key clients in the telecommunications, hyperscale cloud, infrastructure development, and public sectors.

• Actively mentor, develop, and grow AECOM's technical staff within the Digital Infrastructure practice, fostering a culture of continuous learning and expertise.

• Contribute significantly to strategic business development initiatives, including proposal development, client presentations, and market analysis to expand AECOM's digital infrastructure portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of deep technical expertise in digital infrastructure and strong program/project management skills. The emphasis on "trusted advisor" and "strategic account growth" indicates a significant business development component, requiring candidates to not only manage projects but also to actively contribute to winning new business and expanding AECOM's client base within the digital infrastructure sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Telecommunications), Construction Management, Architecture, Information Technology, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience managing complex infrastructure, telecommunications, mission-critical facilities, utility, or data center projects.

• Demonstrated success in leading and coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, effectively managing diverse stakeholder groups and technical experts.

• Proven track record in successfully managing project budgets, adhering to stringent schedules, and cultivating strong, positive client relationships. Required Skills:

• Digital Infrastructure Project Leadership: Proven ability to lead the full lifecycle of complex digital infrastructure projects, from conception to commissioning.

• Multidisciplinary Team Management: Expertise in directing and coordinating diverse engineering and design teams (civil, structural, MEP, telecom, etc.).

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in client engagement, strategic account development, and serving as a trusted advisor.

• Project Controls: Proficiency in managing project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk.

• Technical Acumen: Solid understanding of telecommunications infrastructure, data center design principles, and mission-critical facility requirements.

• Permitting & Regulatory Processes: Familiarity with navigating permitting, utility coordination, and environmental review processes.

• Business Development: Experience in proposal development, strategic pursuits, and driving business growth.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to executive-level stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) License: A PE license or equivalent professional credential is highly desirable.

• Specialized Infrastructure Experience: Direct experience with data centers, broadband networks, fiber infrastructure, carrier-neutral facilities, or submarine cable systems.

• Client Sector Experience: Prior experience supporting hyperscale cloud providers, major telecommunications carriers, utilities, or infrastructure developers.

• International Project Experience: Exposure to managing projects and teams across different geographies.

• Design & Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with BIM/Revit, Civil 3D, Bluebeam, GIS, or similar design and collaboration platforms.

• Proposal Management: Advanced skills in developing winning proposals and managing complex bids.

• Staff Mentorship: Proven ability to mentor, develop, and lead high-performing technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Qualifications" strongly suggest that candidates with direct experience in the specific sub-sectors of digital infrastructure (data centers, fiber, submarine cables) and with significant client-facing business development experience will be highly competitive. The PE license is a key differentiator, indicating a preference for formally accredited engineering leadership. The mention of specific design software (BIM, Civil 3D) points to a need for familiarity with modern digital design workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of successfully delivered complex digital infrastructure projects, highlighting your leadership role and contributions to project outcomes.

• Client Success Examples: Provide evidence of building and maintaining strong client relationships, demonstrating your ability to act as a trusted advisor and drive account growth.

• Team Leadership & Coordination: Illustrate your experience in managing and integrating multidisciplinary engineering and design teams, emphasizing collaboration and conflict resolution strategies.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Present specific instances where you identified and effectively managed project risks, detailing the impact of your mitigation strategies on project success.

• Budget & Schedule Control: Include examples demonstrating your proficiency in managing large project budgets and complex schedules, showcasing your ability to deliver projects within defined financial and timeline constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Project Lifecycle Management: Document your approach to managing projects from initial concept and feasibility studies through design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, detailing key phases and deliverables.

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Outline your methodology for conducting technical design reviews, facilitating workshops, and gaining stakeholder buy-in for critical design decisions.

• Client Engagement & Reporting Protocols: Detail your established processes for client communication, status reporting, and executive-level stakeholder engagement to ensure transparency and alignment.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Frameworks: Present your systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and mitigating project risks, including the tools and techniques you employ.

• Business Development & Proposal Processes: Describe your involvement in and approach to strategic pursuits, proposal development, and winning new business opportunities within the digital infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and client-facing nature, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but tell a compelling story of leadership, strategic thinking, and successful execution. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects and grow client relationships, aligning with AECOM's business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is USD $170,000 - $225,000 annually. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life & Disability Protection: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.

• Time Off & Leave: Generous paid time off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options.

• Voluntary Benefits & Perks: Access to a range of voluntary benefits and employee perks.

• Flexible Work Options: Support for flexible work arrangements.

• Well-being & Support: Dedicated well-being resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Travel Benefits: Business travel insurance.

• Recognition & Rewards: Service recognition awards.

• Retirement Planning: Retirement savings plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time employment status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a strong indicator of the seniority and scope of this role, placing it at a senior director level within the US market for specialized infrastructure consulting. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a large, established engineering and consulting firm like AECOM, aiming to attract and retain top talent. The "fully remote" status within the US is a significant perk for candidates seeking flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Design, and Project Management. AECOM operates globally, advising on and delivering complex projects across sectors like transportation, buildings, water, environment, and energy. The company is a significant player in the global infrastructure investment landscape.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and globally integrated organization. This size offers resources, stability, and opportunities for broad impact, but also implies a structured corporate environment.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, though the current AECOM brand was formed through mergers and acquisitions. This longevity suggests a company with deep experience and established practices.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Infrastructure practice within AECOM likely comprises specialized teams focused on areas such as data centers, telecommunications networks, submarine cables, and related utilities.

• This role reports into a senior leadership position within the Digital Infrastructure business line or a broader regional/sector lead, with direct management responsibility for project managers, design leads, and technical specialists.

• Collaboration will be extensive, involving close partnerships with AECOM's global client account teams, regional delivery units, and other technical disciplines across the company to deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:

• AECOM's approach to digital infrastructure projects is data-driven, emphasizing rigorous analysis of client needs, site conditions, and technological requirements.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in managing large, complex projects with multiple interdependencies and stakeholders.

• The company leverages its global expertise and proprietary tools for automation and efficiency, aiming to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's positioning as a "trusted infrastructure consulting firm" and its "delivering a better world" mission suggest a culture focused on impact, sustainability, and long-term client partnerships. The company's scale means this role offers the potential to influence major, global digital infrastructure developments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position, likely equivalent to a Vice President or Director level within a specialized practice area. It demands a combination of deep technical expertise in digital infrastructure design and delivery, robust project management capabilities, and significant client relationship and business development acumen. The scope extends beyond managing individual projects to influencing practice strategy and contributing to the growth of AECOM's digital infrastructure business.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Digital Infrastructure Design Director will likely report to a higher-level executive within AECOM's Digital Infrastructure unit, a Business Line Director, or a Regional President. They will, in turn, manage a team of project managers, discipline leads, and technical specialists, potentially overseeing geographically dispersed teams and multiple concurrent large-scale projects.

Operations Impact: The Director's impact is substantial, directly influencing the successful planning, design, and delivery of critical digital infrastructure that underpins global connectivity and digital services. Their leadership ensures projects meet stringent technical, financial, and schedule requirements, contributing significantly to AECOM's revenue growth and reputation in the digital infrastructure market. Strategic account growth and client relationship management also directly impact AECOM's long-term business health and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into broader leadership roles, overseeing larger P&L responsibilities, managing entire business units, or leading AECOM's digital infrastructure efforts across larger geographic regions.

• Strategic Development: Opportunity to shape AECOM's digital infrastructure strategy, identify new market opportunities, and drive innovation in service offerings and delivery methods.

• Expert Specialization: Deepen expertise in emerging digital infrastructure technologies (e.g., AI-driven data centers, advanced network architectures) and become a recognized industry thought leader.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Lead initiatives to develop and nurture talent within AECOM's digital infrastructure teams, building a strong pipeline of future leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a career-defining role for an operations leader in the digital infrastructure space. The "entrepreneurial" aspect of the description, coupled with strategic account growth responsibilities, suggests significant autonomy and potential for personal and professional advancement within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the position is advertised as fully remote within the United States, AECOM has a global network of offices. The "Additional Information" section notes that all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person "Day 1 onboarding" at an AECOM office location. This indicates a hybrid or blended approach to onboarding and potentially occasional in-person team or client meetings, despite the remote nature of the role itself.

Office Location(s): AECOM has numerous offices across the United States. The primary listed location is Conshohocken, PA, but the role is remote. Candidates should confirm the specific onboarding office location and understand that travel may be required for client meetings, site assessments, design workshops, and key project milestones.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: The primary workspace will be remote, requiring a dedicated home office setup. Effective use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, shared document platforms, project management software) is essential for seamless interaction with remote and in-office colleagues.

• Technology Access: Candidates can expect access to AECOM's suite of digital tools and technologies, supporting design, project management, and communication.

• Team Interaction: While remote, opportunities for interaction will occur through scheduled virtual meetings, team collaboration sessions, and potentially periodic in-person gatherings or client site visits.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Given the global nature of the clients and projects, flexibility may be required to accommodate different time zones for meetings and urgent project needs. The remote arrangement offers flexibility in managing daily work hours, provided project deliverables and client commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote" designation is tempered by the mandatory in-person Day 1 onboarding. This suggests a company culture that values in-person connection for new hires while embracing remote work for ongoing operations. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel and understand that while their primary work location is remote, some physical presence at AECOM facilities or client sites may be necessary.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate technical expertise, leadership style, project management approach, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members, peers, and potentially senior stakeholders or clients to assess collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and ability to influence.

• Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage where candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, leadership contributions, and demonstrated impact. This is an opportunity to articulate your value proposition.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the role, followed by an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful digital infrastructure projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical acumen, and project delivery success.

• Focus on Your Role & Impact: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, improved performance, client satisfaction).

• Showcase Team Leadership: Highlight how you led, motivated, and coordinated multidisciplinary teams, including examples of conflict resolution and fostering collaboration.

• Demonstrate Client Engagement: Present instances where you successfully managed client relationships, drove strategic account growth, and acted as a trusted advisor.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to quantify your achievements and demonstrate ROI.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, risk management strategies, and how you handle complex stakeholder dynamics.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios related to managing challenging projects, resolving team conflicts, or addressing client issues within digital infrastructure.

• Strategic Thinking Exercises: Prepare to discuss your approach to developing digital infrastructure strategies, identifying market opportunities, and contributing to business development.

• Technical Deep Dives: While leadership is key, be prepared to discuss technical aspects of digital infrastructure design, construction, and delivery relevant to AECOM's offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely a pivotal part of the evaluation for this senior role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling narrative that showcases their ability to lead complex, high-stakes projects and drive business growth within the digital infrastructure sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with BIM/Revit, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu for design review and collaboration, and potentially GIS platforms for site selection and network planning.

• Communication & Collaboration Suites: Advanced use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other enterprise collaboration tools for remote team management and client communication.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise-level document control systems for managing project documentation and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from various sources to inform project decisions and performance reporting. While specific tools aren't listed, familiarity with Excel for advanced analysis and potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI would be beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating project status reports, financial summaries, and performance dashboards for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for managing client relationships, tracking business development activities, and supporting strategic account growth initiatives.

• Workflow Automation Concepts: Understanding of how automation can streamline design, permitting, or construction processes within digital infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are mentioned as preferred (BIM, Civil 3D, Bluebeam, GIS), the core requirement is proficiency in project management and collaboration tools essential for leading large, complex, and often remote or distributed project teams. The ability to leverage technology for efficiency and effective communication is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivering a Better World: A core AECOM value emphasizing the positive impact of infrastructure projects on communities and the environment, requiring a focus on sustainability and long-term value.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all client interactions, project execution, and team collaboration, crucial for a trusted advisor role.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional collaboration is encouraged to achieve optimal project outcomes.

• Innovation & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement in design methodologies, project delivery processes, and technological adoption to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and success, building strong, lasting partnerships through responsiveness, expertise, and reliable delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where professionals from different disciplines (engineering, construction, environmental, IT) work together seamlessly to address complex project challenges.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and project execution to drive continuous improvement and learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and geographies to elevate the collective capability of the Digital Infrastructure practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values and culture emphasize impact, integrity, and collaboration. For a Senior Director role, demonstrating alignment with these values, particularly in client-facing interactions and team leadership, will be crucial. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" suggests a need for candidates to articulate how their projects contribute to broader societal benefits.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Digital infrastructure projects often involve numerous stakeholders (clients, regulators, utilities, community groups, internal teams) with competing interests, requiring sophisticated negotiation and communication skills.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The digital infrastructure sector is characterized by rapid advancements in technology (e.g., AI, 5G, edge computing). Staying abreast of these changes and integrating them effectively into designs and strategies is a continuous challenge.

• Global Project Execution: Leading projects across different regions, time zones, and regulatory environments presents logistical and cultural complexities that require adaptive leadership.

• Talent Acquisition & Development: Attracting and retaining top engineering and project management talent in a competitive market, and developing existing staff to meet future needs, is a significant ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to AECOM's extensive training programs to deepen expertise in specific digital infrastructure technologies or project management methodologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to participate in leadership training and executive coaching to enhance strategic thinking, influence, and management capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Support for attending key industry events (e.g., data center expos, telecom conferences) to stay current with trends and expand professional networks.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior AECOM executives or to mentor junior staff, fostering professional growth and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by complex challenges. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement within a global leader in infrastructure consulting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary team on a complex digital infrastructure project, ensuring alignment and effective collaboration across diverse technical disciplines." (Focus on your leadership style, communication strategies, and conflict resolution).

• "How do you approach client relationship management and strategic account growth within the digital infrastructure sector? Provide an example of a successful client partnership you developed or expanded." (Highlight your business development acumen and client-centric approach).

• "Walk us through your process for managing the full lifecycle of a large-scale digital infrastructure project, from initial due diligence to final commissioning, emphasizing your risk mitigation strategies." (Detail your project management methodology and proactive problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "AECOM's mission is to 'deliver a better world.' How do you see this Senior Digital Infrastructure Design Director role contributing to that mission?" (Connect your work to broader societal impact and sustainability).

• "Describe a time you had to navigate complex stakeholder interests on a project. How did you achieve consensus and ensure project success?" (Demonstrate your negotiation, communication, and diplomacy skills).

• "How do you stay current with the rapidly evolving technologies and trends in digital infrastructure, and how do you incorporate that knowledge into your project leadership?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and innovation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story arc: the challenge, your role, the solution/strategy, the execution, and the measurable results (financial, schedule, technical, client satisfaction).

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use numbers to demonstrate the scale of projects (budget, size), impact of your actions (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements), and client satisfaction metrics.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in guiding teams, making critical decisions, managing risks, and fostering collaboration.

• Connect to AECOM's Needs: Frame your experience and achievements in a way that directly addresses the requirements and strategic goals outlined in the job description.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical decisions, project challenges, and leadership approach during the Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects, strategic initiatives in digital infrastructure, and their stated values. Tailoring responses to align with AECOM's specific business objectives and culture will significantly increase their chances of success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise and impactful portfolio that showcases 3-5 key digital infrastructure projects. Tailor the presentation to highlight your leadership in design, project delivery, client management, and team coordination, using quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience managing complex infrastructure projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and driving business growth, using keywords relevant to digital infrastructure and senior leadership.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategic, behavioral, and technical questions, focusing on providing specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your capabilities as outlined in the job description and your portfolio.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's digital infrastructure services, recent projects, and company culture. Understand their strategic priorities and be prepared to articulate how your skills and experience align with their vision.

⚠️ 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.