Data Center Design Manager

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a talented and experienced Design Manager to oversee a wide variety of colocation and hyperscale data center projects including site due diligence, master-planning, detailed design, and construction administration. The ideal candidate has experience managing the design of colocation and hyperscale data centers, has a background in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, and possesses exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

AECOM is a leader in the global data center consulting industry with robust teams in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with our teams around the world on high-profile, fast-paced data center projects for global clients. This is a hands-on, client-facing role with an opportunity for upward career mobility. If based near an AECOM regional office, this position would be a hybrid work situation within Canada with some expected travel.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead data center due diligence and design teams to deliver projects that meet the client’s requirements, on schedule and to a high degree of quality. Design disciplines will include architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT, and BMS/EPMS.

• Manage project resources, including onboarding/offboarding staff to ensure appropriate resourcing for project needs.

• As our projects are located across Canada, the delivery teams will be a combination of data center SMEs in our centers of excellence and engineers local to the project site. Hence strong communication and management skills are essential.

• Host and attend meetings with clients and other stakeholders.

• Identify problems early and develop creative solutions.

• Manage AECOM’s data center design team, fostering a sense of comradery, collective ownership, and collaboration.

• Proactively manage and communicate change throughout the project.

• Oversee, and perform peer reviews and quality checks in line with client and AECOM standards.

• Proactively communicate with all stakeholders to provide project updates and resolve outstanding issues.

• Develop technical and financial proposals

• Build trusting relationships with clients

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, plus 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

• Experience in hyperscale data centers; preferred in the local market.

• Emotional intelligence and situational awareness: Demonstrated ability to assess social and professional dynamics, adapt communication style accordingly, and respond appropriately in diverse situations.

• Strong interpersonal judgment: Capable of understanding group dynamics and adjusting tone, messaging, or actions to align with the context and audience.

• Situational adaptability: Ability to read social cues, navigate nuanced environments, and make informed decisions based on audience or stakeholder reactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Architecture License

• 12 years of relevant experience in design and/or project management

• Active or recent leadership in hyperscale data center and mission-critical trade organization

• 5 years in colocation and/or hyper-scale data center design management & engineering

• Excellent communication (written/oral)

• Ability to work in dynamic, time-sensitive situations and with minimal oversight

• Team leadership skills

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Artificial intelligence will be used to support the screening, assessment, and selection of applicants for this role. Final hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.