Design Manager, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.) at AECOM in Chicago, IL

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a talented and experienced Design Manager, Data Centers to be based out of any AECOM office with some telecommuting and expected travel. The qualified candidate will oversee a wide variety of colocation and hyper-scale data center projects from site due diligence, campus planning, conceptual/schematic/detailed design through construction documents, and construction administration. The ideal candidate has experience managing the design of colocation and hyper-scale data centers, has a background in electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, and possesses exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

This position offers the flexibility of a remote work schedule and can be based from a variety of locations in the US where AECOM has an office.

Although the position is primarily remote periodic travel may be required for client meetings, key project milestones, onsite collaboration sessions, or other business‑critical activities. Travel is expected to be occasional and scheduled in advance.

AECOM is a leader in the global data center consulting industry with robust teams in the Americas, Europe, Africa, 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.

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.
• Develop and enforce multi-site project and program management plans.
• Host and attend meetings with clients and external stakeholders.
• Proactively manage and communicate change throughout the project both within AECOM and to our clients.
• Identify problems early and develop creative solutions.
• Proactively communicate with all stakeholders to provide project updates and resolve outstanding issues.
• Develop technical and financial proposals for new and add/move/change data center design projects
• Develop trusting relationships with client stakeholders/buyers.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, plus ten (10) years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Architecture License
• 12 years of relevant experience in design and/or project management
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional
• Active or recent leadership in data center and mission-critical trade organization
• 12 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

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Permanent residency sponsorship is available for current H-1B visa holders in the United States.
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY DECEMBER 1, 2026.

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.