Design Manager, Data Centers

Aecom; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a senior Design Manager to lead multidisciplinary design for data centers in Canada. The role involves managing complex, scalable projects from planning through construction, coordinating multiple engineering disciplines and aligning with clients and stakeholders.

The position requires 12+ years in design/PM for data-center environments, PE/Architect registration eligibility in Canada, and strong leadership and communication skills. Hybrid work model with relocation not offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design delivery for technically complex projects
• Experience with data centers or mission-critical facilities
• Strong project-management and coordination skills
• Proven ability to lead teams and work with clients and stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design delivery for hyperscale, colocation and mission-critical data centers.
• Oversee design from site due diligence through construction documentation and administration.
• Coordinate architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ICT and related disciplines.
• Develop and implement project and multi-site program management plans.
• Build relationships with clients and project stakeholders and mentor staff.

Skills

Multidisciplinary design

Project management

Client-facing delivery

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Degree in Architecture/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

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 an experienced Design Manager to join our growing Canadian Data Center team.

This is a senior, hands-on, client-facing role for an experienced design professional ready to lead multidisciplinary teams through the scale, speed and complexity of hyperscale, colocation and mission-critical facilities. This is a newly created position.

You will lead data center projects from site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic and detailed design, construction documentation and construction administration. You will coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, manage design quality and change, work directly with clients and stakeholders, and help develop AECOM's growing Canadian data center capability.

What You'll Do

• Lead multidisciplinary design delivery for hyperscale, colocation and mission-critical data centers.
• Lead projects from site due diligence and campus planning through conceptual, schematic and detailed design, construction documentation and construction administration.
• Coordinate architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, ICT and BMS/EPMS disciplines.
• Lead core-and-shell design assignments, including greenfield and add/move/change projects.
• Develop and implement project and multi-site program management plans.
• Coordinate with discipline and project leadership to identify and mobilize appropriate design resources for project delivery.
• Maintain accountability for design requirements, schedule, quality and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Oversee the project basis of design and localization process.
• Lead interdisciplinary design reviews, peer reviews and quality checks in accordance with client requirements and AECOM standards.
• Establish and maintain processes to identify, track and resolve scope changes, design issues, errors and inconsistencies.
• Proactively identify project challenges and lead development of practical solutions.
• Manage and communicate design changes with AECOM teams, clients and project stakeholders.
• Lead client and external stakeholder meetings and provide clear project and design-status updates.
• Oversee design-management documentation, including status updates, action and risk trackers, meeting records and quality reporting.
• Develop technical and financial proposals for new and add/move/change data center design projects.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and project stakeholders.
• Mentor engineers, designers and emerging design leaders and help grow AECOM's Canadian data center capability.
• Collaborate with AECOM's global data center teams to support project delivery and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, plus 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary design delivery for technically complex projects.
• Experience with data centers, mission-critical facilities or other complex building infrastructure.
• Strong technical, project-management, multidisciplinary coordination and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and work effectively with clients and project stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience in design and/or project management.
• Significant hyperscale, colocation or mission-critical data center design-management experience.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration in a Canadian province, applicable professional architectural registration, or eligibility to obtain registration.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design coordination and client-facing technical delivery.
• Experience with data center core-and-shell design and add/move/change projects.
• Demonstrated experience with design quality management, peer review, basis-of-design development and design change management.
• Knowledge of applicable Canadian building, electrical and engineering codes, standards and provincial requirements.
• Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier concepts and other relevant data center standards.
• Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Professional certification.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Active or recent involvement in data center or mission-critical industry organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, time-sensitive situations with minimal oversight.
• Strong team leadership, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Additional Information

• Relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $150000 to $200000.

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.

ReqID: J10161120

Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: Canada

Career Area: Engineering

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation: CAD 150000 - CAD 200000 - yearly