Data Center Design Manager (Vancouver)

Job Description

Design Manager – oversees a wide variety of colocation and hyperscale data center projects including site due diligence, master planning, detailed design, and construction administration. The role involves managing the design of colocation and hyperscale data centers, requires a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, and requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The position offers opportunities to work on high-profile, rapid‑paced data center projects for global clients and is a client‑facing role with potential for upward career mobility.

Location and Travel

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.
• 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.

Compensation

The range for this position is $148,000 to $198,000.

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.