Application Guide

How to Apply for Electrical Designer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, known for delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that build legacies. With a focus on data center projects, they combine engineering excellence with environmental stewardship, offering remote flexibility while working on cutting-edge hyperscale facilities.

About This Role

As an Electrical Designer for Data Centers at AECOM, you'll design critical electrical systems for hyperscale data centers, including power distribution and backup systems. Your work ensures reliability and efficiency for some of the world's largest digital infrastructures, directly impacting the backbone of the internet.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing project requirements, creating electrical schematics and BOMs using CAD software, and running load calculations. You'll collaborate virtually with engineers and clients to refine designs, attend project meetings to discuss budgets and timelines, and ensure all designs comply with NEC and IEC standards.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in electrical design specifically for colocation and hyperscale data centers, with a deep understanding of high-density power requirements.
  • Strong proficiency in electrical calculations (load flow, short circuit, voltage drop) and creating detailed schematics and installation drawings.
  • Expert knowledge of NEC and IEC standards, with the ability to ensure compliance across complex designs.
  • Collaborative mindset to work with engineers, stakeholders, and project teams to develop specifications, budgets, and design criteria.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific data center projects you've worked on, mentioning scale (MW) and systems designed (e.g., MV/LV distribution, UPS, generators).

2

Include a portfolio or examples of electrical schematics and bills of materials you've developed for hyperscale facilities.

3

Quantify your experience with NEC and IEC compliance, e.g., 'Ensured 100% code compliance for 50+ MW data center designs.'

4

Mention any remote collaboration tools you've used (e.g., BIM 360, Revit) to show you can thrive in a remote environment.

5

Research AECOM's recent data center projects (e.g., with major tech companies) and reference them in your cover letter to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your specific experience with hyperscale data center electrical design, including medium/low voltage distribution and backup power systems.', 'Highlight your ability to collaborate remotely with cross-functional teams to develop specs and budgets.', "Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and innovation, aligning with AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies.", 'Mention your deep knowledge of NEC and IEC standards and how you apply them to ensure safe, reliable designs.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore AECOM's recent data center projects, especially those with major tech clients, to understand their scale and innovation.
  • Read about AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate environmental solutions into infrastructure projects.
  • Check AECOM's company culture and remote work policies on Glassdoor or their careers page to align your values.
  • Review industry trends in hyperscale data centers, such as 400V DC distribution or liquid cooling impacts on electrical design.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a complex electrical design you led for a hyperscale data center. What were the challenges and how did you ensure reliability?
2 How do you ensure compliance with NEC and IEC standards in your designs? Can you give an example of a code conflict you resolved?
3 Describe your experience with remote collaboration tools and how you coordinate with engineers and stakeholders virtually.
4 How do you approach load calculations and sizing for backup power systems in high-density data centers?
5 What sustainable design practices have you incorporated into data center electrical systems?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic resume without data center-specific experience; highlight relevant projects even if not titled 'Data Center Designer'.
  • Avoid vague statements like 'knowledge of codes'; be specific about NEC articles and IEC standards you've applied.
  • Don't neglect to show remote work readiness; failing to mention experience with virtual collaboration tools may raise concerns.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!