Application Guide
How to Apply for Land Development Lead – Data Centers
at AECOM
🏢 About AECOM
AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, committed to delivering a better world through innovative solutions in transportation, buildings, water, energy, and the environment. Working here means joining a team that values sustainability, collaboration, and technical excellence, with opportunities to shape next-generation digital infrastructure.
About This Role
As Land Development Lead for Data Centers, you will drive site selection, due diligence, design, and entitlements for hyperscale data centers. This role is impactful because you'll enable the backbone of the digital economy while leading cross-functional teams and building relationships with clients and communities.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a client call to discuss site selection criteria, followed by a team stand-up to review permitting progress. You'll then review design drawings, coordinate with consultants on environmental studies, and end the day drafting a risk mitigation plan for an upcoming entitlement hearing.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For
- Proven experience in land development engineering, with a focus on data centers or large-scale industrial projects.
- Strong leadership skills to manage multi-disciplinary teams and drive projects from concept to completion.
- Expertise in zoning, permitting, and entitlement processes across multiple jurisdictions.
- Excellent client management and communication skills, with ability to build trust with regulatory bodies.
📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM
Highlight specific data center projects you've led, including site selection, design, and permitting milestones.
Emphasize your experience with cross-functional team leadership and budget/schedule accountability.
Tailor your resume to show familiarity with AECOM's focus on sustainability and digital infrastructure.
Include quantifiable achievements (e.g., reduced permitting timeline by 20% or managed $50M+ projects).
Mention any experience with utility coordination, environmental due diligence, or community engagement.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for data center land development and its role in enabling digital transformation.', 'Specific examples of leading complex entitlement and permitting processes.', "How your leadership style aligns with AECOM's collaborative and client-focused culture.", 'Your commitment to sustainable design and building long-term community relationships.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review AECOM's recent data center projects and press releases to understand their market focus.
- → Study AECOM's sustainability commitments and how they integrate into land development.
- → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's organizational structure within the Buildings + Places team.
- → Look into the specific data center market trends in Arlington, VA and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without referencing data centers or AECOM's specific focus.
- Overlooking the importance of community engagement and regulatory relationships.
- Failing to demonstrate experience with both technical engineering and project management.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!