Application Guide

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

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Working here means contributing to projects that shape the future of digital infrastructure, with a focus on delivering resilient and efficient solutions for major cloud providers.

About This Role

As a Senior Architectural Designer for Data Centers at AECOM, you will lead the architectural design of hyperscale and colocation data center projects from concept through construction. Your work will directly impact the reliability and scalability of critical digital infrastructure, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start your day with a virtual stand-up with the project team to review progress and resolve coordination issues. The rest of the day involves reviewing design drawings in BIM 360, leading a client meeting on architectural design decisions, and mentoring a junior architect on code compliance—all while collaborating remotely with engineers and stakeholders across the U.S.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Licensed architect with 8+ years of experience in data center design, specifically hyperscale and colocation facilities.
  • Proven track record of leading mission-critical projects from concept to commissioning, including coordination with MEP engineers and contractors.
  • Deep knowledge of data center codes (e.g., IBC, NFPA 75/76), industry standards (TIA-942, Uptime Institute), and client design guidelines.
  • Strong communication skills to serve as the architectural subject matter expert for clients and mentor junior staff.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific hyperscale/colocation data center projects you led, including size (MW, sq ft) and client names (e.g., AWS, Google, Microsoft).

2

In your portfolio, include examples of coordinated design solutions that show integration with structural, MEP, and fire protection systems.

3

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Reduced construction costs by 15% through value engineering' or 'Delivered project on schedule despite supply chain delays.'

4

Demonstrate remote work readiness by mentioning experience with virtual collaboration tools (e.g., BIM 360, Teams, Bluebeam) and self-management.

5

Research AECOM's recent data center projects and sustainability initiatives; mention them in your cover letter to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience leading hyperscale and colocation data center projects from concept through commissioning.', 'Highlight your ability to coordinate with internal engineering disciplines and external stakeholders to deliver fully integrated designs.', "Showcase your knowledge of codes and standards specific to data centers, and how you've applied them to ensure operational efficiency.", "Express enthusiasm for AECOM's sustainability mission and how you can contribute to building 'sustainable legacies' in data center design."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's recent data center projects and case studies on their website, focusing on sustainability and innovative design.
  • → Understand AECOM's corporate culture and values, especially their commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
  • → Look into AECOM's remote work policies and how they support team collaboration across different time zones.
  • → Learn about the typical clients for AECOM's data center practice (e.g., hyperscalers, colo providers) and their specific design standards.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a challenging data center project you led; how did you handle coordination with MEP and structural teams?
2 How do you ensure design scalability and reliability for hyperscale clients while adhering to budget and schedule constraints?
3 Walk us through your approach to code compliance for a data center in a seismic zone or with high power density.
4 How have you mentored junior architects or supported business development efforts in previous roles?
5 What experience do you have with remote collaboration, and how do you stay aligned with a distributed team?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume without tailoring it to data center projects; avoid listing unrelated building types.
  • Neglecting to mention your architecture license and registration details; this is a key requirement.
  • Failing to show experience with the full project lifecycle; avoid focusing only on schematic design without construction administration.
  • Overlooking the importance of sustainability; don't ignore AECOM's emphasis on sustainable legacies in your application.

📅 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!

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