Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Structural Engineer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm known for delivering sustainable and resilient solutions. Working here means contributing to landmark projects that balance innovation with environmental stewardship, making it an ideal place for engineers passionate about low-carbon design.

About This Role

As a Senior Structural Engineer for Data Centers, you will lead the structural design of hyperscale and colocation facilities, ensuring they are built to withstand demanding operational loads and seismic events. Your work directly supports the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, impacting millions of users worldwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing structural calculations for a colocation facility, then leading a coordination call with the MEP team to resolve clashes between ductwork and steel beams. You'd later mentor a junior engineer on concrete detailing, and end the day by evaluating a new low-carbon concrete mix for an upcoming hyperscale project.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for AECOM

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Experienced in structural design of hyperscale and colocation data centers, with a deep understanding of their unique loading and vibration requirements.
  • Expert in large-scale concrete and steel structures, including post-tensioned concrete and heavy steel framing.
  • Proven ability to deliver fast-paced technology/industrial projects on tight schedules without compromising quality or code compliance.
  • Passionate about advancing low-carbon and resilient design strategies, with knowledge of sustainable materials and construction methods.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Highlight specific data center projects you've led, including square footage, structural system used, and any innovative solutions for vibration control or thermal expansion.

2

Quantify your experience with fast-track delivery: mention schedule compression techniques like early procurement of long-lead items or phased design.

3

Emphasize any experience with sustainable structural design, such as using low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, or designing for deconstruction.

4

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description: 'hyperscale', 'colocation', 'concrete and steel structures', 'low carbon', 'resilient design'.

5

Include a portfolio or project list with photos/drawings of data center structures you've designed, showing your hands-on role.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for sustainable infrastructure and how it aligns with AECOM's commitment to building legacies.", 'Specific examples of your experience with hyperscale data center structural design, including challenges overcome.', 'Your ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to business development through technical expertise.', "How your experience with fast-paced technology projects prepares you to meet AECOM's client demands."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AECOM's recent data center projects and sustainability reports to understand their design philosophy.
  • → Familiarize yourself with AECOM's 'Sustainable Legacies' initiative and how it applies to structural engineering.
  • → Look into AECOM's use of BIM and digital delivery methods for structural design in data centers.
  • → Understand the current trends in data center design, such as edge computing and modular construction.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you had to redesign a structural component to meet a tight deadline for a data center project.
2 How do you approach low-carbon structural design? Give an example of a material or method you've used.
3 What is your experience with seismic design for data centers? How do you balance cost and safety?
4 How do you coordinate with MEP teams to accommodate large mechanical systems and cable trays in structural design?
5 Tell us about a time you mentored a junior engineer. What was your approach?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention data centers or AECOM's sustainability focus.
  • Overemphasizing residential or commercial building experience without connecting it to data center requirements.
  • Failing to provide specific examples of low-carbon design or resilient strategies 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →