Associate Director - Telecommunications (Data Centers)

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM Enterprise Capabilities is seeking an Associate Director-Telecommunications (Data Centers) to lead the planning, design, and delivery of mission-critical data center infrastructure projects. This role provides strategic and technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring the successful execution of highly resilient, scalable, and efficient digital infrastructure solutions.

The Associate Director will play a key role in defining end-to-end ICT strategies for data centers, including structured cabling, network infrastructure, white space planning, and integration with power, cooling, and security systems. This position requires a deep understanding of global data center standards, high availability architectures, and operational requirements.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership, client engagement, and business development capabilities, driving innovation while ensuring compliance, quality, and delivery excellence.

 Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the design and delivery of ICT infrastructure for mission-critical Data Centers (Tier II, III, IV).
• Define and oversee structured cabling systems (fiber and copper) aligned with high availability, redundancy, and scalability requirements.
• Lead white space design, including rack layouts, containment strategies (hot/cold aisle), and capacity planning.
• Coordinate ICT infrastructure with power (UPS, generators), cooling (HVAC), fire protection, and physical security systems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards such as TIA-942, BICSI 002, Uptime Institute Tier Standards, IEEE, and local regulations.
• Oversee development and approval of drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities (BoQs).
• Lead technical reviews, design assurance, and quality control processes.
• Drive multidisciplinary coordination across architecture, MEP, security, and operations teams.
• Provide leadership in design for resilience, fault tolerance, redundancy (N, N+1, 2N), and maintainability.
• Support commissioning processes, including ICT readiness and integration with other systems.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, supporting decision-making, risk management, and long-term planning.
• Lead and mentor ICT teams, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
• Manage project delivery, including budget, schedule, and resource planning.
• Support business development, proposals, and client presentations for data center opportunities.
• Identify and implement innovation trends (edge data centers, modular solutions, AI-ready infrastructure, hyperscale requirements).

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic or Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in ICT/Data Center design or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading data center projects and technical teams.
• Strong English communication skills (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in Data Center infrastructure design and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of Tier III/IV certification processes and requirements.
• Experience with hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data centers.
• Advanced proficiency in tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Visio, ACC – Autodesk Construction Cloud.
• Deep knowledge of standards including:
  • TIA-942 (Data Centers)
  • BICSI 002 & TDMM
  • Uptime Institute Tier Standards
  • IEEE, ISO/IEC
• BICSI RCDD certification (required or strongly preferred).
• Additional certifications (desirable): BICSI – DCDC (Data Center Design Consultant), CDCP – Certified Data Centre Professional, CDCS – Certified Data Centre Specialist, Uptime Institute – Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS), Uptime Institute – Accredited Tier Designer (ATD), Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience in commissioning, testing, and operations support.
• Fluency in English (advanced level)

Additional Information

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Sponsorship for Colombia work authorization is not available for this position, now or in the future.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

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.