Associate Director - Electrical Engineering (Data Centers)

AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities is seeking an Associate Director - Electrical Engineering (Data Centers) at the senior level to join our office in Medellin, Colombia. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in the tech sector and data center industry, with a deep understanding of the demands for scale, speed, and consistency in data center operations. These positions focus on project engineering management.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement electrical system designs tailored to data center operations, including power distribution, emergency power systems (UPS, generators), lighting, and grounding; Ensure designs prioritize reliability, scalability, and efficiency in mission-critical environments; Conduct load calculations for electrical systems and plan for future growth; Identify and specify electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, UPS units, circuit breakers, and distribution panels; Design systems with redundancy and fault-tolerant features, including dual power feeds, backup power solutions, and automatic switchover mechanisms; Incorporate energy-efficient strategies, optimize renewable energy use, integrate energy storage systems, and implement sustainable design principles; Collaborate with mechanical engineers to integrate electrical systems with cooling and HVAC infrastructure; Adhere to industry standards such as Uptime Institute, TIA-942-B, IEEE, IEC, NFPA, and NEC; Create technical drawings, specifications, and documentation and communicate design plans with clients, architects, contractors, and stakeholders; Supervise testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of electrical systems during installation; Stay informed on data center trends, including DC power distribution and energy-efficient solutions

Requirements

8+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on data center infrastructure and power systems; Proficient in designing data center electrical systems, including power distribution, backup power, and emergency systems; Extensive knowledge of data center Tier Standard Topology, as defined by Uptime Institute, TIA-942, and other relevant industry standards; Demonstrated expertise in load calculations, equipment selection, power distribution design, and redundancy planning; Strong understanding of electrical and building codes, including IBC, IFC, NEC, IEEE standards, ASHRAE 90.1, and local regulations; Hands-on experience with electrical design and simulation tools, such as AutoCAD, ETAP, DIALux, SKM Power Tools, or similar platforms; Experience performing and reviewing arc flash calculations and short circuit coordination studies; Proven ability to review and respond to contractor submittals, including shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs; Knowledge of energy efficiency strategies and renewable energy solutions for data centers; Experience working closely with mechanical engineers to integrate electrical systems with HVAC infrastructure; Advanced level of English, written and spoken

Nice to have

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline; Master's degree or advanced coursework in power systems, energy management, or sustainable electrical design; Experience with Revit to create 3D BIM models of electrical systems, adhering to all Levels of Development (LOD); Professional certifications such as Accredited Tier Designer (ATD), Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS), Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP), Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP), Certified Data Centre Expert (CDCE); Additional certifications such as LEED accreditation or Certified Energy Manager (CEM); Prior experience in data center design consultancy or large-scale data center projects

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability benefits; Paid time off and leaves of absence; Voluntary benefits and perks; Flexible work options; Well-being resources and employee assistance program; Business travel insurance; Service recognition awards; Retirement savings plan; Employee stock purchase plan; Training and development programs