Associate Director - Electrical Engineering, Data Centers

Job Description

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 of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Design Electrical Systems for Data Centers: 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.
• Perform Power Load Calculations and Capacity Planning: Conduct load calculations for electrical systems, factoring in the power demands of IT equipment, cooling systems, and infrastructure. Plan for future growth to ensure the scalability of operations.
• Electrical Equipment Selection: Identify and specify electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, UPS units, circuit breakers, and distribution panels. Ensure equipment meets operational requirements and adheres to safety standards.
• Redundancy and Fault Tolerance: Design systems with redundancy and fault-tolerant features, including dual power feeds, backup power solutions, and automatic switchover mechanisms, to guarantee continuous operation.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Incorporate energy-efficient strategies to minimize consumption and carbon footprint. Optimize renewable energy use, integrate energy storage systems (e.g., battery banks), and implement sustainable design principles.
• Coordination with Mechanical and HVAC Systems: Collaborate with mechanical engineers to integrate electrical systems with cooling and HVAC infrastructure, ensuring power requirements for HVAC, backup cooling, and air handling units are met efficiently.
• Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards: Adhere to industry-specific standards, such as those from Uptime Institute, TIA-942-B, IEEE, IEC, NFPA, and NEC, ensuring all designs meet regulatory and operational guidelines.
• Prepare Design Documentation and Specifications: Create comprehensive technical drawings, specifications, and documentation. Effectively communicate design plans with clients, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Testing and Commissioning: Supervise the testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of electrical systems during installation. Verify proper installation and ensure compliance with the design intent.
• Stay Informed on Data Center Trends: Keep updated on advancements, best practices, and emerging technologies in data center electrical systems, such as DC power distribution and energy-efficient solutions.

Qualifications

Minimum 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 for optimal data center performance.
• Prior experience in data center design consultancy or involvement in large-scale data center projects is highly desirable.
• Advanced lever of English, written and spoken

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline; a master’s degree or advanced coursework in power systems, energy management, or sustainable electrical design is strongly preferred
• Experience with Revit to create 3D BIM models of electrical systems, adhering to all Levels of Development (LOD).
• Professional certifications including Accredited Tier Designer (ATD), Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS), Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP), Certified Cata Centre Professional (CDCP), Certified Data Centre Expert (CDCE), etc. are highly valued. Additional certifications like LEED accreditation, or Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

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.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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.