Associate Director Fire Engineering - Data Centers

Job Description

AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities is seeking an experienced and bilingual Associate Director – Fire Engineering (Data Centers) to join our Fire Suppression Engineering team in Medellin, Colombia. This role will be pivotal in designing fire suppression systems, particularly for Data Centers.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead fire suppression design for Data Centers (clean agent, double-interlock preaction, water mist, wet/dry systems, fire pumps, tanks, fire hydrants, fire water distribution).
• Develop basis-of-design, calculations, hydraulic network models, equipment sizing, and detailed drawings/specifications.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA, FM Global, and applicable building codes; interpret client standards and AHJ requirements.
• Define protection strategies for white space, electrical rooms, battery/UPS, generators, fuel systems, and special hazard areas.
• Oversee QA/QC reviews, interdisciplinary coordination (architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical), and BIM model integration.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, and technical clarifications during procurement and construction.
• Lead client engagements: requirements capture, technical presentations, design reviews, change management, and stakeholder alignment.
• Standardize templates, details, calculation methods, and design guides; implement continuous improvement and lessons learned.
• Plan and manage scope, schedule, and budgets; support proposals, estimates, and resourcing for multi-site programs.
• Mentor and develop team members; enforce safety, quality, and information management best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, civil, Fire Protection, or related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of fire suppression design experience, including 5+ years delivering mission-critical/Data Center projects.
• Demonstrated expertise with NFPA, FM Global standards, and local code application.
• Proficiency with Revit MEP and AutoCAD; hands-on with hydraulic calculation tools.
• Proven team leadership and project delivery experience (scope, schedule, budget, risk).
• Strong client-facing communication skills; ability to lead design reviews and negotiate technical decisions.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Fire Protection or Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional licensure in Colombia and/or international credential (e.g., NFPA CFPS, PE/FPE or equivalent).
• Deep Data Center expertise (Tier III/IV, N+1/2N strategies, white space/ancillary areas, battery energy storage protection).
• Experience with FM Global engagement and AHJ approvals for special hazards and large-campus fire water systems.
• Advanced BIM coordination skills (Navisworks, /ACC/Forma/Bluebeam) and model-based QA/QC workflows.
• Commissioning/integrated testing leadership and turnover package development for hyperscale programs.
• Experience standardizing global design content, catalogs, and modularization/prefabrication approaches.

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.