Program Manager - DOE National Laboratory Capital Building Programs

Job Description

AECOM seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead multidisciplinary teams delivering complex engineering, design, and infrastructure projects for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories and specialized nuclear research facilities. The successful candidate will provide overall program leadership, technical oversight, client relationship management, and contractual and financial accountability for projects supporting nuclear research, fusion energy, and specialized laboratory facilities.

This role requires demonstrated leadership of capital building programs, including the planning, design, construction, and modernization of complex research and laboratory facilities. Candidates should have direct responsibility for delivering building and infrastructure capital projects through multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and construction teams—not solely managing scientific research, equipment development, or laboratory operations.

Our DOE clients expect us to bring the best people, ideas, technical expertise, and digital solutions to complex scientific and research facilities. AECOM's approach integrates engineering excellence, nuclear safety, operational continuity, and innovative project delivery to advance critical national research missions. The candidate may work within the cities listed in the posting but will be expected to travel to DOE facilities periodically, including for extended periods as required to support program execution. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading capital building programs from planning and design through construction, commissioning, and turnover, with accountability for scope, budget, schedule, and delivery outcomes
• Managing and leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering and design programs for DOE national laboratories, nuclear facilities, or comparable federal research institutions
• Successfully delivering projects of comparable scope and complexity involving nuclear, radiological, or highly specialized scientific facilities
• Managing Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs), task orders, and federal engineering contracts
• Leading multidisciplinary technical teams across structural, mechanical, electrical, process, instrumentation and controls, and nuclear engineering disciplines
• Demonstrating working knowledge of DOE nuclear safety requirements, including NQA-1 quality assurance standards and Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) requirements
• Overseeing engineering activities supporting nonreactor nuclear facilities, radiological laboratories, and specialized research infrastructure
• Collaborating effectively with DOE, laboratory leadership, federal contractors, and other key stakeholders
• Maintaining laboratory operations and mission continuity during facility upgrades, modernization, and construction
• Achieving contractual performance, schedule, quality, and financial milestones
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships while identifying opportunities for program growth

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

• Serve as AECOM's primary program leadership contact for DOE national laboratory clients and associated stakeholders
• Provide overall management of program scope, schedule, budget, staffing, quality, and contractual performance
• Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams and specialized technical subcontractors
• Oversee technical work involving nuclear safety-related systems, radiological ventilation, structural design, process systems, and instrumentation and controls
• Ensure appropriate technical resources are available to address Natural Phenomena Hazards, nuclear facility design, shielding, remote handling, and other specialized requirements
• Ensure compliance with applicable DOE orders, NQA-1 requirements, safety standards, and federal regulations
• Coordinate with technical leads on Documented Safety Analyses, commercial grade dedication processes, and procurement specifications
• Establish and maintain qualified Key Personnel and designated alternates throughout the contract period
• Oversee project execution plans, quality assurance procedures, technical reviews, and risk management
• Manage project financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, invoicing, cash flow, and profitability
• Develop technical approaches, staffing plans, schedules, and cost estimates for task order proposals
• Support laboratory modernization, infrastructure renewal, operational readiness, and long-term capital planning
• Identify opportunities to introduce innovative engineering methods, digital tools, and more efficient delivery approaches
• Build and maintain effective relationships with DOE, national laboratory leadership, and industry partners
• Support DOE business development, contract growth, and strategic positioning for future laboratory programs
• Mentor and develop technical and project management staff to support long-term program continuity

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline plus ten years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including two years of leadership
• Experience with federal government contracting, project controls, financial management, and quality assurance programs including DOE facility requirements, nuclear safety practices, and applicable engineering standards including Integrated Safety Management 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Direct experience working with DOE national laboratories or other nuclear and fusion research facilities
• Experience managing engineering services under DOE Basic Ordering Agreements or IDIQ contracts
• Familiarity with DOE-STD-3009-2014, NQA-1, and commercial grade dedication requirements
• Experience with nonreactor nuclear facilities, radiological systems, hot cells, and remote handling equipment
• Experience supporting operating research laboratories where mission continuity and safety are critical
• Established relationships within the DOE national laboratory community
• Demonstrated success expanding existing federal programs and developing new task order opportunities

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.  
• Relocation is not available for this position.  
• THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY January 16, 2027.

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. 

Compensation: 250000 to 300000 (USD) (YEARLY)