Design Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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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.

About Construction Management - AECOM Hunt

Founded in 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana, AECOM Hunt has been building for over 70 years. AECOM Hunt's storied history has encompassed many notable projects in the automotive industry; iconic sports stadiums; a broad portfolio in transportation; and many repeat clients in the hospitality industry. From iconic stadiums and arenas, next-gen transportation hubs and sustainable healthcare and academic buildings, AECOM Hunt's expertise, leadership and dedication are unparalleled.

The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a Design-Build / Construction Management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning all design disciplines with construction execution on design-build projects. This role ensures that design intent, technical requirements, budget, and schedule constraints are fully integrated, minimizing conflicts and driving efficient project delivery. The position serves as a key liaison between the design team, construction team, owner, and trade partners.  This position will be required to be on-site in Gary, IN.

Primary responsibilities:

Design Coordination & Integration

• Lead the integration of architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty systems into a cohesive, constructible design.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination meetings and manage resolution of design conflicts.
• Oversee design deliverables to ensure alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Ensure design packages are complete, coordinated, and issued in accordance with project milestones.
• Design-Build Collaboration
• Act as the primary interface between design teams and construction teams.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and field teams to incorporate constructability, phasing, and logistics into the design.
• Support early trade partner engagement and coordinate design-assist contributions.
• Ensure real-time feedback loops between field conditions and evolving design documents.

Schedule & Budget Alignment

• Work with project leadership to align design development with procurement and construction schedules.
• Monitor design progress against milestones and proactively address delays.
• Support cost management efforts by evaluating design decisions against budget constraints.
• Participate in value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Quality & Compliance
• Ensure design compliance with owner requirements, codes, and regulatory standards.
• Lead design quality reviews and constructability reviews at key milestones.
• Coordinate with the Architect of Record and Engineers of Record to maintain design integrity and accountability.

Technology & Documentation

• Oversee the use of BIM/VDC tools for coordination, clash detection, and model integration.
• Ensure proper version control and documentation management of all design deliverables.
• Promote digital workflows that enhance coordination and reduce rework.

Stakeholder Management

• Interface with owners, consultants, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and third-party reviewers.
• Support presentations and reporting related to design progress, risks, and decisions.
• Facilitate timely decision-making by identifying and escalating critical design issues.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related curriculum and 10 years of relevant design, construction or design-build experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional licensure (Architect or Professional Engineer) is a plus.
• DBIA (Design Build Institute of America) Designated Design Build Professional Certification strongly preferred.
• LEED accreditation or sustainability experience.
• Experience on large-scale commercial, exhibition, hospitality, aviation, and convention center projects.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on complex projects.
• Prior experience in design-build or integrated project delivery (IPD) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with both design consultants and construction teams.
• Strong understanding of building systems (architectural, structural, MEP).
• Proficiency in BIM/VDC platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, or similar).
• Familiarity with construction sequencing, phasing, and constructability principles.
• Working knowledge of project management tools and document control systems.
• Exceptional coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and execution.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence diverse teams.

• This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization now or in the future.
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• This position may include relocation.

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.