Director Remote People Operations Jobs in Virginia

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AECOM is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Director with experience in hyperscale data center projects to lead and manage our U.S. Data Center Mechanical Department. This role is responsible for providing technical leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the mechanical engineering team supporting hyperscale data center programs across the United States.

The Mechanical Engineering Director will oversee the delivery of mechanical design services for data center projects, including HVAC and piping, while ensuring technical quality, consistency, and alignment with client standards. In addition to guiding project execution, this role is responsible for managing team performance, supporting resource planning and staffing, mentoring engineers, and establishing best practices and standards for mechanical design across the data center portfolio.

While the role includes department leadership responsibilities, the Director is also expected to remain technically engaged. This includes providing hands on technical oversight and subject matter expertise on complex hyperscale data center projects, supporting project teams with critical design decisions, and serving as a senior technical resource for challenging mechanical systems and client requirements.

This position offers the flexibility of a remote work schedule and can be based from a variety of locations in the US where AECOM has an office.

Although the position is primarily remote periodic travel may be required for client meetings, key project milestones, onsite collaboration sessions, or other businesscritical activities. Travel is expected to be occasional and scheduled in advance.

AECOM is a leader in the global data center consulting industry with robust teams in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.  In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with our teams around the world on high-profile, fast-paced data center projects for global clients.  This is a hands-on, client-facing role with an opportunity for upward career mobility.  

Job Description:

• Provide leadership and management for the U.S. Data Center Mechanical Engineering team, supporting project delivery across multiple hyperscale data center programs.
• Establish technical standards, best practices, and quality expectations for mechanical design across the data center portfolio.
• Support project teams as a senior technical resource on complex hyperscale data center projects, providing guidance on system architecture, design decisions, and client requirements.
• Provide technical oversight of mechanical system design, including HVAC systems, hydronic piping systems, and fire suppression systems, ensuring alignment with client standards and operational performance requirements.
• Oversee coordination of mechanical engineering work with other disciplines, including electrical, structural, and architectural teams, to ensure integrated and constructible design solutions.
• Support resource planning, staffing strategies, and workload balancing across the mechanical team to meet project schedules and client commitments.
• Mentor and develop engineers within the department, supporting technical growth, professional development, and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and best practices relevant to hyperscale data center infrastructure.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, industry trends, and evolving codes related to mechanical systems in data centers.
• Provide technical oversight and support during construction phases when needed, assisting teams with RFIs, design clarifications, and complex field issues.
• Participate in key client meetings and strategic discussions as a senior technical representative for mechanical engineering.
• Evaluate and promote new technologies and engineering approaches that improve performance, reliability, and energy efficiency of data center mechanical systems.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, documentation standards, and design workflows across the data center practice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering plus twelve (12) years of relevant experience in mechanical design and/or mechanical engineering, with a focus on data center infrastructure, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 4 years of leadership experience.
• Professional Engineer License (P.E.) is required
• Direct experience supporting data center projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with hyperscale or colocation clients
• Experience managing large multi-disciplinary design teams
• Experience with Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery models

• Relocation is not available for this role.
• Sponsorship is not available for this role.

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.