Associate Director - Structural Engineering (Data Centers)

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AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities is seeking an Associate Director – Structural Engineering (Data Centers) at the senior level to join our office in Medellin, Colombia. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in structural engineering for mission-critical facilities, with deep expertise in the demands for scale, resilience, and speed in data center operations. This position focuses on project engineering management and technical leadership within the structural discipline.

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to

• Structural Design for Data Centers: Lead and develop structural system designs tailored to data center operations, including concrete and steel systems, high-load demands, vibration criteria, redundancy, and constructability requirements. Ensure designs prioritize reliability, scalability, and efficiency in mission-critical environments.

• Structural Analysis and Capacity Planning: Conduct structural analysis and calculations for building and foundation systems, factoring in seismic, wind, and vibration loads. Plan for future scalability and operational flexibility.

• Structural Equipment and Material Selection: Specify structural materials and systems such as steel frames, reinforced concrete, foundation types (shallow, deep, mat, piles), and vibration mitigation solutions. Ensure selections meet operational requirements and adhere to safety standards.

• Supervise the development of design documentation for tilt-up concrete panels, precast structures, steel framing systems, and deep and shallow foundations.

• Coordination with Other Disciplines: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, architectural, and geotechnical teams to integrate structural systems efficiently and avoid clashes.

• Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards: Adhere to industry-specific standards, such as ASCE, ACI, AISC, IBC, Eurocodes, and local regulations, ensuring all designs meet regulatory and operational guidelines.

• Review design documentation and specifications: Verify technical drawings, calculation reports, specifications, and related documentation for completeness and accuracy.

• Communicate design plans effectively with clients, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders.

• Stay Informed on Data Center Trends: Keep updated on advancements, best practices, and emerging technologies in structural engineering for data centers, such as modular construction and advanced materials.

• Mentor and Develop Team: Support the development and mentorship of structural engineers, promoting professional growth and technical excellence within the team.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a strong focus on structural engineering.

• 8+ years of professional experience in structural engineering, with a strong focus on data center or mission-critical infrastructure.

• Proficient in structural design for concrete and steel systems, including high-load, redundancy, and vibration criteria.

• Extensive knowledge of international structural codes and standards (ASCE, ACI, AISC, IBC) and local regulations.

• Experience with structural analysis and modeling tools such as SAP2000, ETABS, SAFE, RAM, Tekla, Revit, etc.

• Experience preparing and reviewing calculation reports, technical drawings, and specifications.

• Proven ability to review and respond to contractor submittals, including shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs.

• Knowledge of sustainability strategies and innovative structural solutions for data centers.

• Experience working closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate structural systems efficiently.

• Prior experience in structural design consultancy or involvement in large-scale data center projects is highly desirable.

• Advanced level of English, written and spoken.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree or advanced coursework in structural engineering.

• Experience with data center facilities and familiarity with data center specific design standards and structural resiliency requirements.