Associate Director - Security & Controls (Data Centers)

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Job Description

AECOM's Enterprise Capabilities is seeking an Associate Director – Security & Controls (Data Centers) at the senior level to join our office in Bogota, Colombia. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in the tech sector and data center industry, with a deep understanding of the demands for scale, speed, and consistency in data center operations. These positions focus on project engineering management.

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Design Security & Control Systems for Data Centers: Develop and implement Security & Control system designs tailored to data center operations, including SCADA systems, BMS (Building Management System), comprehensive electronic security solutions for data centers, including CCTV, Access Control, Intrusion Detection, and other solutions.
• Ensure designs prioritize reliability, scalability, and efficiency in mission-critical environments.
• Perform voltage drop calculations for Security & Control Systems, evaluate and size the necessary infrastructure.
• Production and delivery of Security & Control project design criteria, drawings, calculations, simulations, and other deliverables, that fully define the technical solution in accordance with the design brief.
• Plan for future growth to ensure the scalability of operations.
• Design of technical Security & Control schemes, System architecture, configuration and redundancy arrangements, equipment layout principles, key technical indicators and other contents of security & Control system and sub-systems.
• Security & control Equipment Selection: Identify and specify Security & Control equipment such cameras, sensors, electronic locks, controllers, video storage equipment, buttons, readers, biometric devices, among others. Ensure equipment meets operational requirements and adheres to safety standards.
• Redundancy and Fault Tolerance: Design Security & Control systems with redundancy and fault-tolerant features, backup power solutions to guarantee continuous operation.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Incorporate energy-efficient strategies to minimize consumption and carbon footprint. Optimize renewable energy use, integrate energy storage systems (e.g., battery banks), and implement sustainable design principles.
• Coordinate across various disciplines to fully integrate Electronic Security and Control solutions in accordance with project requirements. Ensure all automation and control integrations with third parties are properly implemented to guarantee signal monitoring, supervision, control, and efficiency throughout the project.
• Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards: Adhere to industry-specific standards, such as those from Uptime Institute, TIA-942-B, IEEE, IEC, NFPA, and NEC, ensuring all designs meet regulatory and operational guidelines.
• Prepare Design Documentation and Specifications: Create comprehensive technical drawings, specifications, and documentation. Effectively communicate design plans with clients, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Testing and Commissioning: Supervise the testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of Security & Control systems during installation. Verify proper installation and ensure compliance with the design intent.
• Stay Informed on Data Center Trends: Keep updated on advancements, best practices, and emerging technologies in data center security & Control systems, such as technological trends and energy-efficient solutions.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electronic & Control engineering, with a strong focus on data center infrastructure and technological solution with +8 YORE or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Proficient in designing data center Security & Control systems, including Data Center automation, and critical systems integration.
• Extensive knowledge of data center Tier Standard Topology, as defined by Uptime Institute, TIA-942, and other relevant industry standards.
• Demonstrated expertise in voltage drop calculations, equipment selection in Electronic Security, Automation and Control design, redundancy planning and safety reliability and availability of large-scale Data Center assets.
• Strong understanding of local regulations and international standards, including NFPA, LEED, ANSI, EIA/TIA, NEC, ISO, NIST, IEC, NEMA, among others.
• Hands-on experience with Security & Control design and simulation tools, such as AutoCAD, REVIT, control & automation architecture builder, CCTV site designer-lens and camera coverage, bandwidths and storage, voltage drop calculation, among others.
• Proven ability to review and respond to contractor submittals, including shop drawings, submittals, and RFIs.
• Experience working closely with third parties specialties to integrate Security & Control interfaces for optimal data center performance.
• Prior experience in data center design consultancy or involvement in large-scale data center projects is highly desirable.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering or related discipline; a master’s degree or advanced coursework in Instrumentation and Control, industrial automation, and critical systems integration, or sustainable Security & Control design is strongly preferred
• Experience with Revit to create 3D BIM models of Security & Control systems, adhering to all Levels of Development (LOD).
• Advanced lever of English, written and spoken.
• Professional certifications including Accredited Tier Designer (ATD), Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS), Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP), Certified Cata Centre Professional (CDCP), Certified Data Centre Expert (CDCE), etc. are highly valued. Additional certifications like LEED accreditation, or Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

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.