Global Head of LSS Design
The Global Head of LSS Design leads the strategic direction, quality, and delivery of Life Support System (LSS) design across all AAT projects globally. This role is responsible for defining and implementing AAT’s LSS design philosophies, standards, and best practices, ensuring consistency, innovation, and technical excellence across all regions and project types.
As the central authority for LSS design, the Head of LSS Design oversees and mentors LSS specialists and regional design teams, aligning resources and capabilities with project requirements. The role plays a critical leadership function in planning and executing complex, large-scale aquarium developments, working in close collaboration with external stakeholders and internal teams of designers, drafters, engineers, and project delivery teams.
Balancing technical capabilities with commercial, operational, and curatorial considerations, this position ensures that all LSS designs meet the highest standards of animal welfare, system reliability, constructability, and lifecycle efficiency, while supporting business development, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
1.Define, implement, and continuously evolve AAT’s global LSS design philosophy, standards, and best practices, ensuring consistency, innovation, and technical excellence across all projects and regions.
2.Provide strategic oversight and direction on all LSS design activities, from concept through detailed design, project execution, and post-delivery.
3.Lead the planning, allocation, and optimization of LSS design resources across global projects, ensuring appropriate expertise, efficiency, and scalability to meet business demands.
4.Oversee and guide the design of a full spectrum of life support systems, from individual exhibits to large-scale, multi-system aquariums, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, client objectives, and AAT standards.
5.Collaborate closely with aquarium designers, engineers, project managers, manufacturing, and construction teams to deliver fully integrated, practical, and constructible solutions.
6.Collaborate with teams in improving LSS systems control, automation, and digital integration, including SCADA/BMS interfacing, monitoring systems, and smart control to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and data visibility.
7.Act as the senior technical authority for LSS, providing expert review, validation, and risk assessment of designs, specifications, and system performance.
8.Lead, mentor, and develop in-house LSS designers and Senior LSS Consultants, fostering technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and professional growth across the team.
9.Manage and coordinate external LSS consultants and specialist contractors, ensuring alignment with AAT methodologies, quality expectations, and project requirements.
10.Support business development activities, including technical input for proposals, concept development, client presentations, cost planning, and strategic project positioning.
11.Establish and maintain strong collaboration with clients, architects, consultants, and operators, ensuring clear communication, alignment of expectations, and successful project outcomes.
12.Drive continuous improvement and innovation in LSS design, including sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency, system optimization, and new technologies.
13.Develop and maintain AAT’s LSS design tools, guidelines, and reference materials, including design manuals, simulators, design philosophy standards, and sales support documentation.
14.Provide high-level technical support during commissioning, troubleshooting, and post-installation phases, ensuring system performance and long-term operational success.
15.Contribute to broader organizational initiatives, including knowledge sharing, process improvement, and alignment between design, engineering, and manufacturing functions.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Leads and manages AAT’s in-house LSS design team, including Senior LSS Consultants and LSS designers, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance oversight. The role also coordinates and oversees external LSS specialists and contractors engaged on projects, ensuring alignment with AAT standards and project requirements.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
1.Strong technical expertise in aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS) design, including large-scale and complex systems, with strong understanding of biological, mechanical, and operational interfaces.
2.Proven leadership capability, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams, mentoring senior specialists, and driving performance across geographically distributed teams.
3.Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to translate business objectives into technical direction, resource planning, and execution frameworks.
4.Project delivery experience, including oversight of multiple concurrent projects, and alignment of scope, budget, and timelines.
5.Excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, executives, engineers, architects, and operators.
6.High level of commercial awareness, including experience supporting business development, proposals, cost considerations, and value engineering.
7.Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure or technically complex situations.
8.Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Education & Experience
1.Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Environmental, Chemical, or related discipline), Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or a closely related field.
2.Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience in aquarium LSS design, aquaculture systems, or comparable water treatment/process engineering environments.
3.Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale, complex projects and managing senior technical teams.
4.Strong familiarity with international design standards, codes, and regulatory requirements relevant to water treatment and aquatic systems.
5.Experience with digital design tools (e.g., BIM, Revit, AutoCAD) and integration with engineering workflows.
6.Knowledge of systems control and automation platforms (e.g., SCADA, PLCs, BMS integration) and data monitoring systems is highly desirable.
7.Additional qualifications or training in project management (e.g., PMP or equivalent) are advantageous.
Job Requirements
Working Conditions
1.Willing and able to work flexibly to meet project deadlines, support troubleshooting activities, and engage with stakeholders across multiple international time zones, including regions where the working week includes Saturdays and Sundays.
2.Availability to undertake occasional domestic and international travel to support project delivery, client engagement, and site activities.
3.Acknowledgement of AAT’s Australian HQ mandatory shutdown period over the Christmas season, with the ability to plan work and project commitments accordingly.
Salary & Benefits
This role represents a key leadership position within AAT’s global design and engineering function, with opportunities to expand influence across technical, operational, and strategic domains.
Progression into broader executive leadership roles, technical or commercial, with oversight across multiple disciplines beyond LSS. Increased involvement in company-wide strategy, including shaping AAT’s global design direction, innovation roadmap, and market positioning.