Senior Lab Planner / Project Architect

Industry

Cities & Places

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we’re helping to shape the future of cities by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that elevate the way people live, work, and connect. Our California Cities & Places team partners with clients across the public and private sectors to create spaces that are functional, resilient, and inspiring. As we continue to expand our architectural practice in California, we’re seeking a client-facing  Senior Lab Planner / Project Architect based out of  Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, CA , to help lead transformative design projects that positively impact communities.

We are seeking a ‘seller-doer’-type person that is technically strong individual with excellent communication skills and an extensive background in the R&D Laboratory/Life Sciences space. This person will work with our existing SME’s across the US as well as locally in California with local teams on R&D Lab pursuits and projects. Around 25-35% of this role is focused on Business Development with current and new clients in the West region (covering the western US) but focused on California. 

The remaining portion of this role is focused on leading Science & Tech projects as an Architectural and Lab Design Lead , working with Architects and engineers on developing and executing projects involving coordination and leadership on construction detailing, construction administration, building codes, as well as building materials through all phases of design and construction. Coordinates all project efforts in order to ensure effective execution, prepares strategic plans, and serves as primary client liaison.

Please note: This is a hybrid position and will require you to be in the office 2-3 days a week typically with travel to construction site locations in Southern California on a regular basis.

What You’ll Do

• Engage in Client-facing Business Development and project delivery activities, leading Lab planning efforts on projects in the region, collaborating with national lab-planning SME’s.
• Serve as a project architect and/or design manager on medium-to-large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places .
• Lead architectural design and technical development from early concept through construction documentation and construction contract administration.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and specialty consultants.
• Develop and review detailed drawing sets, specifications, building systems, and code compliance documentation.
• Facilitate client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Lead architectural design team efforts for construction phase services, providing or overseeing Jacobs’ responses to RFIs, submittal and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visit/observations.
• Be response for the overall quality of design deliverables in adherence with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program.
• Oversee and manage project design schedules, deliverables, and quality standards to ensure alignment with scope and client expectations.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, fostering a collaborative project environment.
• Support design strategy, sustainability goals, and digital delivery workflows (BIM/Revit).
• Partner with project managers to manage design risk, resolve technical challenges, and ensure successful execution.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Licensed Architect (U.S.) 
  • Minimum 20 years of progressive architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in science and research projects including Wet & Dry Lab experience.
• Understanding and reasonable proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows.
  • In-depth understanding of building codes and their application to R&D Lab projects
  • Understanding of integration of building services, building core, and envelope elements and where these relate to Science & Tech projects.
  • Experience leading Core & Shell as well as ‘warm-shell’ interior fit-out projects working alongside a core & shell/developer team.
  • Comfort working in a fast paced, collaborative project environment including ground-up and Tenant Improvement projects.
  • Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams. 
  • Strong organizational, communications (verbal, written as well as hand sketching) skills, and leadership abilities are required.

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Vivarium experience – planning, design & construction.
• cGMP experience – planning, design & construction.
• Water Quality Lab experience - planning, design & construction.
  • Experience with alternative delivery models: Design-Build, Progressive-Design-Build, CMAR, P3, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.
• Strong design sensibility combined with technical expertise.
• Experience with sustainable design frameworks (LEED, WELL, Envision, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor emerging professionals.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

160,700.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

251,150.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $160,700.00 to $251,150.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on April 27, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Los Angeles	California	United States
San Francisco	California	United States