Life Sciences Leader (San Francisco)

ReqID: SAN000116

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We are seeking a Life Sciences Leader for San Diego. This is a strategic role responsible for driving the growth and technical excellence of Arup’s Science sector in Southern California. This leader will lead the establishment of a Science hub in San Diego, support ambitious regional and national growth targets, and position Arup as a premier partner for life sciences clients across the West Coast.

As part of our continued growth, we are expanding our presence in San Diego. We currently operate with a visiting presence and plan to open a permanent office, estimated in early 2026.

The opportunity

• Be a key part of the leadership team for the new San Diego office, having primary responsibility for the development of our science business in Southern California.
• Partner with the West Science Leader and other senior leadership to align growth plans with broader business goals and strategic initiatives, including identification of key clients and projects.
• Support business development efforts by leveraging sector knowledge, supporting proposals, and nurturing client relationships. Bring new, SD-focused relationships to Arup based on experience and local knowledge.
• Actively participate in local industry events, representing Arup as a speaker or panelist, bringing awareness to our capability in SD and the wider region.
• Engage locally with key clients and partners to grow the opportunity pipeline.
• Lead and deliver mechanical engineering design for medium to large-scale Life Sciences projects (laboratories, R&D, pharmaceutical, manufacturing facilities) as Engineer of Record.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, including planning, resourcing, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients and collaborators, facilitating meetings, presentations, and design discussions.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to project teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Integrate sustainable design principles and innovative engineering solutions into projects.
• Negotiate project contracts and conditions of engagement to optimize delivery and minimize risk.
• Regularly engage with the West Science Leader and Business Development Lead to establish key client relationships and target accounts.
• Success in this role will be measured by client engagement, project opportunities pursued, project wins, and the establishment of a Science hub in San Diego.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering.
• Valid Professional Engineering license in California.
• 15+ years of experience in mechanical / electrical engineering design for the built environment.
• 10+ years delivering medium to large-scale Life Sciences projects as Engineer of Record.
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams and mentoring engineers.
• Demonstrated experience of growing a new office and work winning skills.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Familiarity with business development processes and ability to contribute to proposal efforts.
• Experience integrating sustainable design strategies into mechanical or electrical engineering solutions.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Exposure to national standards and codes relevant to Life Sciences facilities.

Preferred

• Experience in science-focused industry events and forums.
• Exposure to strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal. If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to our Talent Community where you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Benefits at Work

- At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi‑annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future.

Flexible Working

We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available.

San Diego Hiring Range

The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Diego is $152,650 to $203,550 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Diego will differ.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at

Our Application Process

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round, at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability.

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