Education and Science Principal

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. HDR’s Denver Architecture studio is in search of a Principal to join our growing practice and world-class Education and Science expertise. HDR is a leader in designing research and education environments that inspire students to learn, researchers to discover and curiosity to thrive. We are consistently ranked #1 in Science and have been recognized by the industry's Lab of the Year program 11 times for designing facilities in which world-class scientists can discover cures for insidious diseases, create new sources of clean energy, protect our resources and improve public health—enriching people’s lives around the world. Seamlessly integrating our science and education expertise, we are leading the transformation of research environments fostering breakthrough discoveries at the world’s top corporations and academic institutions. We help reimagine medicine and prepare the next generation’s leaders. Our impressive team of design and planning professionals provide a fun and supportive work environment, where global collaboration across disciplines and geographies is actively embraced to anchor our innovative practice. Committed to social and environmental responsibility, our architecture practice aspires to design facilities that move us toward a regenerative future where buildings go beyond sustainability to give more than they take. In the role of Principal for our Education and Science practice, you will help establish the vision and guide the overall direction of the market sector in Colorado and Wyoming as part of the Central Region. The successful candidate must possess the drive and experience needed to nurture a diverse client base and to continue to elevate an unrivaled reputation for the HDR Education and Science team in the region. The role includes a variety of duties ranging from annual planning, closing on pursuits and directing project teams. Critical to this role is a proven history and commitment to developing and nurturing strong relationships with multiple clients in the market sector. Beginning with pre-positioning activities and continuing through (and beyond) the life of project execution. These relationships will be essential to creating opportunities and maintaining HDR’s position for future work. Responsibilities Leadership and visioning for the sector in the region. Developing capture plans and initiating relationships with key clients. Maintaining an active and visible presence in the sector. Allocating time in proportion to annual fee goals for the local region. Help develop qualifications and proposals for pursuits. Leading pursuit go/no-go and strategy discussions. Directing interview strategies and implementation. Preparing and negotiating project contracts. Serving as Principal-in-Charge as appropriate. Working closely with local leadership to maintain project oversight throughout execution, including conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial performance, and schedule adherence. Providing mentorship and guidance to staff in support of career development. Be a good partner with local and national Design and Operations Leadership to elevate the practice, augment our inclusive culture, build the team, and deliver on our promises. In collaboration with subject matter experts, and independently when appropriate, developing abstracts and presentations for industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and other similar events promoting program messages, research, project outcomes, lessons learned, trends, etc. related to facility design. Project types include learning and teaching environments and research and development facilities for academic, institutional, government, and corporate sector clients. Projects may include a variety of facilities in the areas of life sciences, physical sciences, biocontainment, animal research, public health, general academics, student wellness, residence halls, libraries, and related support facilities. Project opportunities are largely within the region, but may extend to neighboring states and potentially abroad due to personal relationships, particular expertise, project needs, etc. Preferred Qualifications Experience on large-scale science and education projects. Experience with biotech, pharma, and corporate science clients. Experience with general higher education academic buildings and programs. Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional science and education market. Proven business development experience in education and science consulting industry. Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Architecture 15 years related experience A minimum 7 years project management experience Registered Architect Must have experience on large-scale projects Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project) Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Must be willing to travel An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Pay Range: $145,376 - $207,680 Primary Location: United States-Colorado-Denver. Industry: Architecture. Schedule: Full-time. Employee Status: Regular. BusinessClass: EdSciSport ARC. Job Posting: Jul 7, 2026. At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer ( We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr HDR