Project Architect (Water Quality and R&D Labs)

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 Project Architect based out of Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Francisco, CA, to help lead transformative design projects that positively impact communities.

Our Project Architect’s support and lead our design teams while working with clients in preparing designs, completing construction documents, develop building plans, code reviews, writes specifications and develops the presentation of materials. This role is centered around Life Science R&D facilities, Water/Wastewater (Water Quality Labs), but will also work across other markets and project types.

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 Northern or Southern California (depending on applicants location) on a regular basis.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a Project Architect on medium-to-large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places market.

• Lead the architectural design and technical development from early concept through construction documentation and construction contract administration with guidance and oversight/mentorship from Senior Architects.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and specialty consultants.

• Facilitate client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Interpret and apply local, state, and national building codes (e.g., IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments)

• Provide code analysis and compliance strategies during project planning, design development, and construction.

• 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.

• Lead the architectural team members on the project in planning deliverables alongside the project design schedules, and quality standards to ensure alignment with scope and client expectations.

• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, fostering a collaborative project environment.

• Partner with project managers to manage design risk, resolve technical challenges, and ensure successful execution.

#LI-NW2

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

• Licensed Architect (California)

• Minimum 15 years of architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.

• Working knowledge of model/rendering and design tools (including REVIT, AutoCAD, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, BIM360, Navisworks, Bluebeam Revu).

• Experience working with California-specific utility agencies and municipalities. Experience working with private-sector Science & Tech clients on R&D Lab projects.

• Deep understanding of building codes and their application to projects in the Science & Tech, Industrial, and Water/Wastewater markets.

• Understanding of integration of building services, building core, and envelope elements and where these relate to the previously mentioned markets.

• Experience leading ground-up new build and 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

• 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 project teams and mentor emerging professionals.

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.