Architect B/C - Façade Technical Detail Specialist

Build your career while building NYC Public schools and impacting the learning environments of the next generation! The SCA’s Architecture and Engineering Department is responsible for development of scope, design, and construction documents for new school buildings, additions, lease conversions and renovation work of existing schools for New York City’s approximately 1.1 million students. Our projects are intentionally and thoughtfully designed; positive impact design is at the forefront of all our projects. Our In-House studio is a multidisciplinary practice that is responsible for designing some of the largest and most complex schools in our 1,500+ school portfolio as well as renovation work to existing schools. Our other two studios manage external consultants from design inception to completion. Our three studios are comprised of talented architects and engineers who are driven to deliver high quality custom designed, sustainable, and resilient public schools. Come and join our continuing journey towards design excellence in the K-12 education sector. Be impactful!

Job Description Summary EXPERTISE IN FAÇADE DESIGN NEEDED

The Façade Technical Detail Specialist, Architect – Level A Level B or C reports to an A&E Director, Managing Architect or Managing Engineer, or a higher assignment level Architect or Engineer, and is responsible for performing work in a variety of assignments and technical roles, as needed, to achieve the objectives of the Authority.

Job Description Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership on façade-related scope, aligning project budget, schedule, and code compliance with SCA standards from early concept through construction, setting design strategy and ensuring technical excellence on complex projects.
• Create and innovate with a strong conceptual design ability and technical resolution. Integrate interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the envelope design to achieve a project's design and performance aspirations.
• Evaluate envelope systems for movement and tolerance, including thermal, structural (dead/live), seismic, and wind-induced conditions.
• Perform and oversee thermal analysis, including whole-assembly U-value calculations and condensation (dew point) studies using 2D and 3D simulation tools.
• Perform and oversee advanced façade analyses with specialized software including structural behavior, geometry optimization, thermal performance, moisture/condensation, air/water tightness, system movement, durability, and long-term maintenance.
• Produce, coordinate and/or oversee façade presentation content and deliverables such as detail sketches, diagrams, 3D models, drawings, specifications and performance analysis.
• Provide technical direction and coordinate directly with in-house Architects, engineers, specialty consultants, fabricators, and suppliers to ensure integrated, buildable solutions.
• Perform and/or direct material and building envelope research, analysis and participate in the coordination and preparation of project specifications.
• Define preliminary sizing criteria for fenestration and rainscreen systems based on structural performance requirements.
• Advise on insulating glass unit (IGU) configurations to meet project-specific solar heat gain, thermal performance, and durability targets.
• Develop conceptual roof waterproofing assemblies, including overburden systems, with consideration for long-term maintenance and constructability.
• Develop typical façade details coordinating envelope systems with structural interfaces, addressing attachment, tolerances, and installation sequencing.
• Recommend roofing and waterproofing systems, including typical details and integration with façade assemblies.
• Coordinate with MEP teams, and acoustic consultants to integrate façade performance into energy modeling, and review model outputs for compliance and optimization.
• Develop and maintain a façade technical standards repository, including lessons learned and best practices.
• Lead internal training initiatives related to façade design, performance, and construction.
• Prepare and review specifications for façade and roofing systems.
• Advise on value engineering strategies while maintaining façade performance and durability standards.
• Witness and evaluate field performance testing (e.g., AAMA air and water infiltration tests). Conduct manufacturer facility inspections and QA/QC reviews.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with codes, and standards.
• May be required to sign, seal and file drawings and sign and seal other documents.
• Manage time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with occasional interaction and direction from team leaders while guiding and teaching in-house Architects.
• May act as Managing Architect in the absence of the Managing Architect.
• Participate in cross-studio/division seminars and training workshops.
• Participate in construction phase services specific to building envelope systems including bid scope reviews, shop drawing and submittal reviews, coordination and development of responses to inquiries and RFIs, preparation of punch-lists and field observation reports.
• Investigate and resolve fabrication and field issues, coordinating with design and construction teams.
• Performs related tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Level B requires: Valid New York State registration as an Architect. Current NYS registration must be maintained for duration of employment; and three years full time paid experience as a Registered Architect, two years of which must be as a project architect; project, team, or squad leader; or comparable level of responsibility.
• Level C requires: Valid New York State registration as an Architect. Current NYS registration must be maintained for duration of employment; and six years full time paid experience as a Registered Architect, three years of which must be as a project architect; project, team, or squad leader; or comparable level of responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in Facade Design
• Maintain NFRC certification for 3 years minimum

Education Baccalaureate Certifications (if required)

Registered Architect - NYS Department of Education Work Experience Three years, full-time paid experience as a Registered Architect, two years of which must be as a project architect; project, team or squad leader; or a comparable level of responsibility or A graduate degree in Architecture may substitute for one year of experience. You must still have TWO years of experience as a Registered Architect working as a project architect; project, team, or squad leader; or a comparable level of responsibility.

It is the policy of the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, the NYCSCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Benefits

• Medical (100% employer paid for basic coverage available)
• Prescription Drug Options
• Dental & Vision Coverage
• NYC Qualified Pension Plan (QPP)
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans including 401K, 457 and IRA options
• Transit Check Program
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits

As part of our ongoing commitment to employee growth and development, the SCA’s Learning and Development (L&D) program offers a variety of valuable benefits. These include tuition reimbursement for continued education that is directly related to your current role, as well as access to a broad range of individual and organizational training opportunities. Trainings on leadership development, technical skill-building, compliance, personal and professional growth. These programs are designed to strengthen performance, boost engagement, and ensure our workforce is fully equipped to meet both current and future organizational goals.

The SCA is interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. The SCA is not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. We participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here:

The School Construction Authority's (SCA) mission is to design and construct safe, attractive and environmentally sound public schools for children throughout the many communities of New York City. We are dedicated to building and modernizing schools in a responsible, cost-effective manner while achieving the highest standards of excellence in safety, quality and integrity.

Civil Service Classification: Competitive Salary: Level - B Appointment Rate: $97,304.00 - $131,863.00 Incumbent Rate: $111,900.00 - $151,643.00 Level C Appointment Rate: $102,653.00 - $145,027.00 Incumbent Rate: $118,051.00 - $166,781.00 Subject to the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the appointment rate for any newly hired employee, or employees with less than two years of active City or SCA service, shall be 15% less than the applicable incumbent rate or step.