Architectural Designer

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a motivated Architectural Designer to join our Architecture Studio in Mechanicsburg, PA . This is a hybrid position, and the selected candidate will work an average of three (3) days per week in the Mechanicsburg, PA studio.

At GFT , our architecture team leads with innovation, crafting inspiring, sustainable, and visually compelling designs built to endure. Working closely with a multidisciplinary network of industry specialists and our in-house engineering teams, our architects harness advanced technologies and creative thinking to deliver exceptional projects that help shape and strengthen communities. Explore some of our signature architecture projects.

The Architectural Designer role is ideal for a motivated design professional with a strong technical foundation who is eager to broaden project experience, develop leadership capabilities, and advance toward architectural licensure.

Working under the guidance of licensed architects and senior design professionals, you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects, including renovations, new construction, and interiors across commercial, institutional, federal, transportation, and utility sectors. This position offers exposure to all phases of project delivery, providing valuable opportunities for professional growth and hands-on experience.

Key responsibilities include supporting projects throughout the entire project lifecycle. The Architectural Designer will perform a variety of design and technical assignments, applying established architectural principles, industry standards, and best practices while adapting solutions to meet project specific requirements.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong design and technical skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams while continuing to build professional expertise and project leadership experience.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Prepare architectural project documents, including plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and specifications for a variety of project types.
• Assist with project setup and development of drawing packages throughout all phases of design and construction documentation.
• Research, gather, and organize product information, material data, and manufacturer cut sheets for use in project documentation, specifications, and cost estimating.
• Support the preparation of studies, analyses, code research, and technical reports.
• Develop and coordinate drawing sets, ensuring compliance with project requirements, office standards, and quality control procedures.
• Review, incorporate, and coordinate redline markups from senior staff members.
• Create high-quality 3D models, renderings, and visual presentations for client meetings, stakeholder engagement, and internal design reviews.
• Conduct preliminary building code and regulatory research and assist with code compliance evaluations under the guidance of senior staff.
• Work independently on assigned tasks and project components while effectively managing priorities and deadlines with limited supervision.
• Demonstrate sound professional judgment by proactively identifying issues, seeking guidance when appropriate, and contributing to efficient project execution.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Apply established design standards, project procedures, and best practices while incorporating feedback to enhance project quality and professional development.
• Support construction phase services, including submittal reviews, responses to Requests for Information (RFIs), field documentation, supplemental sketches, and other construction administration tasks.

Education | Experience:

What You Bring to Our Firm:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited program.
• Starting or in process of fulfilling NCARB AXP requirements.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience working in an Architectural studio.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, SketchUp, Photoshop, and 3D/rendering software.
• Working knowledge Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
• Ability to communicate design ideas through verbal explanation, written documentation, and drawing production.
• Professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to incorporate constructive criticism to develop technical and design skills.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel as project needs require.

What we prefer to bring:

• Bachelor of Architecture of Master of Architecture from an accredited program.
• Completed NCARB AXP requirements and on the path to licensure.
• Familiarity with multiple building types, including commercial, institutional, federal, transportation, and utility facilities.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $80,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview:

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

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