Lead Project Architect for Nuclear & Defence

AECOM; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Relocation packages available

Job summary

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd seeks an Associate Director – Project Architect (NSQEP) in Adelaide, offering hybrid work arrangements and relocation support for suitably qualified candidates.

You will lead architectural design and delivery of complex defence, research, and nuclear infrastructure projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept through delivery while maintaining safety, regulatory compliance and design integrity across all stages.

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Architecture with AUKUS registration and exposure to nuclear defence / NSQEP.
• 10–15+ years’ experience in architecture, including leadership roles on complex, safety-critical projects.
• Proven experience acting as Project Architect and/or Principal Consultant on medium to large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience in highly regulated environments such as defence, laboratories, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or nuclear-related facilities.
• Strong understanding of Defence design standards, government delivery frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience working with safety-in-design principles, human factors, and complex systems integration in high-hazard environments.
• Australian Citizenship (or eligibility for AUKUS clearance) is required; NSQEP recognition and/or postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and delivery of complex defence, research, and nuclear infrastructure projects within highly regulated environments.
• Act as Project Architect, maintaining design intent and ensuring coordinated, high-quality outcomes across all project stages.
• Lead multidisciplinary design coordination, integrating architectural, structural, services, and specialist systems into cohesive solutions.
• Translate nuclear safety case and regulatory requirements into robust architectural design responses in collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Oversee design development, technical documentation, and compliance with relevant standards including Defence, NCC, IAEA, and applicable nuclear frameworks.
• Lead client and stakeholder engagement, building trusted relationships and ensuring alignment across project objectives and expectations.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to project teams while driving continuous improvement and delivery excellence.

Skills

Project leadership

Regulatory compliance

Safety-critical environments

Education

Accredited degree in Architecture with AUKUS registration and NSQEP exposure

10–15+ years’ experience in architecture with leadership on complex projects

Job description

AECOM Australia Pty Ltd seeks an Associate Director – Project Architect (NSQEP) in Adelaide, offering hybrid work arrangements and relocation support for suitably qualified candidates.

You will lead architectural design and delivery of complex defence, research, and nuclear infrastructure projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept through delivery while maintaining safety, regulatory compliance and design integrity across all stages.