Relocate to Australia: Associate Director - Project Architect (NSQEP)

AECOM; Helensburgh; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Purchase additional annual leave

Continuous learning and growth opportunities

Job summary

AECOM in Helensburgh is seeking an Associate Director – Project Architect to lead complex facilities design in regulated environments. The successful candidate will guide multidisciplinary teams and ensure design integrity across all project phases.

With a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and technical leadership, applicants should have a degree in Architecture and extensive experience in safety-critical projects, especially in defence and nuclear contexts. The role offers flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years’ experience in architecture, with leadership roles on complex projects.
• Proven experience as Project Architect on medium to large-scale projects.
• Strong understanding of Defence design standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects.
• Maintain design intent and ensure high-quality outcomes across all stages.
• Oversee client and stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Skills

Architectural leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Complex systems integration

Education

Accredited degree in Architecture

Job description

Job Description

As an Associate Director – Project Architect you will lead the design and delivery of complex facilities within highly regulated environments including defence, research and nuclear infrastructure. You will provide architectural leadership across multidisciplinary teams, guiding coordinated design outcomes from concept through to delivery while maintaining strong alignment with safety and operational requirements. The role requires a balance of strong design capability, technical leadership and stakeholder engagement with responsibility for shaping project direction, managing interfaces and ensuring design integrity is maintained throughout all stages of delivery.

How you’ll make a difference

• 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

Qualifications

• Accredited degree in Architecture with registration as an Architect in Australia (or eligibility for registration)
• 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

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, full‑time, part‑time, job‑sharing and hybrid work options
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
• Continuous learning and growth – lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities

Inclusive Hiring

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs and neurodiverse conditions. If you require adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Onboarding

All newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Application Closure

Applications are reviewed as they come in and the role may close earlier than expected.