Architect

Actalent; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Architect to deliver architectural and structural solutions for existing buildings, with emphasis on forensic engineering, restoration, and construction administration. The role coordinates projects from kickoff through closeout, conducts field investigations, and supports project management in Montclair, NJ.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and substantial experience in structural design, AutoCAD, and project coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field.
• A minimum of 25 years of experience in an engineering consulting firm or related construction industry.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and familiarity with drafting workflows for construction and restoration projects.
• Ability to perform structural design and structural analysis for steel, concrete, and other structural systems.
• Experience with construction documents, construction administration, and project management support activities.
• Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and industry standards relevant to structural and architectural projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in project documentation, measurements, calculations, and deliverables.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects or tasks concurrently.
• Ability to interpret specifications, plans, and technical contract requirements and apply them accurately in the field and in documentation.
• Ability to conduct field inspections, testing, and observations, and to translate findings into comprehensive reports.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage internal project kick-off, milestone, and closeout meetings to ensure clear communication and alignment among team members and stakeholders.
• Verify project schedules and monitor adherence to plans and timelines, both internally and with external resources, to ensure efficient achievement of project objectives.
• Conduct on-site inspections, document existing conditions, perform field testing, take photographs, and prepare hand sketches to support accurate analysis and reporting.
• Observe and track work in progress on job sites to verify compliance with project specifications, codes, and industry standards.
• Record accurate field measurements and perform calculations throughout the project lifecycle to support design, analysis, and documentation.
• Prepare clear, professional written correspondence with clients and contractors, maintaining consistent communication throughout the project.
• Review and interpret investigation reports, bid documents, drawings, and technical specifications to ensure accurate implementation in the field.
• Communicate project status regularly, proactively address issues or discrepancies, and escalation unresolved matters to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized records, files, drawings, and project data within company systems to ensure easy accessibility and reliable project documentation.
• Collect post-project feedback, identify areas for improvement, and communicate findings to leadership to support continuous improvement.
• Stay current with job knowledge and industry trends by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies and networks.
• Engage in networking activities and represent the organization at events, seminars, and continuing education presentations, actively seeking marketing opportunities to promote the firm.
• Perform complex inspections and testing, applying technical expertise to verify compliance with project specifications, codes, and standards.
• Generate detailed field reports and opinion reports based on investigative findings and site observations.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of specifications and plans and produce accurate, comprehensive project documents.
• Interpret technical contract requirements and monitor projects to ensure compliance throughout the duration of the work.
• Review and evaluate change orders, assess their impact on scope, schedule, and budget, and provide recommendations to team leads or senior leadership.
• Review contractor payment applications, verifying the accuracy of completed work and materials supplied.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a primary point of contact, addressing concerns, and managing expectations throughout the project.
• Independently plan, organize, and run project meetings, clearly communicating objectives, deliverables, and action items to all stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand scope, budget, goals, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring successful project execution.
• Mentor and provide guidance to project associates, supporting their professional growth and contributing to a strong team culture.
• Support project management activities, including coordination, documentation, and construction administration tasks, as needed.
• Attend client meetings and events as required to support ongoing projects and business relationships.
• Travel to job sites and work in the field as needed based on workload and project locations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the overall success of the team.

Skills

AutoCAD proficiency

Structural design & analysis

Field inspections

Project coordination

Documentation & reporting

Building codes knowledge

Client relationship management

Travel readiness

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

BricsCAD / Revit

Job description

Job Title: ArchitectJob Description

This role focuses on delivering high-quality architectural and structural solutions for existing structures, with an emphasis on forensic engineering, restoration, and construction administration. The architect coordinates projects from kickoff through closeout, conducts field investigations and inspections, prepares technical documentation, and supports project management activities. The position offers significant growth potential, including a clear path toward developing into a project manager, while working in a stable, expanding firm dedicated to existing building structures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage internal project kick-off, milestone, and closeout meetings to ensure clear communication and alignment among team members and stakeholders.
• Verify project schedules and monitor adherence to plans and timelines, both internally and with external resources, to ensure efficient achievement of project objectives.
• Conduct on-site inspections, document existing conditions, perform field testing, take photographs, and prepare hand sketches to support accurate analysis and reporting.
• Observe and track work in progress on job sites to verify compliance with project specifications, codes, and industry standards.
• Record accurate field measurements and perform calculations throughout the project lifecycle to support design, analysis, and documentation.
• Prepare clear, professional written correspondence with clients and contractors, maintaining consistent communication throughout the project.
• Review and interpret investigation reports, bid documents, drawings, and technical specifications to ensure accurate implementation in the field.
• Communicate project status regularly, proactively address issues or discrepancies, and escalation unresolved matters to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized records, files, drawings, and project data within company systems to ensure easy accessibility and reliable project documentation.
• Collect post-project feedback, identify areas for improvement, and communicate findings to leadership to support continuous improvement.
• Stay current with job knowledge and industry trends by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies and networks.
• Engage in networking activities and represent the organization at events, seminars, and continuing education presentations, actively seeking marketing opportunities to promote the firm.
• Perform complex inspections and testing, applying technical expertise to verify compliance with project specifications, codes, and standards.
• Generate detailed field reports and opinion reports based on investigative findings and site observations.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of specifications and plans and produce accurate, comprehensive project documents.
• Interpret technical contract requirements and monitor projects to ensure compliance throughout the duration of the work.
• Review and evaluate change orders, assess their impact on scope, schedule, and budget, and provide recommendations to team leads or senior leadership.
• Review contractor payment applications, verifying the accuracy of completed work and materials supplied.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a primary point of contact, addressing concerns, and managing expectations throughout the project.
• Independently plan, organize, and run project meetings, clearly communicating objectives, deliverables, and action items to all stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand scope, budget, goals, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring successful project execution.
• Mentor and provide guidance to project associates, supporting their professional growth and contributing to a strong team culture.
• Support project management activities, including coordination, documentation, and construction administration tasks, as needed.
• Attend client meetings and events as required to support ongoing projects and business relationships.
• Travel to job sites and work in the field as needed based on workload and project locations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the overall success of the team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field, or relevant work experience in a similar discipline.
• A minimum of 25 years of experience in an engineering consulting firm or related construction industry.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and familiarity with drafting workflows for construction and restoration projects.
• Ability to perform structural design and structural analysis for steel, concrete, and other structural systems.
• Experience with construction documents, construction administration, and project management support activities.
• Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and industry standards relevant to structural and architectural projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, correspondence, and documentation.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in project documentation, measurements, calculations, and deliverables.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects or tasks concurrently.
• Ability to interpret specifications, plans, and technical contract requirements and apply them accurately in the field and in documentation.
• Ability to conduct field inspections, testing, and observations, and to translate findings into comprehensive reports.
• Valid United States drivers license and ability to travel to and from client sites.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed to meet project deadlines and client requirements.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Efficient time management skills with a strong focus on adhering to project budgets and schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Parking garage restoration experience, including investigation, repair design, and construction oversight, is preferred.
• Architecture or Structural Engineering degree is highly valued for this role.
• OSHA 30-hour certification.
• Familiarity with additional drafting and modeling software such as BricsCAD and Revit for positions that utilize these tools.
• Experience with structural steel, concrete, and steel structure design in existing building environments.
• Background in forensic engineering, building envelope, or existing structure evaluation is beneficial.
• Experience reviewing change orders and payment applications for construction projects.
• Ability to attend networking events, seminars, and continuing education presentations to represent the firm and build professional relationships.
• Interest in career growth into project management, with a desire to take on increasing responsibility over time.
• Membership in or engagement with professional societies and networks related to architecture, engineering, or construction is a plus.

Work Environment

The firm operates as a mid-sized, multi-office organization with approximately 200 employees across 16 locations, including a Jersey City office of about 2025 team members. The Jersey City office houses both structural and building envelope (high-rise) teams, creating a collaborative environment focused on existing structures and forensic engineering. This role is a five-day, in-office position, with an estimated 70% of time spent on job sites and 30% in the office. When job sites are close to the employees home, there is flexibility to work from home to ease travel demands. Typical working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break, and there is some flexibility on start and end times. The work involves frequent field visits, inspections, and site observations, often in active construction or existing building environments, requiring appropriate field attire and safety gear as needed. Office work includes use of AutoCAD and other drafting or modeling software, preparation of reports and documentation, and coordination with internal teams and clients. The environment supports professional development, offers exposure to a broad range of existing building projects, and provides significant growth opportunities as the firm continues to expand into new markets.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Montclair, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits to be provided upon request

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Montclair,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.