Code Specialist (Registered Architect) (Data Centers)

Jacobs; Appleton (WI); Hybrid; USD 132,900 - 182,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock purchase

Personalized Paid Time Off

Caregiver leave

Bonus and stock eligibility

Job summary

Jacobs seeks a Code Specialist to act as the senior authority on building codes for Data Center projects across the United States. You will interpret IBC/IFC/ADA/NFPA and local amendments, ensure regulatory compliance, support risk mitigation, and drive project efficiency.

Ideal candidates hold a Professional Architecture degree (B.Arch or M.Arch), an active RA license, and 15+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch).
• Active Registered Architect license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional architectural experience.
• Extensive expertise in building codes and regulatory compliance.
• Experience interpreting and applying codes across multiple project types.
• Strong knowledge of life safety, accessibility, zoning, and fire code requirements.
• Effective interaction with building officials and regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary authority on building codes across all Data Center projects.
• Interpret and apply local, state, and national building codes (IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA).
• Provide code analyses and compliance strategies during planning, design, and construction.
• Review drawings and specs for code compliance.
• Provide QA/QC reviews on Code Summary and Life Safety plans.
• Advise project teams on code-related design decisions and variances.
• Coordinate with AHJs, building officials, and plan reviewers.
• Support permitting and responses to code comments and revisions.
• Identify compliance risks and propose solutions.
• Stay current on code updates and regulatory changes for Data Centers.
• Mentor and educate internal teams on code requirements.

Skills

Code knowledge

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Design guidance

Detail orientation

Stakeholder influence

Education

Architecture degree (B.Arch/M.Arch)

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

This job opportunity is available at ANY location in the United States. Ideally, selected candidates will be near a JACOBS U.S. based office, but we intend to hire the "best" candidates.

The Code Specialist is a senior-level Registered Architect with deep expertise in building codes and regulatory compliance. This role serves as the Subject Matter Expert on building codes, zoning ordinances, life safety requirements, and regulatory standards for Data Center projects. The Code Specialist ensures all projects comply with applicable local, state, and national codes while supporting risk mitigation, quality assurance, and project efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary authority on building codes, zoning regulations, and life safety requirements across all Data Center projects
• Interpret and apply local, state, and national building codes (e.g., IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments)
• Provide code analysis and compliance strategies during project planning, design development, and construction
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documents for code compliance
• Provide Quality Assurance and Quality Control reviews on Code Summary and Life Safety plans
• Advise project teams on code-related design decisions, alternative methods, and variances
• Coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), building officials, and plan reviewers
• Support permitting and approvals, including responding to code comments and revisions
• Identify potential compliance risks and proactively recommend solutions
• Stay current on code updates and regulatory changes relevant to the Data Center market
• Mentor and educate internal teams on code requirements and compliance standards
• Support due diligence and technical reviews on complex or high-risk projects

Core Competencies & Skills

• Expert-level building code knowledge
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to translate complex code requirements into practical design guidance
• Detail-oriented with a strong quality mindset
• Collaborative mindset with confidence to influence senior stakeholders

Why This Role Matters

The Code Specialist plays a critical role in safeguarding project compliance, minimizing regulatory risk, and enabling successful project delivery. This position serves as a trusted advisor to design, construction, and leadership teams.

Here's what you'll need

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch)
• Active Registered Architect (RA) license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Minimum of 15 years of professional architectural experience
• Extensive, hands‑on expertise in building codes and regulatory compliance
• Proven experience interpreting and applying building codes across multiple project and construction types
• Strong understanding of life safety, accessibility, zoning, and fire code requirements
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with building officials and regulatory agencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi‑state architectural licensure
• Experience supporting complex, large‑scale, or multi‑jurisdictional projects
• Background in peer reviews, third‑party plan reviews, or authority‑side code analysis
• LEED, WELL, or other sustainability credentials (a plus, not required)

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $132,900.00 to $182,700.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on April 16, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.