Education and Science Principal

HDR; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm is seeking a Principal for its Education and Science sector in Arlington, Virginia. This role involves setting strategic direction, building client relations, and leading project teams. Candidates should have 15+ years of experience, a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, and proven success in delivering complex education and science projects. A commitment to sustainable design and the ability to thrive in an employee-owned culture is essential. This position offers the chance to influence future educational environments significantly.

Qualifications

• 15 years of related experience in architecture and design.
• Registered Architect with project management expertise.
• Experience in large-scale Education and Science projects.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the Education and Science sector.
• Build and sustain high-value client portfolios.
• Lead project teams and manage client presentations.

Skills

Client relationship management

Business development

Leadership

Sustainable design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

Principal, Education and Science

We design spaces that change how people think, discover, and create — and we're looking for a Principal to help lead that work in the Mid-Atlantic.

Our Education and Science practice shapes research labs, academic institutions, and corporate life science environments for the world's most ambitious clients. We're ranked #1 in Science and Technology and have earned 11 Lab of the Year awards — not by playing it safe, but by pairing deep technical rigor with bold, human-centered design.

You'll join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and designers who believe the built environment can fundamentally shift human behavior. That belief drives everything we do, from the first client conversation to ribbon cutting.

What you'll own:

• Setting strategic direction for the Education and Science sector across the region
• Building and sustaining a high-value client portfolio through genuine, lasting relationships
• Leading pursuits from pre-positioning through close — and owning the results
• Directing project teams with the confidence of someone who's done it before

What you bring:

• Proven experience winning and delivering complex Education and Science projects
• The drive to grow a market, not just manage one
• A reputation clients remember and competitors notice

What We're Looking For:

You have experience working across science and education — with biotech, pharma, and academic clients — and an understanding of what these environments need to succeed. You have built client relationships to prove it.

Beyond the portfolio, you bring sharp business development instincts, a genuine commitment to sustainable design, and the flexibility to show up where the work is.

Most importantly, you thrive in a culture of ownership — literally. HDR is not a limited partnership or publicly held company. We are 100% employee-owned, and we're looking for someone who takes that seriously.

If you're drawn to work that shapes how the next generation learns and how discoveries get made, we'd love to connect.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience on large-scale science and higher education projects.
• Experience with biotech, pharma, or corporate science clients.
• Experience with general higher education academic buildings and programs.
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional science and education market.
• Proven business development experience in education and science consulting industry.
• Working knowledge of Revit.
• Willing to travel.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture
• 15 years related experience
• A minimum 7 years project management experience
• Registered Architect
• Must have experience on large-scale projects
• Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be willing to travel
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe:

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment:

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location:

United States-Virginia-Arlington

Other Locations:

United States-Virginia-Richmond, United States-Virginia-Glen Allen

Industry:

Architecture

Schedule:

Full-time

Employee Status:

Regular

BusinessClass:

EdSciSport ARC

Job Posting:

Mar 9, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.