Education and Science Principal

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Pennington (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm is seeking an Education and Science Principal in Pennington, NJ. This full-time role requires a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and significant experience in client relationship management and project leadership. Ideal candidates will have 15 years of related experience, strong business development skills, and a commitment to creating sustainable solutions. Join a collaborative team dedicated to shaping the educational and scientific landscapes.

Qualifications

• 15 years related experience in architecture.
• Minimum 7 years project management experience.
• Registered Architect in New Jersey.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for the Education and Science sector.
• Build and sustain client relationships.
• Lead and manage project teams towards successful delivery.

Skills

Client relationship management

Sustainable design commitment

Business development

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Revit

Job description

Education and Science Principal - (191641)

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?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

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 Southeast.

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

Primary Location

United States - New Jersey - Pennington

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Mar 9, 2026

Employment Equity

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employee. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We’re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.