Federal Principal, Science

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Architecture's Arlington Studio seeks a Federal Architecture Principal with a Science focus to lead strategic growth and deliver high-impact projects in the Mid Atlantic. You will collaborate across market sectors, manage senior teams, and secure CPARS while expanding federal science work.

You will mentor staff, coordinate with Market Sector Directors, and represent HDR in client engagements, advancing sustainable design and exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture is required and licensed status preferred.
• Extensive project management experience on large-scale projects.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Achieve growth and market share for Federal Science within DMV region.
• Lead senior teams and coordinate with Market Sector Directors on pursuits.
• Develop and maintain strategic client relationships to win work.
• Represent HDR in client meetings, RFIs, and proposals with clear messaging.

Skills

Team leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Communication

Willing to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our 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'

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.

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.

The Arlington Studio of HDR Architecture is in search of a Federal Architecture Principal with a Science focus to join our growing practice and continue the legacy of providing our clients and communities with creative design solutions that improve the health and human condition of those they serve. HDR is a leader in innovative planning and design, client service and thought leadership on projects globally and throughout the region. HDR is home to world-class expertise, and the Federal Architecture Principal serves as our client’s conduit to those capabilities.

The primary responsibility of the Federal Architecture Principal is to achieve growth and market capture through strong collaboration between Architecture market sectors, client development leads and across business groups while building client relationships and identifying opportunities.

This position will work strategically with the Federal Architecture Market Sector Director, Federal Architecture team and Managing Principal to present the best teams and services to our Science clients that will allow HDR to successfully increase our federal market share in the Mid Atlantic. In addition, you will oversee projects in a senior leadership role and participate in practice management as part of the local team, securing successful CPARS.

Local Leadership. Working alongside Managing Principal and market sector leaders, grow a well-balanced, multidisciplinary Federal Science team; assess capabilities of staffing resources; grow, develop, recruit and maintain expertise, balance all aspects of an expertise and design-driven top tier practice.

Collaborate with Market and Office Leadership. Work across the HDR matrix’s and other local Federal Principals to implement key initiatives, investments and strategies for growth and practice development, obtain new Science project work, and contribute towards office profitability.

Build Client Relationships. Develop strong client relationships and serve as a key client relationship manager on pursuits and projects.

Work closely with office Managing Principal to ensure that the local Federal Science practice is meeting the business objectives for the office.

Public Responsibilities. Participate as a thought leader in professional organizations, activities, and services that further the firm’s vision, value and relationships.

• Represent and Advance the Firm. Increase the awareness and understanding within the community of the firm’s practice on a local, regional, and national basis.
• Marketing and Business Development Responsibilities
  • Serve as Seller-Doer for the federal science market in DMV to reach net fees booking goals, supporting on BD activities as needed.
  • Contribute to strategic/business development plans.
  • Proposal Writing. Lead and oversee the analysis of RFQs and RFP’s and the development of written proposal responses. Develop, craft and write proposals and oversee the preparation and timely completion of qualifications packages and proposals with all contributing parties both inside and outside the firm.
  • Interviews and Presentations. Lead the development of interview presentation strategies, messaging, and all team preparations for winning presentations and interviews.
  • Regional Teamwork. Work and collaborate with the other leaders, marketing staff and design professionals throughout the firm to develop relationships and win work and grow the book of work.

This position is subject to a governmental background check. Due to client contract requirements US-born citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED
• PMP certification

*LI-SA1

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.

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass: EdSciSport ARC

Job Posting

Jan 19, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

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

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