Federal Principal, Science

HDR; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm is seeking a Federal Architecture Principal with a science focus in Arlington, Virginia. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in the A/E/C industry, leading large federal science projects. Responsibilities include leading project teams, managing client relationships, and contributing to business development efforts. This full-time role offers an engaging environment for innovation and meaningful impact in communities. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to sustainability.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in A/E/C industry on large federal science projects.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Registered Architect leading project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams ensuring successful client satisfaction.
• Build and manage key client relationships.
• Develop strategic marketing and business development plans.

Skills

Sustainable design/LEED

Project management

Client relationships

Mentoring and leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

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.

Federal Architecture Principal – Science Focus

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams and oversee senior-level projects, ensuring successful CPARS and client satisfaction.
• 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, increasing federal market share in the Mid Atlantic.
• Build client relationships and serve as a key client relationship manager on pursuits and projects.
• Represent and advance the firm by increasing awareness of HDR’s federal science practice locally, regionally and nationally.
• Participate as a thought leader in professional organizations, activities and services that further the firm’s vision, value and relationships.
• Develop strong marketing and business development plans, support BD activities and lead proposal writing efforts for federal science work.
• Lead the development of interview presentation strategies, messaging and all team preparations for winning presentations and interviews.

Marketing and Business Development

• Serve as Seller-Doer for the federal science market in DMV, meeting net fee booking goals.
• Contribute to strategic and business development plans.
• Lead and oversee the analysis of RFQs and RFPs and the development of written proposal responses.
• Collaborate with other leaders, marketing staff and design professionals throughout the firm to develop relationships, win work and grow the book of work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.
• PMP certification.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in A/E/C industry on large federal science projects of varied scale and complexity.
• Knowledge and experience within the local and regional federal market.
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 15 years related experience and a minimum of 7 years of project management experience.
• Registered Architect and must lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
• Experience on large‑scale projects and extensive knowledge of the local and regional market.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational, organizational and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and willingness to travel.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

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) foster a supportive environment for every employee.

Primary Location

United States – Virginia – Arlington

Industry

Architecture

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

EdSciSport‑Federal 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 employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.