Principal Architect, Industrial/Manufacturing

JE Dunn Construction; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

JE Dunn Construction is seeking a Principal Architect to lead architectural design, construction documents, and specifications across national projects. This role requires strategic direction, stakeholder management, and the ability to drive design excellence while pursuing new business opportunities.

The Principal Architect will guide teams, ensure design quality, and collaborate with Marketing, Client Solutions, and Operations to grow the business and satisfy client expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field; NAAB accreditation preferred.
• 12+ years architectural experience (Preferred).
• 5+ years people management experience (Preferred).
• Cross-functional knowledge across architectural, civil, structural, MEP disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead strategic plans with leadership.
• Deliver architectural design services and project documentation.
• Manage client relationships and project teams for success.
• Oversee all lifecycle phases from planning to close-out.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations to develop new opportunities.

Skills

Advanced communication

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client relationship building

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

NAAB-accredited program (Preferred)

Master's degree in architecture (Preferred)

Tools

Autodesk Suite

AutoCAD

Revit

3DS Max

Adobe programs

Google SketchUp

Job description

Best People + Right Culture. These are the driving forces behind JE Dunn’s success. By hiring inspired people, giving them challenging work, innovative tools, and letting them share in the company’s rewards, we have built a sustainable growth model over the past 100+ years.

JE Dunn’s Advanced Facilities Group combines Mission Critical, Advanced Industries, and Industrial & Manufacturing into one high‑performing team focused on cutting‑edge work for advanced construction projects. As part of this team, you will work on some of the most advanced projects across the country, growing your career alongside a diverse group of industry professionals.

Role Summary

The Principal Architect will provide overall direction and leadership of architectural designs, construction documents, and specifications, and may serve as the Architect of Record for assigned projects. The role requires strategic direction, operational excellence, and stakeholder relationship management for projects where JE Dunn provides professional design services, driving contracting and business development to meet or exceed all design targets.

Key Role Responsibilities – Core

• Key contributor in defining and guiding the strategic plan in partnership with departmental and regional leaders.
• Active in the community through conference attendance, speaking engagements, and association memberships.
• Develops strategies for growth of the business.
• Responsible for the delivery of architectural design services, culture development, and execution of processes.
• Manages professional service delivery, client management, project leadership, and technical guidance.
• Oversees client relations, project team performance, and overall client satisfaction.
• Interacts with clients, manages staff, and reviews technical documents to meet project needs.
• Provides oversight through all aspects of a project’s lifecycle from planning to close‑out.
• Partners closely with Marketing, Client Solutions, and Operations to develop new opportunities and build relationships.
• Enhances JE Dunn’s industry profile by interacting with potential clients and industry associates.
• Defines project pursuit plans, win strategies, and proposal development to achieve business development and financial goals.
• Prepares conceptual designs for project pursuit submissions and client development.
• Collaborates with regional leadership on design‑build opportunities in partnership with project teams, clients, and owners.
• Encourages cooperation, skill sharing, and workload balance across employees and project teams.
• Leads by inspiring the team, representing design excellence, and reinforcing the national brand.
• Strong seller‑doer capable of generating work, creating long‑term relationships, and delivering sustained value to clients.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Accurate, complete, and timely work performance.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project processes and how they support successful project completion.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Suite, AutoCAD, Revit, 3DS Max, Adobe programs, and Google SketchUp.
• Experience with U.S. building design codes and material‑specific standards.
• Structured thinking across all design disciplines with creativity to develop specialized solutions by anticipating potential challenges.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field (Required)
• Degree from a NAAB accredited architecture program (Preferred)
• Master’s degree in architecture (Preferred)

Experience

• 12+ years architectural experience (Preferred)
• 5+ years people management (Preferred)
• Cross‑functional knowledge of architectural, civil, structural, MEP, and relevant trade disciplines.
• General construction experience (Preferred)
• Previous proposal and client management experience with a proven history of leading project pursuits and winning proposals (Preferred)

Working Environment

• Valid and unrestricted driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• May require extensive periods of travel.
• Willingness to work non‑traditional hours to meet project needs.
• Exposure to extreme conditions (hot or cold) possible.
• Assignments may include project sites and/or office work.
• Frequent activities: Sitting, viewing computer screen.
• Occasional activities: Standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching above shoulder, pushing, pulling.

Benefits Information

The benefits package for this position is Professional Non‑Union. For more details, please refer to the company benefits portal.

Equal Employment Opportunity

JE Dunn Construction is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. JE Dunn Construction is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.

JE Dunn provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, please submit your request to [e-mail].

JE Dunn Construction Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of JE Dunn Construction without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of JE Dunn Construction Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.