Principal Architect - Transit

HNTB Corporation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 127,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

HNTB Corporation in Seattle seeks a Principal Architect to lead technical architecture across major transit projects. You will guide design decisions, mentor mid-career staff, and integrate BIM standards while coordinating with interdisciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes sustainable design, life cycle thinking, and a collaborative studio culture in a dynamic, civic-minded environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, 10 years of relevant experience, RA credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and presents lead technical viewpoint on assigned projects.
• Ensures technical solutions align with program and design.
• Collaborates with project designer and manager on workflows.
• Implements internal controls for project teams.

Skills

Autodesk Revit

Computational design

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Enscape

Adobe Suite

Job description

What We're Looking For We are a growing Transit + TOD design studio in Seattle seeking a Principal Architect who is passionate about shaping a strong, inclusive design culture. Our team is currently leading work on a major Sound Transit project and expanding our portfolio with agencies and jurisdictions across the region. This role is ideal for someone who brings both design vision and a collaborative spirit—someone who elevates the work of others, mentors emerging designers, and cultivates an environment where interdisciplinary teams thrive. We’re looking for a leader who is excited about integrating tools like Life Cycle Assessment into the design process and who sees sustainability not as an add‑on, but as a core design value. Our work is fast-paced, civic-minded, and rooted in delivering exceptional transit experiences for the public. If you’re energized by complex urban challenges, committed to advancing sustainable design practices, and eager to help shape a studio culture built on curiosity, rigor, and shared growth, we’d love to connect. At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners. This opportunity entails being responsible for participation in all phases of project development including full technical support of the architecture as well as incorporation of all disciplines involved with the design. Serves as a resource to the designer and project manager as the design is developed. The role includes serving as the lead technical architect on large sized projects.

What You'll Do

• Develops and presents lead technical viewpoint on assigned projects.
• Ensures that a technical solution, consistent with the program and design is properly developed and produced.
• Works closely with the project designer and manager in planning and implementing all work processes.
• Develops and implements internal controls for all team members assigned to a project.
• Monitors and supervises development of contract documents.
• Promotes the implementation and enforcement of BIM and design technology standards, best practices, and project team workflows.
• Has overall responsibility for coordination with sub-consultants in implementation of quality assurance and quality control checks.
• Responsible for all project work planning and scheduling.
• Serves as subject matter expert on architectural projects of the largest size.
• Promotes firm culture within and outside the practice.
• Assists in the development and implementation of practice-wide technical and delivery standards.
• Participates in market sector leadership initiatives.
• Nurtures existing client relationships.
• Attends industry-based conferences and events to promote the firm.
• May mentor earlier to mid-career staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and 10 years of relevant experience. RA

What You'll Bring

• Advanced working knowledge of Autodesk Revit.
• Skills in computational design, or other emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated technical ability and leadership skills
• Clear communication skills, including presentation skills
• Patience and ability to mentor and develop others
• Proficient in: Project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, IPD, etc. Architectural products and systems Building codes Knowledgeable in current and emerging tools including Autodesk Revit, cloud filesharing/collaboration, complex 3D modeling, visualization. Knowledgeable in current accessibility and sustainability codes and standards.

What We Prefer

• Advanced working knowledge of Tally or other LCA tool, Rhino, Enscape and the Adobe suite.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, transit systems, and transit-oriented design.

Locations: Seattle, WA (Downtown)

The approximate pay range for the Greater Seattle, WA Metro Area is $126,942.61 - $198,551.24. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate nation wide pay range for this position is $110,384.86 - $215,816.57. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

At HNTB, we are harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation to establish a new vision for the future of mobility across our country. You don’t have to look far to see our impact. For more than a century, HNTB’s spark has connected people and places, expanded opportunity, and left a lasting impact on our communities. Our culture of integrity and inclusion, combined with groundbreaking solutions, has affirmed our reputation and positioned our firm as the industry leader in delivering extraordinary value. When you join HNTB, you are joining an employee-owned firm founded on the values of integrity, collaboration, personal accountability, respect for others, and the development of all employees. We are committed to the continual improvement of an inclusive workplace. We encourage our employees to bring their whole and authentic selves to work, provide them a meaningful welcoming environment where they are valued, celebrated and respected. Diversity of thought and unique perspectives drives innovation, engagement and retention, which makes HNTB better and brings value to our clients and our communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer HNTB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other status protected by law. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability where appropriate.

Work Authorization In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we will only employ qualified individuals legally authorized to work in the United States (if the position is or will be one which is subject to U.S. law). Verification of employment eligibility will be required. HNTB participates in E-Verify Know your rights: Right to Work