Principal Laboratory Planner

HDR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm is seeking a Principal Laboratory Planner to spearhead the programming and planning for a diverse array of laboratory environments. This role requires 15+ years of experience, focusing on physical science research settings. The planner will collaborate closely with designers and engineers, oversee project budgets, and mentor junior staff. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and possess strong leadership and communication skills. Opportunities for remote work in various locations are available.

Qualifications

• 15 years of related experience in planning and design.
• Minimum 7 years of project management experience.
• Registered Architect with leadership capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead programming and planning efforts with the project team and client.
• Establish, track, and maintain project programming and planning budgets.
• Mentor planning staff and contribute to team development.

Skills

Client relationship development

Team leadership

Strong communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Sustainable design commitment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)

Job description

Job Summary

We are currently looking for a Principal Laboratory Planner to join our Education and Science practice. The role involves leading laboratory programming and planning for a broad range of projects with a focus on physical science research environments, including cleanrooms, vibration‑sensitive labs, quantum computing, engineering and beyond. The person will work with designers, project architects, building engineers, and other design professionals as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Project Performance

• Lead programming and planning efforts with the project team and client.
• Serve as key contact for the client’s leadership team.
• Establish, track, and maintain project programming and planning budgets.
• Coordinate programming and planning efforts with other design and engineering disciplines.
• Effectively manage other planning staff.
• Work with the entire project team to meet schedule, quality deliverables, budgets, and profit goals.
• Lead collection of project requirements such as goals, objectives, facility functions, room requirements, adjacencies, and blocking and stacking.
• Direct preparation of program statements, planning documents, contract documents, and specifications for research, educational, and related spaces.
• Write technical specifications in compliance with standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate lab equipment, cabinetry, and casework and assist clients in the selection process.

Program Development and Support

• Mentor planning staff regularly, providing guidance for staff development and advancement.
• Contribute to program‑specific content development such as benchmarking information, BIM library, master specifications, planning standards, etc.
• Participate in Quality Control through peer reviews, project charrettes, and daily mentoring.
• Participate in program and company training, recognition, and awards programs.
• Develop and present presentations for in‑house education and training.

Business Development

• Establish and maintain client relationships.
• Participate in project capture planning in collaboration with the business development team.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and presentations.
• Be a difference‑maker in winning work at interviews.
• Contribute to program public relations through speaking engagements, authoring technical papers, and participation in professional organizations.
• Create and present program expertise and capabilities to prospective clients.

Industry Expertise

• Be an industry thought leader and knowledge expert.
• Conduct technical presentations at national and international industry conferences and seminars.
• Publish technical articles in industry publications.
• Actively participate in client professional organizations and societies (e.g., Tradeline, SCUP, ISPE, etc.).
• Actively participate in company‑sanctioned social media venues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicable planning experience with research and educational facilities.
• Programming, planning, and designing focus in physical science research environments including cleanrooms, vibration‑sensitive labs, quantum computing, engineering, and beyond.
• Demonstrated experience in client relationship development and related business development.
• Knowledge of applicable planning and design guidelines and codes.
• Commitment to sustainable design; LEED accreditation.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office products and graphics software.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 15 years of related experience.
• Minimum 7 years of project management experience.
• Registered Architect.
• Experience on large‑scale projects.
• Ability to lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Extensive knowledge of and experience within the local and regional market.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee‑owned culture.

Location

Primary Location: United States-California-Los Angeles
Other Locations: United States-California-San Francisco, United States-New York-New York, United States-Georgia-Atlanta, United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis, United States-Washington-Seattle, Canada-British Columbia-Vancouver, United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-Colorado-Denver, United States-California-San Diego, United States-Texas-Houston, Canada-Ontario-Toronto, United States-Illinois-Chicago

Equity

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.