Principal, Process Architecture

BW Design Group; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development resources

Access to mentorship programs

Career path resources

Job summary

A dynamic design firm in Indianapolis seeks a Principal for Process Architecture. This role involves leading front-end design for pharmaceutical facilities while mentoring a team and maintaining client relationships. Ideal candidates have over 20 years of experience in facilities design, particularly in cGMP environments, and possess a Bachelor of Architecture and a Registered Architect license. Benefits include professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture. The salary range is competitive between $200,000 – $300,000.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of facilities architectural design experience, including project programming and site implementation.
• Experience designing cGMP manufacturing and lab facilities.
• Experience in providing technical training to clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-end design programming for pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing facilities.
• Develop comprehensive facility master plans aligned with business growth.
• Coordinate integration of equipment into facility infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Technical Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor of Architecture

Registered Architect (RA) license

Master of Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

Principal, Process Architecture – BW Design Group

We are a dynamic and growing firm focused on building a culture of excellence. Work across our 45 U.S. offices with a team of over 1500 professionals, help our clients shape the world around them, and grow into a world‑class consultant and leader.

What You’ll Do

• Work with the Life Science Commercial Team on initial client contact and stakeholder alignment.
• Lead front‑end design programming for pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing facilities, including site survey, space programming, equipment evaluation/selection, economic analysis, risk assessments, and regulatory impact reviews.
• Perform technical business development: deliver DG capabilities presentations, contribute to proposal development, author publications and white papers, and present at industry conferences.
• Provide technical leadership in designing and scoping life‑science projects from inception through delivery of drawings and specifications.
• Develop comprehensive facility master plans and long‑term capital roadmaps aligned with business growth and technology adoption.
• Design facility layouts, building systems, and infrastructure for multiple manufacturing modalities.
• Coordinate integration of equipment into facility infrastructure and architectural design.
• Create scalable facility architectures that support expansion, equipment replacement, and technology modernization.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, EMA, ICH Q7, and applicable building/safety codes.
• Support construction projects during permitting, bidding, contract awards, procurement, implementation, and sequencing, utilizing BIM.
• Utilize Autodesk Revit, Recap, and Navisworks software.
• Define, develop, and oversee integrated EPCMV projects within budget and schedule.
• Maintain current industry standards, innovate best practices, and incorporate regulatory requirements into project scopes.
• Oversee and mentor designers and technical professionals.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, including generating billable fees commensurate with experience and industry standards.
• Interface with BW Design Group professionals to maintain cohesive solutions and resolve complex technical issues.
• Provide technical training to clients and internal teams.
• Make an impact day‑to‑day, strengthening relationships with clients and team members.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum of 20 years of facilities architectural design experience, including project programming, construction documents, permit acquisition, and site implementation.
• Experience designing cGMP manufacturing and lab facilities.
• Leadership experience in front‑end phases of design (master planning, feasibility study, conceptual design).
• Understanding of operating facility requirements, general arrangement drawings, operational flows, adjacency schemes, environmental classifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal building codes (IBC particularly).
• Experience designing greenfield facilities and renovating existing buildings.
• Experience designing ISO clean rooms, labs, and processing spaces.
• Experience designing cold storage and refrigerated processing environments.
• Preferred experience coordinating design with process engineers on industrial equipment installation.
• Experience interfacing with clients and building long‑term relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Project (preferred).
• Willingness to travel for project requirements, including installation, start‑up activities, client meetings, trainings, and industry events.
• Bachelor of Architecture required.
• Registered Architect (RA) license (NCARB preferred).
• Master of Architecture preferred.

Benefits

• Our culture supports mutual respect, integrity, and personal success.
• Access to professional development resources, First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources.
• Opportunity to build a meaningful and fulfilling career under exceptional talent and mentorship.

Salary range

$200,000 – $300,000. Final compensation may vary based on background, skills, location, and other factors.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Education and Training