Process Architect

Precis Engineering + Architecture; Ambler (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Precis Engineering + Architecture in Ambler (PA) and Cary (NC) seeks a Senior Process Architect to lead programming, planning, and design for pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities, translating complex regulatory requirements into compliant architectural solutions.

The role involves collaboration across process engineering, mechanical, electrical, and other disciplines, with active participation in client development, interviews and industry engagement to grow the life sciences practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution.
• 8 to 20 years of architectural design experience, preferably in pharma, biotech or life sciences.
• Experience programming and designing manufacturing, laboratory, or cleanroom facilities.
• Knowledge of cGMP and FDA guidelines.
• Architectural licensure preferred; candidates pursuing registration considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support programming, planning, design and documentation for pharma/life sciences facilities.
• Develop layouts and architectural solutions supporting manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering disciplines to deliver integrated designs.
• Ensure designs comply with codes, regulations and GMP requirements.
• Support client meetings, design reviews, and construction documentation.

Skills

Architectural design

Client development

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Regulatory compliance

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

Architectural licensure preferred

LEED accreditation a plus

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Project

Job description

Precis Engineering + Architecture (Precis) is a 150+ person consulting firm with offices in Ambler, Pa., and Cary, N.C., offering comprehensive design services. Precis has been repeatedly recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Position Overview:

The Senior Process Architect position is available in both our Ambler and Cary offices. This individual will support the planning, design, and execution of complex pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and institutional projects. This role is responsible for translating client operational, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements into efficient, compliant, and innovative architectural solutions that support highly regulated environments.

The Senior Process Architect serves as a key contributor throughout all phases of project delivery, from programming and conceptual design through construction administration. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, contractors, and project stakeholders, the successful candidate will develop architectural solutions that integrate critical manufacturing processes while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices.

In addition to technical project responsibilities, the Senior Process Architect will play an active role in client development, business development initiatives, project pursuits, interview presentations, and industry engagement activities, helping strengthen client relationships and support the continued growth of the firm's life sciences practice.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support architectural programming, planning, design, and documentation for pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities.
• Develop facility layouts and architectural solutions that support critical manufacturing processes, including:
• Fill/Finish Operations
• Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) Manufacturing
• Cell and Gene Therapy Facilities
• Biologics Production
• Research and Development Laboratories
• Cleanroom and Controlled Environment Facilities
• Collaborate with process engineering, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and structural disciplines to deliver fully integrated facility designs.
• Interpret client operational requirements and translate them into compliant and efficient design solutions.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, workshops, and presentations.
• Prepare architectural drawings, specifications, reports, studies, and other project documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards, including cGMP requirements, FDA guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Support construction administration activities, including field observations, submittal reviews, RFI responses, and contractor coordination.
• Assist with project scheduling, resource planning, and coordination of project deliverables.
• Support quality assurance and quality control processes throughout project execution.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and industry trends within pharmaceutical and life sciences facility design.

Client Development & Business Development:

• Support business development activities by assisting with proposals, qualification packages, and client pursuit strategies.
• Participate in project interviews, client presentations, conferences, and industry networking events.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to identify and cultivate new business opportunities within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and life sciences markets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
• Contribute technical expertise and thought leadership during client discussions and project pursuits.
• Represent Precis Engineering + Architecture professionally within the industry and help promote the firm's capabilities and services.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Confidence presenting technical concepts to clients, project teams, and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to project delivery and client service.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong client-service mindset with demonstrated relationship-building abilities.
• Interest in supporting business development, client engagement, and firm growth initiatives.
• Knowledge of building systems and multidisciplinary coordination requirements.
• Understanding of cleanroom design principles and regulated facility planning.
• Ability to prepare and coordinate construction documents for technically complex facilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution.
• 8 to 20 years of architectural design experience, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience programming and designing manufacturing, laboratory, research, or cleanroom facilities.
• Working knowledge of:
• Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
• FDA regulations and guidance documents
• ISPE Baseline Guides
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing workflows and facility requirements
• Architectural licensure preferred; candidates actively pursuing registration will also be considered.
• LEED Accreditation or sustainability-focused credentials are a plus.
• Experience supporting the design of:
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities
• Biotechnology facilities
• Cell and gene therapy facilities
• Institutional buildings
• Research laboratories
• Highly regulated environments
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities
• Experience participating in:
• Client pursuits and proposal development
• Project interviews and presentations
• Industry conferences and professional organizations
• Business development and relationship management activities
• Proficiency with:
• Autodesk Revit
• AutoCAD
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Project

Why Join Precis?

• Be part of a collaborative, innovative team that values your ideas and expertise.
• Shape growth for a respected, specialized engineering and architecture firm.
• Enjoy a flexible, supportive work environment and competitive compensation package.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Precis provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.