Senior Associate - Building Envelope

SOCOTEC US; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SOCOTEC US is expanding its Building Envelope services in Northern California and seeks a senior architect/engineer based in our Walnut Creek, San Jose, or Alameda offices. The role reports to regional leadership and covers envelope projects across new and existing structures.

You will lead project planning, budgets, client communication, and coordination with PMs, designers, and contractors, while mentoring field staff and ensuring compliance with California building codes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years of envelope project experience.
• Forensic experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• CA-registered Architect or PE status required.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Independent work ethic and teamwork ability.
• Detail-oriented with big-picture thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead envelope projects across below grade, exterior wall, and roof work.
• Lead meetings with PMs, contractors, designers, and owners.
• Review and produce detailed reports and drawings.
• Maintain knowledge of local building codes.
• Coordinate scope, budget, and schedule with stakeholders.
• Assist in proposals and new business solicitations.
• Mentor field services team and oversee site visits.
• Support billing reviews and collections as needed.
• Publish industry outreach and participate in seminars.
• Present in-house seminars and lunch-and-learns.
• Obtain AIA stamping/certification in CA as needed.
• Guide site reporting and ensure project efficiency.

Skills

Envelope exp

Project mgmt

Client comms

Budget tracking

Leadership

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s in Architecture or Engineering

Master’s in Architecture or Engineering preferred

CA-licensed Architect or PE

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are expanding our Building Envelope services to Northern California and seek the following candidate based in our San Jose, Alameda, or Walnut Creek, CA office.

This position will report to a Principal, Regional Director or designee level staff member within our local division leadership structure and will involve a variety of general functions, including but not limited to:

• Well versed in all phases of full envelope below grade, exterior wall and roof construction projects, in both new and existing structures.
• Successful completion and history of managing projects and deliverables.
• Conduct project level review and progress with Project Managers on designated assignments, including Scope and Budget tracking for Project Manager support.
• Capable of leading meetings among internal team members and externally with construction managers, sub-contractors, design consultants and owners, relative to envelope discussions.
• Review and produce detailed written reports and project documentation, including the ability to draw or sketch architectural details to support building‑envelope analysis and reporting.
• Maintain updated knowledge of building codes in local markets.
• Assess technical needs on projects and request support for work requirements.
• Communicate effectively and establish relationships with clients and job related management teams.
• Break down technical needs and deliverables while managing associated budget and schedule requirements to ensure successful project execution related to assigned projects.
• Provide visibility to Principal in charge of status, timelines, budget tracking and key concerns
• Assist in billing review and collections where necessary
• Provide manpower updates and resource availability
• Participate in corporative initiatives and associate level meetings to maintain and further develop protocols and\or procedures for continued improvements.
• Assist Principal in charge with new proposal estimates
• Assist Principal in charge in solicitation of new business
• Respond and effectively communicate to clients when project emergencies arise
• Publish and or participate in industry outreach or speaking engagements
• Present in-house seminars or related topics periodically including lunch and learns
• Obtain all professional certifications for the level of responsibility, AIA for signing and stamping drawings and designs in the state of California, primarily.
• Manage and mentor field services team by training staff to be thorough and diligent, teaching what to look for in the field, and guiding them on how to prepare for site visits and associated reporting, whether new construction or forensic in nature, to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned by Regional Manager or Building and Real Estate divisional leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years working with building envelope project experience
• Forensic experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering
• Masters in Architecture or Engineering preferred
• Registered Architect or Professional Engineer status required in the state of California
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent PC computer skills and experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) or suitable document, computing, and presentation programs
• Must demonstrate an ability to work independently as well as within a dynamic team environment, to think outside the box, and solve complex problems
• Ability to be detail-oriented as well as see the bigger picture