Senior Lab Planner / Project Architect

Jacobs; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,700 - 251,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

Jacobs is hiring a Senior Lab Planner / Project Architect in California to lead transformative design projects. This role requires extensive experience in R&D Lab design and client-facing business development. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Architecture, be a licensed architect in the U.S., and possess strong communication, organizational, and project management skills. The position is hybrid, requiring 2-3 office days weekly and will involve collaboration with diverse teams on complex architectural projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of progressive architectural experience, including experience leading complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience in science and research projects including Wet & Dry Lab experience.
• In-depth understanding of building codes applicable to R&D Lab projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design efforts on complex architectural projects.
• Engage in client-facing business development activities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams for project success.
• Mentor junior architects and designers.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Multidisciplinary team coordination

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect (U.S.)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

BIM

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact. At Jacobs, we’re helping to shape the future of cities by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that elevate the way people live, work, and connect. Our California Cities & Places team partners with clients across the public and private sectors to create spaces that are functional, resilient, and inspiring. As we continue to expand our architectural practice in California, we’re seeking a client‑facing Senior Lab Planner / Project Architect based out of Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, CA, to help lead transformative design projects that positively impact communities.

We are seeking a “seller‑doer”‑type person that is technically strong individual with excellent communication skills and an extensive background in the R&D Laboratory/Life Sciences space. This person will work with our existing SME’s across the US as well as locally in California with local teams on R&D Lab pursuits and projects. Around 25‑35% of this role is focused on Business Development with current and new clients in the West region (covering the western US) but focused on California.

The remaining portion of this role is focused on leading Science & Tech projects as an Architectural and Lab Design Lead, working with Architects and engineers on developing and executing projects involving coordination and leadership on construction detailing, construction administration, building codes, as well as building materials through all phases of design and construction. Coordinates all project efforts in order to ensure effective execution, prepares strategic plans, and serves as primary client liaison.

Please note this is a hybrid position and will require you to be in the office 2‑3 days a week typically with travel to construction site locations in Southern California on a regular basis.

What You’ll Do

• Engage in client‑facing Business Development and project delivery activities, leading Lab planning efforts on projects in the region, collaborating with national lab‑planning SME’s.
• Serve as a project architect and/or design manager on medium‑to‑large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places market.
• Lead architectural design and technical development from early concept through construction documentation and construction contract administration.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and specialty consultants.
• Develop and review detailed drawing sets, specifications, building systems, and code compliance documentation.
• Facilitate client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Lead architectural design team efforts for construction phase services, providing or overseeing Jacobs’ responses to RFIs, submittals and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visit/observations.
• Be responsible for the overall quality of design deliverables in adherence with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program.
• Oversee and manage project design schedules, deliverables, and quality standards to ensure alignment with scope and client expectations.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, fostering a collaborative project environment.
• Support design strategy, sustainability goals, and digital delivery workflows (BIM/Revit).
• Partner with project managers to manage design risk, resolve technical challenges, and ensure successful execution.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Licensed Architect (U.S.)
  • Minimum 20 years of progressive architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi‑disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.
  • Demonstrated experience in science and research projects including Wet & Dry Lab experience.
• Understanding and reasonable proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows.
• In‑depth understanding of building codes and their application to R&D Lab projects.
• Understanding of integration of building services, building core, and envelope elements and where these relate to Science & Tech projects.
• Experience leading Core & Shell as well as ‘warm‑shell’ interior fit‑out projects working alongside a core & shell/developer team.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced, collaborative project environment including ground‑up and Tenant Improvement projects.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong organizational, communication (verbal, written as well as hand sketching) skills, and leadership abilities are required.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Vivarium experience – planning, design & construction.
• cGMP experience – planning, design & construction.
• Water Quality Lab experience – planning, design & construction.
• Experience with alternative delivery models Design‑Build, Progressive‑Design‑Build, CMAR, P3, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.
• Strong design sensibility combined with technical expertise.
• Experience with sustainable design frameworks (LEED, WELL, Envision, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and mentor emerging professionals.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $160,700.00 to $251,150.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.