Senior Project Architect & Design Manager

Jacobs; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 142,200 - 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 seeking a Senior Project Architect & Design Manager in California, responsible for leading complex architectural projects across Cities & Places. The role involves ensuring compliance with building codes, overseeing multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative design solutions. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture, be licensed in California, and possess at least 20 years of architectural experience. The position is hybrid, requiring in-office presence 2-3 days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of architectural experience, including leading complex design projects.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced project environments.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Senior Project Architect on complex projects.
• Coordinate and develop architectural design from concept to documentation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure project compliance with codes.

Skills

Architectural design experience

Project management

Building codes knowledge

AutoCAD proficiency

Revit proficiency

BIM workflows

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

Licensed Architect in California

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.

At Jacobs, we are shaping the future of cities by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance how people live, work, and connect. Our California Cities & Places team collaborates with public‑ and private‑sector clients to create environments that are functional, resilient, and inspiring. As we continue to grow our architectural practice throughout California, we are seeking a client‑facing Senior Project Architect & Design Manager based in Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Francisco, CA to help lead complex, transformative projects that positively impact communities and clients alike.

This position functions primarily as a senior‑level Project Architect with deep expertise in building codes and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for building codes, zoning ordinances, life safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards across a diverse project portfolio. In this role, you will ensure project compliance with local, state, and national codes while supporting risk mitigation, quality assurance, and overall project efficiency. This responsibility includes serving as Architect of Record (AOR) on a range of projects throughout California.

In addition, as a Senior Design Manager, this role will lead multidisciplinary teams on cross‑market projects where architecture is a core component. The position requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program and design excellence standards. Project assignments will span Jacobs’ core markets, including corporate, industrial, high‑tech, municipal, transit, aviation, water, and higher education.

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 Northern or Southern California (depending on applicant’s location) on a regular basis.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a Snr. Project Architect and/or Design Manager on medium‑to‑large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places market in the West.
• Coordinate and develop the 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 and provide code analysis and compliance strategies during project planning, design development, and construction.
• 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, submittal and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visit/observations.
• Provide Quality Assurance and Quality Control reviews on Code Summary and Life Safety plans and serve as an SME on building codes, zoning regulations, and life safety requirements across numerous projects in California and the wider region.
• Interpret and apply local, state (CBC), and national building codes (e.g., IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments).
• 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.
• 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 (California)
• Minimum 20 years of architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi‑disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.
• Understanding and reasonable proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows.
• In‑depth understanding of building codes and have experience applying these to projects in one or more of the following core markets: Science & Tech, Commercial, Industrial, and Transportation markets.
• Experience leading ground‑up new build and Core & Shell as well as ‘warm‑shell’ interior fit‑out projects working alongside a core & shell/developer team.
• Experience with alternative delivery models Design‑Build, Progressive‑Design‑Build, CMAR, P3, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.
• Comfort working in a fast paced, collaborative project environment including ground‑up and Tenant Improvement projects.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong organizational, communications (verbal, written as well as hand sketching) skills, and leadership abilities are required

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Licensed Architect (Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, or Texas) in addition to California.
• NCARB Certificate for reciprocal licensing as required.
• DBIA Certification.
• Strong design sensibility combined with technical expertise.
• Experience working with California‑specific transit agencies for bus, rail, and ferry terminal & station facilities.
• Experience with sustainable design frameworks (LEED, WELL, Envision, etc.).

The salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target new hire salaries for this position across all listed U.S. locations. The base salary range for this position is $142,200.00 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.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. 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.

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. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment.