Technical Director - Senior

Gensler; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability

Wellness program

Flex spending

Paid holidays

Paid time off

401k

Profit sharing

ESOP

Bonus opportunities

Tuition reimbursement

License reimbursement

Job summary

Gensler’s San Jose office seeks a Technical Director to provide technical leadership within Core & Shell and Advanced Technology, guiding complex projects from pursuit through construction. You will mentor teams, advance technical excellence, and collaborate with designers, consultants, and clients to deliver high-performing, code-compliant building envelopes and systems.

The role requires California licensure, 15+ years of experience, proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Active California Architect license required.
• 15+ years of progressive architectural experience; leadership of Core & Shell and base-building projects.
• Deep expertise in building envelope systems, facade detailing, curtain wall design, thermal performance, and exterior enclosures.
• Experience leading construction documentation, bid review, construction administration, and field observation.

Responsibilities

• Guide teams through all project delivery phases with studio leadership.
• Lead technical delivery integrating structural, core layout, and envelope assemblies.
• Oversee construction docs, specs, and admin activities.
• Coordinate facade systems design, weatherproofing, and cladding.
• Mentor junior staff and promote technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with building codes and standards.

Skills

Technical leadership

Client/stakeholder communication

Mentoring

Team leadership

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Job description

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Gensler's San Jose office is a dynamic center for innovation, technology, and design excellence. Our multidisciplinary teams partner with leading organizations to deliver transformative projects across Core & Shell, Advanced Technology, Mixed-Use, Critical Facilities, Education, and Workplace environments.

As a Technical Director, you will provide technical leadership within our Core & Shell and Advanced Technology practice, guiding complex projects from pursuit through construction. You will be a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, bringing deep expertise in building systems, envelope design, and project delivery while ensuring design intent is realized through technically sound, high-performing solutions.

This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines exceptional technical knowledge with strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills. You understand how to navigate complex project challenges, align stakeholder priorities, and drive teams toward successful outcomes.

Working closely with designers, architects, consultants, and clients, you will help shape project strategy, advance technical excellence, and support business development efforts across a diverse portfolio of project types and scales. You will also play a key role in mentoring emerging talent, fostering professional growth, and strengthening technical expertise throughout the studio.

The successful candidate is a proactive and collaborative professional with a comprehensive understanding of the architectural process, from pursuit and proposal development through construction administration. They bring a passion for design, a commitment to technical rigor, and a proven ability to lead teams in delivering innovative, high-quality projects.

What You Will Do

• Partner with Studio Directors, Principals, and project leadership to guide teams through all phases of project delivery.
• Lead technical delivery across all project phases, ensuring seamless integration between structural systems, core layout, and envelope assemblies.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of construction documentation, specifications, and construction administration activities.
• Oversee detailed design, documentation, and performance specifications for facade systems, curtain walls, cladding, glazing, and weatherproofing/waterproofing assemblies.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for project teams, resolving complex design and construction challenges in collaboration with consultants and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior staff through technical guidance, coaching, and day-to-day leadership.
• Ensure project teams remain informed of applicable building codes, legislation, industry standards, and firmwide quality management practices.
• Participate in Construction Administration efforts, including review of RFIs, submittals, change orders, and attendance at Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings as needed.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers regarding staffing, scheduling, project execution, and technical resourcing.
• Collaborate with technical leaders across the office, region, and firm to maintain consistency in technical standards and best practices.
• Support a wide variety of project typologies including core and shell developments, advanced tech, industrial, mixed-use, retail, government, sports, office buildings, and corporate interiors.
• Partner with studio leadership and legal counsel on matters related to project delivery, contracts, and construction-related risk management.

Your Qualifications

• Active California Architect license required.
• Professional degree in Architecture required.
• 15+ years of progressive architectural experience, including leadership of complex Core & Shell, Advanced Technology, and base-building projects.
• Deep expertise in building envelope systems, facade detailing, curtain wall design, thermal performance, and exterior enclosure assemblies.
• Extensive experience leading construction documentation, bid review, construction administration, field observation, and project delivery through completion.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, regulatory requirements, specification writing, construction contracts, and building systems, including roofing, waterproofing, and exterior enclosures.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for mentoring and developing talent while promoting technical excellence across project teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; experience with Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• LEED accreditation preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Builds trusted relationships with design firms, clients, and executive stakeholders.
• Partners effectively with leadership teams across professional services, technology, and financial services organizations.
• Facilitates complex stakeholder discussions and drives alignment around project goals and strategic decisions.
• Mentors and develops emerging professionals, fostering technical excellence and leadership growth.

Location

San Jose, CA, US

Contract Type

Full-Time

**The annual base salary will be estimated to be between $145,000 to $175,000. Gensler's total compensation package is multi-layered and includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing.**

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• disability
• wellness programs
• flex spending
• paid holidays
• paid time off
• 401k
• profit sharing
• employee stock ownership
• twice annual bonus opportunities
• tuition reimbursement
• professional license reimbursement

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.

Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable regulatory laws.

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