Project Architect (Water Quality and R&D Labs)

Cities & Places 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 Project Architect based out of Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Francisco, CA , to help lead transformative design projects that positively impact communities.

Our Project Architect’s support and lead our design teams while working with clients in preparing designs, completing construction documents, develop building plans, code reviews, writes specifications and develops the presentation of materials. This role is centered around Life Science R&D facilities, Water/Wastewater (Water Quality Labs), but will also work across other s and project types.

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 Northern or Southern California (depending on applicants location) on a regular basis.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a Project Architect on medium-to-large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places .
• Lead the architectural design and technical development from early concept through construction documentation and construction contract administration with guidance and oversight/mentorship from Senior Architects.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and specialty consultants.
• Facilitate client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Interpret and apply local, state, and national building codes (e.g., IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments)
• Provide code analysis and compliance strategies during project planning, design development, and construction.
• 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.
• Lead the architectural team members on the project in planning deliverables alongside the project design schedules, 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.

#LI-NW2

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
• Licensed Architect (California)
• Minimum 15 years of architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.
• Working knowledge of model/rendering and design tools (including REVIT, AutoCAD, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, BIM360, Navisworks, Bluebeam Revu).
• Experience working with California-specific utility agencies and municipalities. Experience working with private-sector Science & Tech clients on R&D Lab projects.
• Deep understanding of building codes and their application to projects in the Science & Tech, Industrial, and Water/Wastewater s.
• Understanding of integration of building services, building core, and envelope elements and where these relate to the previously mentioned s.
• 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.
• 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

• 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 project teams and mentor emerging professionals.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

143,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

184,900.00

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 $143,000.00 to $184,900.00. 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. Job posted on May 12, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Irvine	California	United States
San Francisco	California	United States
Los Angeles	California	United States