Principal Architect - Science, Technology and Defense Research Sectors

Company Description

At AECOM, we deliver a better world.

We believe that infrastructure creates opportunities for everyone. Whether it's improving your morning commute, lighting homes, making drinking water accessible, or transforming the urban landscape, our work helps people and communities thrive.

Our clients trust us to dedicate the best people, ideas, technical expertise, and digital solutions to our work in the transportation, building, water, environment, and new energy sectors. As a single global team, 47,000 of us together pursue the goal of delivering a better world.

Job Description

AECOM Canada's Buildings + Places team is looking for a Principal Architect to join its team. This position is based in our Ottawa or Montreal offices, with hybrid work possibilities.

AECOM Canada's Buildings + Places group is a dynamic and growing interdisciplinary team that integrates architecture, building engineering, landscape architecture, urban planning, economics, and asset management for infrastructure projects and the public domain.

In this role, the Principal Architect will primarily focus on leading exciting projects in the science, technology, and defense research sectors.

Why AECOM?

Design and innovation meet at AECOM. We are a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and expertise, driven by the desire to improve community life and leave a lasting legacy. Join us and be part of a team that values professional growth, creative freedom, and the opportunity to contribute to projects that are more than just buildings: they are the pillars of communities.

Join AECOM, where your vision has the power to become global reality. We don't just build buildings; we build a better future for everyone.

Summary of Functions:

The Principal Architect will be the technical lead in the execution of very large architectural commissions (construction value over $200M). They will notably ensure project management, design quality, and client relations for the duration of the projects and will be the assigned principal responsible for active and hands-on management of the integrated consultant team.

As project lead, you will have overall control and responsibility for the delivery of AECOM's technical services, foster a collaborative team environment, and promote an integrated approach to successful project execution.

As a strategic collaborator, you will lead communications and coordination with various stakeholders, including clients, communities, authorities, contractors, trades, and other consultants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Resolve significant and controversial issues with high-level internal professionals and client staff.
• Actively participate in business development activities, including giving presentations to current and potential clients as a technical expert.
• Make authoritative decisions and recommendations with broad scope on a range of activities related to architectural projects.
• Stay informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organization, to recommend changes to programs and applications.
• Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate mandates.
• Make autonomous decisions on technical problems and methods, and represent the organization at meetings and conferences held to resolve important issues and plan and coordinate work.
• Utilize advanced knowledge and experience to solve crucial problems or exceptional situations.
• Perform mandates under essentially administrative supervision, based on a general statement of objectives and limitations.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess at minimum:

• University degree in a relevant field and at least 10 (ten) years of experience as an architect. To justify this experience, please list as many projects as necessary to demonstrate a combined experience of more than 10 years, where:
• each project was undertaken within the last 15 years (start date: October 2009 or later);
• at least one project must be a new construction or renovation, completed using a design-build or construction management service delivery model;
• at least one project had a construction value greater than or equal to $200M.
• Member of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) or the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ), with over ten years of accreditation.

Relevant experience or a clearly demonstrated equivalent combination of experience and professional training may be considered.

See desirable qualifications below.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Recognized local expertise within the profession and externally as an expert in science, technology, and defense research facilities, with an ability to be technically responsible in some or all of these specialty areas; relevant projects submitted must demonstrate some or all of the following complexity characteristics:
• sustainable design performance with significantly reduced emissions through design that enables, or will enable, carbon neutrality;
• chemical or biological process control (e.g., laboratory facilities, chemical distillation or reaction, disinfection, material containment, radiation, industrial processes, etc.);
• a security environment including progressive security layers, as stated in RCMP standard G1-206, from a minimum "public access zone" to a "security zone" typical of legislative buildings, laboratories, courthouses, and government facilities, aimed at securing valuable assets and restricting access to authorized personnel;
• technical circulation or programming levels (e.g., research spaces and laboratories, industrial or biological process control, hazardous material storage, local and centralized security systems, multiple user groups, etc.);
• intensive stakeholder and authority approval processes: government, crown corporations, or public context (e.g., numerous approval bodies, ministerial approval or equivalent, etc.).
• A valid RELIABILITY STATUS, granted or approved by PSC or SPAC.
• Accreditations: Sustainability accreditations and practice permits with other architectural orders in North America are major assets.
• Skills: Proficiency in BIM technology, MS 365, and Adobe suite, and strong communication skills.

Additional Information

• No relocation opportunities for this position.
• Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available for this position.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, providing professional services throughout the project lifecycle - from consulting, planning, design, and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment, our public and private sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unparalleled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social, and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 company and its professional services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we deliver a lasting legacy for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunities

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you work from an AECOM office, a remote location, or a client site, you will work in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to come to work using their unique talents, backgrounds, and expertise to create transformational results for our clients.

AECOM offers a wide range of compensation, benefits, and wellness programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We are the trusted global infrastructure company, and we are in this together - your growth and success are ours too.

Join us and you will get all the benefits of being part of a publicly traded global company - access to cutting-edge technology and thinking and transformative work with significant impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in the potential of every person and we will help you achieve yours.

All your information will remain confidential in accordance with EEO guidelines.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.