Technical Architect - Aviation

Location: New York

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.  We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.  Together we can achieve great things.
** Success at SOM Means
**** Position Summary
** SOM is seeking a Technical Designer with aviation experience to join our team in delivering innovative airport terminal projects across all phases of design and delivery.

Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience dedicated to the technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of complex architectural and engineering design intent. This experience should include work on entire terminals and/or major terminal expansion projects, with a demonstrated ability to maintain alignment with established scope, program, schedule, and budget objectives. Working closely with the Senior Designer, Project Manager, and Project Architect, the Technical Designer serves as a day-to-day co-leader of the project team in all phases—from planning and concept design through design development, construction documents, and construction administration.

The role requires proven technical expertise in airport planning and terminal design, including coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams and aviation stakeholders. Key responsibilities include leading code review and analysis, conducting and coordinating material and systems research, organizing and aligning technical specifications, and overseeing the production and coordination of construction documentation. The Technical Designer is also responsible for quality control procedures, ensuring timely and rigorous reviews at each project milestone to safeguard performance, constructability, and compliance.

Candidates should be familiar with both international and domestic aviation and building criteria, including relevant codes, standards, and guidelines that govern airport facilities. Experience contributing to Airport Practice business development; such as providing technical input, risk assessment, and design evaluation for RFP/RFQ responses and proposals which is strongly preferred and will be considered a plus.

The successful candidate will join a congenial and passionate group within SOM and be able to call upon and learn from gifted architects and engineers across the firms.
** Position Responsibilities
*** Contributes to the technical resolution and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm. Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.
* Communicates and maintains standards of quality for documentation products for the full internal and external team. Leads the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
* Leads the research, review, and analysis of applicable codes. Provides code parameters and restrictions early in the design process.
* Proposes and assesses construction and building systems.
* Where a Project Architect is not present, collaborates with SOM’s Sustainable Engineering group in tracking energy, water, and carbon use intensities on a project and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting.
* Leads design and construction documentation including but not limited to vignettes, animations, drawings and specifications. Construction documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
* Develops, coordinates, and reviews the technical specifications for the project.
* Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.
* Remains committed to working within the established project budgets and schedules.
* When required, works with the Digital Design Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project.
* Leads the team’s construction phase services scope including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and…