Technical Architect - Aviation

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.

Applicants should possess a minimum of 8 years of experience in technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of complex architectural and engineering design intent, including work on entire terminals or major terminal expansion projects.

• Contribute to technical resolution and innovation, driving architectural project development across all phases within firm scope and goals.
• Integrate criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.
• Communicate and maintain standards of quality for documentation products for the full internal and external team.
• Lead the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
• Lead the research, review, and analysis of applicable codes, providing code parameters and restrictions early in the design process.
• Propose and assess construction and building systems.
• Collaborate with SOM’s Sustainable Engineering group to track energy, water, and carbon use intensities on projects and provide documentation for AIA
  2030 reporting.
• Lead design and construction documentation—including vignettes, animations, drawings, and specifications—ensuring consistency with firm standards for publication and presentation.
• Develop, coordinate, and review the technical specifications for the project.
• Foster positive relationships with clients and the design community.
• Remain committed to working within established project budgets and schedules.
• When required, work with the Digital Design Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project.
• Lead the team’s construction phase services scope, including periodic site visits to monitor progress, identify corrections, attend mock‑up reviews, and review shop drawings for design intent.
• Participate in the interview and selection process of contractors, where appropriate.
• Attend and present in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings; review and approve meeting minutes.
• Attend and facilitate weekly internal project team meetings.
• Actively participate in local and firm‑wide Technical Meetings and contribute to activities led by these groups.
• Actively participate in Airport Practice Business Development.

• Actively lead a project team.
• Directly supervise, train, and mentor team members.
• Engage in talent strategy to recruit specialists, leaders, and future professionals through resume review and interviews.
• Demonstrate leadership in implementing sustainable strategies across all project assignments and developing staff knowledge.
• Create and drive new ways of working by contributing to the development of services, standards, and procedures based on business principles that protect the firm from financial and legal risk.

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles, including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.

• Health and Wellness:
  Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance.
• Savings: 401(k) matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs.
• Work/Life Balance:
  Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
• Professional Development:
  Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, exam fees, and specialized in‑house career development.

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $100,000 – $130,000.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.