Life Sciences Leader

Arup’s purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We are seeking a Life Sciences Leader to join one of our West Coast offices. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving the growth and technical excellence of Arup’s Science sector across the West Coast. The successful candidate will lead the establishment and growth of a Science hub on the West Coast, strengthen our broader West Coast presence, support ambitious regional and national growth objectives, and position Arup as a premier partner for life sciences clients throughout the region.

• Be a key member of the West Coast leadership team, with primary responsibility for developing and growing Arup’s Life Sciences business across the West Coast, with a specific focus on San Francisco and Los Angeles.
• Partner with regional life sciences leaders to align growth plans with broader regional and national business goals and strategic initiatives, including identifying key clients, markets, and project opportunities.
• Support business development efforts by leveraging sector expertise, contributing to proposals, and developing and nurturing client relationships. Bring established West Coast relationships and market knowledge to help expand Arup’s presence across the region.
• Actively participate in industry events across the West Coast, representing Arup as a speaker, panelist, and industry leader while increasing awareness of our Science and Life Sciences capabilities.
• Engage with key clients, partners, and industry stakeholders across the West Coast to strengthen relationships and grow the opportunity pipeline.
• Lead and deliver mechanical engineering design for medium- to large-scale Life Sciences projects, including laboratories, R&D, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing facilities, serving as Engineer of Record where appropriate.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, including planning, resourcing, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Serve as a primary technical point of contact for clients and collaborators, facilitating meetings, presentations, and design discussions.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to project teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
• Integrate sustainable design principles and innovative engineering solutions into projects.
• Negotiate project contracts and conditions of engagement to optimize delivery and minimize risk.
• Regularly engage with the West Science Leader and Business Development Lead to establish strategic client relationships, identify target accounts, and advance priority opportunities across the West Coast.
• Success in this role will be measured by client engagement, growth of the West Coast opportunity pipeline, project pursuits and wins, and the successful establishment and growth of a Science hub in San Diego.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering.
• Valid Professional Engineering license in California.
• 15+ years of experience in mechanical / electrical engineering design for the built environment.
• 10+ years delivering medium to large-scale Life Sciences projects as Engineer of Record.
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams and mentoring engineers.
• Demonstrated experience of growing a new office and work winning skills Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Familiarity with business development processes and ability to contribute to proposal efforts.
• Experience integrating sustainable design strategies into mechanical or electrical engineering solutions.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary…