Architecture and Urban Design Principal

Industry

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 challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by delivering innovative solutions that transform communities and create lasting value. We are seeking an accomplished Architecture + Urban Design Principal to join our New York-based team and help shape the future of the built environment across the Americas East region.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a recognized architectural professional who combines design excellence, market insight, client leadership, and business acumen. The successful candidate will help drive architectural innovation, strengthen key client relationships, shape major pursuits, mentor emerging talent, and lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering exceptional outcomes.

As Architecture + Urban Design Principal, you will work closely with Operations leadership, Market Growth teams, Client Account Managers, and Architecture leaders across Jacobs (Americas and International regions) to advance our regional / global growth strategy, elevate design excellence, and strengthen our position in the marketplace. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients while helping shape and execute growth strategies across our six core Cities & Places markets: Corporate + Commercial, Science + Technology, Transportation, Health, Government, and Industrial, while also connecting our Buildings capabilities with Jacobs' broader Transportation, Water, Energy + Power, and Advanced Facilities businesses.

What You'll Do

Client & Market Leadership

• Build, strengthen, and expand long-term client relationships through trusted advisory relationships and differentiated solutions.
• Represent Jacobs with clients, industry organizations, conferences, and professional associations.
• Develop a deep understanding of client priorities, business drivers, capital programs, and challenges to align Jacobs' capabilities with their strategic needs.

Strategic Growth & Pursuit Leadership

• Bring a strong seller-doer mindset to identify, shape, and win strategic opportunities.
• Partner with Market Growth Directors and Client Account Managers to develop client engagement and growth strategies.
• Lead capture and pursuit strategies for major opportunities, including positioning, differentiation, and value propositions.
• Lead or support team formation, proposal development, fee strategy, interview preparation, and client presentations.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities to strengthen Jacobs' market position.

Architectural Leadership & Design Excellence

• Champion innovative, sustainable, and high-performing architecture and urban design.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in developing transformative solutions that create meaningful client and community impact.
• Drive design quality and technical excellence while balancing creativity, performance, and client objectives.
• Promote design innovation and continuous improvement across the architectural practice.

Project Delivery & Operations

• Provide senior oversight of project performance, including quality, financial performance, schedule, staffing, safety, and client satisfaction.
• Work with project and operational leaders to identify risks and maintain successful project outcomes.
• Help ensure multidisciplinary teams have the leadership and resources required for successful delivery.

Thought Leadership & Talent Development

• Bring market insight, industry expertise, and strategic perspective that strengthen Jacobs' market position.
• Mentor and develop architectural professionals and emerging leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture centered on design excellence, innovation, inclusion, and accountability.
• Share knowledge and best practices across regional and global teams.

What You Bring to the Table

You are a respected architectural leader who combines design credibility with strong client relationships, market insight, and business leadership. You know how to build trusted partnerships, shape and win strategic opportunities, inspire multidisciplinary teams, and deliver complex projects successfully.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect (RA).
• 15+ years of experience in the AEC industry, including significant client-facing architectural leadership.
• Proven experience across multiple markets, including Corporate + Commercial, Hospitality, Higher Education, Science + Technology, Aviation, Sports + Entertainment, and Urban Regeneration.
• Demonstrated success leading complex multidisciplinary projects and teams.
• 5+ years of leadership responsibility involving direct client engagement and project oversight.
• Strong business development, networking, presentation, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Proven experience leading or supporting major pursuits, proposals, and client presentations.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, delivery metrics, and operational performance.
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary, multi-office, and global delivery environments.

Ideally, You'll Also Have

• Master's degree in Architecture.
• NCARB certification.
• Established industry profile and active involvement in professional organizations.
• Experience developing thought leadership and presenting at industry conferences or events.
• Demonstrated record of contributing to strategic wins, market growth, and strong client outcomes.

#LI-KD1

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

260,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

290,000.00

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 $260,000.00 to $290,000.00. 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 October 21, 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

CityStateCountryNew YorkNew YorkUnited States