Project Principal, Education and Science

DescriptionAt HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?Watch Our Story:' and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world.

From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.Principal, Education and Science We design spaces that change how people think, discover, and create — and we're looking for a Principal to help lead that work in the Southeast.Our Education and Science practice shapes research labs, academic institutions, and corporate life science environments for the world's most ambitious clients.

We're ranked #1 in Science and Technology and have earned 11 Lab of the Year awards — not by playing it safe, but by pairing deep technical rigor with bold, human-centered design.You'll join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and designers who believe the built environment can fundamentally shift human behavior. That belief drives everything we do, from the first client conversation to ribbon cutting.What you'll own:Setting strategic direction for the Education and Science sector across the regionBuilding and sustaining a high-value client portfolio through genuine, lasting relationshipsLeading pursuits from pre-positioning through close — and owning the resultsDirecting project teams with the confidence of someone who's done it beforeWhat you bring:Proven experience winning and delivering complex Education and Science projectsThe drive to grow a market, not just manage oneA reputation clients remember and competitors noticeWhat We're Looking For:You have experience working across science and education — with biotech, pharma, and academic clients — and an understanding of what these environments need to succeed. You have built client relationships to prove it.Beyond the portfolio, you bring sharp business development instincts, a genuine commitment to sustainable design, and the flexibility to show up where the work is.Most importantly, you thrive in a culture of ownership — literally. HDR is not a limited partnership or publicly held company.

We are 100% employee-owned, and we're looking for someone who takes that seriously.If you're drawn to work that shapes how the next generation learns and how discoveries get made, we'd love to connect.Preferred QualificationsExperience on large-scale science and higher education projects.Experience with biotech, pharma, or corporate science clients.Experience with general higher education academic buildings and programs.Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional science and education market.Proven business development experience in education and science consulting industry.Working knowledge of Revit.Willing to travel.Experience in sustainable and / or regenerative design.Experience and understanding of basic building physics, low carbon materials and high-performance design strategies.*LI-SA1QualificationsRequired Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Architecture15 years related experienceA minimum 7 years project management experienceRegistered ArchitectMust have experience on large-scale projectsMust be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentationsExperience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional marketStrong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skillsDesire to work towards the integration of holistic sustainable processes into design projects at early design stagesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsMust be willing to travelAn attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned cultureWhat We BelieveHDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.Our CommitmentAs employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.Job Field: ArchitectureSchedule: Full-timeEmployee Status: Regular