Federal Principal; Science Focus

At 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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?
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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.

The Arlington Studio of HDR Architecture is in search of a Federal Architecture Principal with a Science focus to join our growing practice and continue the legacy of providing our clients and communities with creative design solutions that improve the health and human condition of those they serve.

• Lead project teams and oversee senior-level projects, ensuring successful CPARS and client satisfaction.
• Work strategically with the Federal Architecture Market Sector Director, Federal Architecture team and Managing Principal to present the best teams and services to our Science clients, increasing federal market share in the Mid Atlantic.
• Build client relationships and serve as a key client relationship manager on pursuits and projects.
• Represent and advance the firm by increasing awareness of HDR’s federal science practice locally, regionally and nationally.
• Participate as a thought leader in professional organizations, activities and services that further the firm’s vision, value and relationships.
• Develop strong marketing and business development plans, support BD activities and lead proposal writing efforts for federal science work.
• Lead the development of interview presentation strategies, messaging and all team preparations for winning presentations and interviews.

• Serve as Seller-Doer for the federal science market in DMV, meeting net fee booking goals.
• Contribute to strategic and business development plans.
• Lead and oversee the analysis of RFQs and RFPs and the development of written proposal responses.
• Collaborate with other leaders, marketing staff and design professionals throughout the firm to develop relationships, win work and grow the book of work.

• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED.
• PMP certification.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in A/E/C industry on large federal science projects of varied scale and complexity.
• Knowledge and experience within the local and regional federal market.
• Ability to collaborate and integrate with existing team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 15 years related experience and a minimum of 7 years of project management experience.
• Registered Architect and must lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
• Experience on large‑scale projects and extensive knowledge of the local and regional market.
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational, organizational and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and willingness to travel.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things…