Architect

Job Description

We have an opening for an Architect in the Project Management Office (PMO). This position combines hands-on architectural design and construction-document production with multidisciplinary coordination and technical oversight of work prepared by subcontracted architectural/engineering (A/E) firms. At both the TSS.3 and TSS.4 levels, you will personally develop complete design packages for smaller in-house projects, including tenant improvements, laboratory remodels, facility modifications, renovations, repairs, and additions at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

This position is intended for an experienced architect who wants to remain actively engaged in design, field investigation, code analysis, technical detailing, construction-document production, and construction support while coordinating with engineering disciplines and overseeing consultant-prepared work.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. 

You will

• Translate stakeholder requirements into technical criteria and coordinated architectural solutions for projects with challenging operational, security, existing-condition, schedule, and construction constraints.
• Independently plan and prepare complete architectural construction-document packages for small and medium-sized in-house projects, from conceptual design and existing-condition verification through final construction drawings and specifications.
• Develop complete and coordinated architectural designs addressing programming, space planning, building code, life-safety, egress, accessibility, building assemblies, interiors, exterior envelope, materials, details, schedules, and specifications.
• Perform building-code, life-safety, egress, and accessibility analyses and incorporate the results into the design and construction documents in accordance with applicable codes, standards, laws, regulations, and LLNL requirements.
• Take technical ownership of assigned work by researching unfamiliar conditions, evaluating appropriate materials and assemblies, applying codes and standards, and resolving issues with subject matter experts as needed.
• Provide construction-phase support, including reviewing submittals, responding to requests-for-information, evaluating field conditions, participating in site observations, preparing design revisions, and resolving construction issues.
• Prepare procurement documents for subcontracted A/E services, including scopes, criteria, design estimates, and schedules; oversee consultant work; and review internal and consultant documents for quality, coordination, constructability, and compliance with applicable building codes and LLNL standards.
• Manage design reviews, approvals, materials selection, multiple assignments, changing priorities, and deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

In addition, at the TSS.4 level,

• Serve as the architectural subject matter expert while remaining directly engaged in design, technical detailing, and construction-document production for complex, laboratory and high-hazard facility projects.
• Establish architectural approaches and resolve highly complex issues involving incomplete, conflicting, or uncertain requirements, existing conditions, codes, standards, or technical criteria.
• Lead technical and peer reviews of architectural designs and construction documents and advise management and project teams on the design, construction, and operation of laboratory and high-hazard facilities.
• Develop, interpret, and promote architectural criteria, technical practices, and lessons learned that improve project delivery.
• Serve as a PMO Design and Engineering technical representative on specialized projects or programs; mentor peers and less-experienced architects in technical problem solving, design development, construction-document production, and professional practice.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, or an equivalent combination of education and significant related A/E experience.
• California architect license, or licensure in another U.S. jurisdiction with ability to obtain California licensure through reciprocity within 12 months of employment.
• Demonstrated experience preparing complete architectural construction-document packages for renovations, remodels, tenant improvements, repairs, or similar existing-facility projects, including field investigation and existing-condition verification.
• Broad technical knowledge of architectural design, construction, building systems, assemblies, materials, detailing, and existing-condition challenges.
• Demonstrated experience performing building-code, life-safety, egress, and accessibility analyses with advanced knowledge of the California Building Code, the Americas with Disabilities Act (ADA), and federal accessibility requirements.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary designs, supporting construction, developing A/E scopes and criteria, and reviewing consultant-prepared construction documents.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex architectural problems using sound technical judgment, research, applicable codes and standards, and consultation with subject matter experts; manage multiple priorities; and communicate technical information effectively to project teams, management, stakeholders, consultants, and drafting support.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam or comparable PDF-editing software, and Microsoft Office applications.

In addition, at the TSS.4 level,

• Subject matter expert knowledge of architectural design and construction for complex laboratory, research, high-hazard, continuously operating, clean room, data center, industrial, or similar technically complex facilities.
• Significant experience personally producing construction documents for highly complex projects and resolving unusual, ambiguous, or high-consequence design issues.
• Significant experience providing technical leadership, peer review, and mentoring while remaining actively engaged in design and construction-document production.
• Significant experience planning highly complex projects, including design estimates, developing and managing budgets and schedules, and stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to establish architectural approaches where requirements, existing conditions, codes, standards, or technical criteria are incomplete, conflicting, or uncertain.
• Experience developing, interpreting, or influencing architectural standards, design criteria, technical practices, or project-delivery decisions beyond individual assigned projects; expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to advise senior management on complex architectural and project issues.

Desired Qualifications

• Master of Architecture or other relevant advanced degree.
• LEED Accredited Professional, Certified Access Specialist, ICC plan examiner or building inspector certification, or similar professional credential.
• Experience applying Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards or other federal accessibility requirements.
• Experience preparing or reviewing construction documents submitted to the California Division of the State Architect (DSA), including coordination of responses to plan-review comments.
• Experience using design-build or other alternative project-delivery methods.

Pay Range

$154,950 - $235,692 Annually

$154,950 - $196,476 (TSS.3) Annually

$185,850 - $235,692 (TSS.4) Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.