Building Enclosure Principal Architect

Responsibilities

ECS is seeking a Building Enclosure Principal to join our Pacific Building Science + Infrastructure team in Walnut Creek, CA. In this role, you will lead building enclosure consulting projects and serve as a senior technical expert on building enclosure investigations, assessments, commissioning, testing, and design consulting. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate building envelope performance, support construction quality, and deliver practical consulting solutions across a variety of facility types.  This is a client-facing role with daily interaction with clients, architects, contractors, engineers, and owners. The position involves significant responsibility for project management, technical execution, and mentorship of junior staff within a collaborative consulting environment.

Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Oversight

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge across a wide range of building science & infrastructure testing and consulting services, with expert-level competency in a primary discipline.
• Provide technical guidance and support to staff, assisting with complex testing and consulting challenges.
• Perform Principal-level review of reports, deliverables, and technical work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Oversee building science & infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with scope, technical standards, and ECS policies.
• Provide peer review and technical oversight of field work, including subcontractor activities.
• Maintain awareness of current regulations, codes, and industry standards, and communicate impacts to staff and projects.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead project execution from setup through closeout, ensuring deliverables meet scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Oversee project budgets, including review of change orders, invoices, and support of collection efforts.
• Ensure projects are properly staffed with trained and qualified personnel.
• Prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.
• Oversee preparation and review of proposals, reports, and change orders.
• Participate in project meetings and provide solutions to technical and administrative challenges.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Mentor and develop junior staff and Associate Principals, supporting overall team growth and technical advancement.
• Supervise staff assignments and provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Assist senior leadership with staffing decisions and maintaining appropriate team structure.
• Promote best practices in technical execution, communication, and client service.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Maintain and expand client relationships while actively supporting business development efforts.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities through existing and prospective clients.
• Participate in proposal development and positioning of ECS services.
• Serve as a key client contact, leading discussions related to project findings, recommendations, and deliverables.
• Act as an ambassador of ECS, proactively promoting company capabilities and strengths.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality consulting solutions.
• Interface with senior leadership to ensure effective project setup and execution.
• Host and attend client meetings, following up on deliverables and addressing questions.
• Contribute to internal initiatives such as improving templates, processes, and technical standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

#LI-RB1

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (NCARB).
• 12+ years of related experience in building enclosure consulting, including testing, commissioning (BECx), design review, or forensic assessments.
• Registered Architect license required
• Certified in at least one of the following preferred but not required:
  • IIBEC certifications (RRC, RWC, REWC, RBEC, CBECxP)
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison certifications (BECxP, CxA+BE)

Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of building science & infrastructure principles and applications.
• Strong understanding of construction practices, drawings, and site plans.
• Extensive knowledge of building codes and standards (IBC, ASHRAE, ASTM, SMACNA, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of building enclosure systems including cladding, roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, and related assemblies.
• Expertise in testing protocols, field performance, and interpretation of results relative to design and system performance.
• Proven ability to lead projects, mentor staff, and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent project management, consulting, and client relationship skills.
• Strong judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and report review.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated success in business development and client growth.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk uneven terrain, and work at heights as needed.

Why Join ECS?  

• Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

ECS Core Values:  Collaborate, Focus & Lead

The expected pay range for this role and location is $185,000 - $240,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.