Education & Science Associate Principal

Education & Science Associate Principal

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 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?

Each 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 are currently searching for an Associate Principal to join our team focused on planning and designing exciting spaces in our higher education, science and research market group. Places that inspire students to learn, researchers to discover and curiosity to thrive. The successful candidate will work together with architects, engineers, and other design professionals as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team. We are an expertise-driven practice that balances deep technical knowledge with the highest degree of creativity.

In the role of Associate Principal for our Education & Science (EdSci) practice, you will help guide the overall direction of the EdSci sector in the Texas market and surrounding area and be part of a dynamic and growing Higher Education and Science team in Texas. The successful candidate must possess the drive, skillset, and charisma needed to develop a client base and to augment an unrivaled reputation for the core EdSci Team throughout the region.

The role includes a variety of duties ranging from engaging in business development, leading pursuits, and directing project teams. Critical to this role is a commitment to developing and nurturing strong client relationships, beginning with pre-positioning activities and continuing through project execution. These client relationships will be essential to creating opportunities and maintaining HDR's position for future work.

Project types include learning and teaching environments, research and development facilities for academic, institutional, government entities, and corporate science projects where clients are developing the latest technology and products for propelling humanity forward. Projects may include a variety of teaching, research, testing, and pre-production facilities in the areas of life sciences, physical sciences, biocontainment, animal research, public health, and related support facilities. Project opportunities are largely within the Texas market, but may extend to neighboring states and potentially abroad due to personal relationships, particular expertise, project needs, etc.

In the role of Education & Science Associate Principal, we'll count on you to:

• Contribute to the leadership and visioning for the EdSci sector in the Texas region
• Develop capture plans and initiate relationships with key new clients
• Maintain an active and visible presence in the EdSci sector
• Develop qualifications and proposals for EdSci pursuits
• Contribute to or leading pursuit go/no-go and strategy discussions
• Contribute to or direct interview strategies and implementation
• Prepare and negotiate project contracts
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge and/or Project Manager on projects as appropriate
• Maintain project oversight throughout execution, including conformance to client expectations for technical/quality, financial performance, and schedule adherence
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to project teams
• In collaboration with EdSci subject matter experts, and independently when appropriate, develop abstracts and presentations for industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and other similar events promoting program messages, research, project outcomes, lessons learned, trends, etc. related to facility design.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Registered Architect
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project Schedule)
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in use of Autodesk Revit and familiarity with related tools and process
• Demonstrated graphic presentation skills
• Strong knowledge of codes and good planning skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe HDR 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 Commitment As 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.

Primary Location: United States-Texas-Austin

Other Locations: United States-Texas-Round Rock

Industry: Architecture

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: EdSciComm ARC

Job Posting: Oct 10, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.