Technical Architect - Aviation

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Summary

SOM is seeking a Technical Designer with aviation experience to join our team in delivering innovative airport terminal projects across all phases of design and delivery.Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of experience dedicated to the technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of complex architectural and engineering design intent. This experience should include work on entire terminals and/or major terminal expansion projects, with a demonstrated ability to maintain alignment with established scope, program, schedule, and budget objectives. Working closely with the Senior Designer, Project Manager, and Project Architect, the Technical Designer serves as a day-to-day co-leader of the project team in all phases—from planning and concept design through design development, construction documents, and construction administration. The role requires proven technical expertise in airport planning and terminal design, including coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams and aviation stakeholders. Key responsibilities include leading code review and analysis, conducting and coordinating material and systems research, organizing and aligning technical specifications, and overseeing the production and coordination of construction documentation. The Technical Designer is also responsible for quality control procedures, ensuring timely and rigorous reviews at each project milestone to safeguard performance, constructability, and compliance. Candidates should be familiar with both international and domestic aviation and building criteria, including relevant codes, standards, and guidelines that govern airport facilities. Experience contributing to Airport Practice business development; such as providing technical input, risk assessment, and design evaluation for RFP/RFQ responses and proposals which is strongly preferred and will be considered a plus.The successful candidate will join a congenial and passionate group within SOM and be able to call upon and learn from gifted architects and engineers across the firms.

Position Responsibilities

• Contributes to the technical resolution and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm. Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.

• Communicates and maintains standards of quality for documentation products for the full internal and external team. Leads the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.

• Leads the research, review, and analysis of applicable codes. Provides code parameters and restrictions early in the design process.

• Proposes and assesses construction and building systems.

• Where a Project Architect is not present, collaborates with SOM’s Sustainable Engineering group in tracking energy, water, and carbon use intensities on a project and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting.

• Leads design and construction documentation including but not limited to vignettes, animations, drawings and specifications. Construction documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.

• Develops, coordinates, and reviews the technical specifications for the project.

• Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.

• Remains committed to working within the established project budgets and schedules.

• When required, works with the Digital Design Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project.

• Leads the team’s construction phase services scope including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and identifying areas needing correction and/or modification; attending visual and performance mockup review; and reviewing shop drawings for design intent.

• Participates in the interview and selection process of contractors, where appropriate.

• Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings. Reviews and approves meeting minutes.

• Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.

• Actively participates in local and firm-wide Technical Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.

• Actively participates in local and firm-wide Technical Meetings and Airports/ Transportation Practice Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.- Actively participates in Airport Practice Business Development.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads a project team.

• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.

• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.

• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.

• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.

• Minimum 8 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs

Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $100,000 - $130,000.

Our Culture:Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.