Senior Architect📣 Job Ad

About the Role

AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, is seeking a Senior Architect to join its team in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time, on-site position involves contributing to architectural projects focused on large-scale urban master planning and high-rise building design. The role offers an opportunity to address complex challenges and shape urban development. AECOM's mission is to deliver a better world through its work, and this position supports that objective by advancing architectural excellence and mentoring emerging talent.

With increasing global infrastructure investment, AECOM's services are in demand. The company employs over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, and program managers delivering projects with tangible impact. This role is part of a global team working towards a common purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design initiatives from concept through construction administration and project closeout for large-scale urban master plans and high-rise projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives, urban planning frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and review detailed drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for complex urban developments and high-rise structures, adhering to Saudi Arabia building codes, international standards, and client design guidelines.
• Apply master planning experience to inform design strategy, feasibility analysis, and phased delivery approaches for large-scale urban initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal engineering disciplines, construction teams, consultants, and external stakeholders to develop coordinated and integrated design solutions for urban planning and high-rise components.
• Manage coordination with contractors, permitting authorities, and governmental agencies to support project delivery and regulatory approval for urban master plan developments.
• Serve as the principal architectural subject matter expert on large-scale urban planning and high-rise construction, providing strategic guidance on design feasibility, operational efficiency, scalability, and long-term facility performance.
• Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, promoting technical excellence, innovation, and professional growth.
• Analyze and apply industry best practices, emerging design trends, and technological advancements relevant to large-scale urban master planning and high-rise developments.
• Support business development by contributing to proposal writing, conceptual designs, and strategic planning for new pursuits.
• Ensure projects incorporate sustainable design principles and demonstrate commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates and managing expectations throughout project lifecycles.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Active architectural license or equivalent professional credential recognized in Saudi Arabia.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional architectural experience, with a significant focus on large-scale urban master plan projects and high-rise building design and delivery.
• A portfolio demonstrating successful design work on complex urban master planning initiatives and high-rise developments.
• Demonstrated expertise in building codes, mission-critical infrastructure standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with BIM software (Revit), AutoCAD, and related design and modeling tools.
• Strong project management capabilities and proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic language skills are a plus.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction methodologies, materials, and building systems specific to high-rise and large-scale urban developments.

Required Skills

• Urban Master Planning and High-rise Building Design
• Architectural Design, Construction Administration, and Project Closeout
• Alignment with Client Objectives, Urban Planning Frameworks, and Regulatory Requirements
• Development and Review of Detailed Drawings, Specifications, and Technical Documentation
• Expertise in Saudi Arabia Building Codes, International Standards, and Client Design Guidelines
• Master Planning Experience, Design Strategy, Feasibility Analysis, and Phased Delivery Approaches
• Collaboration with Internal Engineering Disciplines, Construction Teams, Consultants, and External Stakeholders
• Creation of Coordinated and Integrated Design Solutions
• Coordination with Contractors, Permitting Authorities, and Governmental Agencies
• Project Delivery Support and Regulatory Approval Support
• Serving as Architectural Subject Matter Expert, providing guidance on Design Feasibility, Operational Efficiency, Scalability, and Long-term Facility Performance
• Mentoring Junior Architects and Designers, fostering Technical Excellence, Innovation, and Professional Growth
• Application of Industry Best Practices, Emerging Design Trends, and Technological Advancements
• Business Development Support, including Proposal Writing, Conceptual Designs, and Strategic Planning
• Adherence to Sustainable Design Principles and Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
• Transparent Communication and Stakeholder Expectation Management
• Project Lifecycle Management
• Proficiency in BIM Software (Revit), AutoCAD, and related Design and Modeling Tools
• Project Management and Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
• Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills
• Understanding of Construction Methodologies, Materials, and Building Systems
• Experience in Global Project Environments with Diverse Stakeholder Groups
• LEED Accreditation or equivalent sustainable design certification
• Extensive experience coordinating with permitting authorities and regulatory agencies on large-scale urban projects
• Proven track record of successful client relationship management and stakeholder engagement on complex master plan developments
• Experience with Middle Eastern construction standards and Saudi Arabia regulatory frameworks for high-rise construction
• Advanced proficiency in 3D Visualization, Rendering, and Presentation Software
• Experience mentoring and developing junior architectural staff
• Knowledge of Innovative Design Technologies and Digital Project Delivery Methods
• Demonstrated Leadership Excellence with strong Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills
• Ability to work effectively in Culturally Diverse and Geographically Distributed Teams

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The role requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience.

AECOM is committed to a secure recruitment process. All newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

AECOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.