Building Enclosure Principal Architect

ECS Ltd•Walnut Creek, CA

About The Position

ECS is seeking a Building Enclosure Principal to join its Pacific Building Science + Infrastructure team in Walnut Creek, California. The Principal leads building enclosure consulting projects and serves as a senior technical expert in investigations, assessments, commissioning, testing, and design consulting. The role evaluates building envelope performance, supports construction quality, and delivers practical consulting solutions for a variety of facility types. It is client-facing, with regular interaction with clients, architects, contractors, engineers, and owners, and carries substantial responsibility for project management, technical execution, and developing junior staff. The position provides technical leadership and oversight across building science and infrastructure projects, including reviewing technical work and deliverables, guiding staff through complex challenges, overseeing field work and subcontractors, and ensuring work aligns with scope, standards, and ECS policies. It also leads project execution from setup through closeout, manages budgets and schedules, ensures appropriate staffing, and oversees proposals, reports, and change orders. The Principal mentors staff and Associate Principals, supports staffing and team development, and promotes best practices in technical execution, communication, and client service. The role also maintains and grows client relationships, identifies business opportunities, contributes to proposals, and serves as a key client contact. It collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership, participates in client meetings, and contributes to internal process and technical-standard improvements. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (NCARB).
At least 12 years of related building enclosure consulting experience, including testing, building enclosure commissioning (BECx), design review, or forensic assessments.
Registered Architect license required.
Extensive knowledge of building science and infrastructure principles and applications.
Strong understanding of construction practices, drawings, and site plans.
Extensive knowledge of building codes and standards, including IBC, ASHRAE, ASTM, and SMACNA.
Advanced knowledge of building enclosure systems, including cladding, roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, and related assemblies.
Expertise in testing protocols, field performance, and interpreting results in relation to design and system performance.
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.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven terrain, and work at heights as needed.

Nice To Haves

IIBEC certification such as RRC, RWC, REWC, RBEC, or CBECxP; or University of Wisconsin–Madison certification such as BECxP or CxA+BE. Certification is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of building science and infrastructure testing and consulting services, with expert-level competency in a primary discipline.
Provide technical guidance and support to staff on complex testing and consulting challenges.
Review reports, deliverables, and technical work at the Principal level for accuracy, consistency, and quality.
Oversee projects to ensure alignment with scope, technical standards, and ECS policies.
Provide peer review and technical oversight of field work, including subcontractor activities.
Monitor regulations, codes, and industry standards and communicate their impact to staff and projects.
Lead project execution from setup through closeout, ensuring deliverables meet scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
Oversee project budgets, review change orders and invoices, and support collection efforts.
Ensure projects are staffed with trained and qualified personnel.
Prioritize work across multiple concurrent projects to meet deadlines.
Oversee preparation and review of proposals, reports, and change orders.
Participate in project meetings and resolve technical and administrative challenges.
Mentor and develop junior staff and Associate Principals.
Supervise staff assignments and provide coaching, training, and performance feedback.
Assist senior leadership with staffing decisions and team structure.
Promote best practices in technical execution, communication, and client service.
Maintain and expand client relationships and support business development.
Identify and pursue project opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
Participate in proposal development and positioning ECS services.
Lead client discussions about project findings, recommendations, and deliverables.
Promote ECS capabilities and strengths as a company ambassador.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interface with senior leadership to support effective project setup and execution.
Host and attend client meetings, follow up on deliverables, and address questions.
Contribute to improvements in templates, processes, and technical standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.