Designer 3: Infrastructure

MWA Architects Inc•Portland, OR

22d•$68,000 - $78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

MWA Architects is seeking a Designer 3 to join its growing Portland infrastructure design studio. The role contributes to sustainable, resilient, and beautiful infrastructure projects, adapting to multiple complex project scopes across design and construction. The successful candidate is expected to be responsible, enthusiastic, organized, detail-oriented, and able to communicate effectively with design teams and managers while exercising critical judgment and applying acquired knowledge. The Designer 3 performs technical and design work across project phases, including developing design solutions, coordinating consultants and project materials, researching building and development codes, and preparing technical documents for permit submission. The role also supports or leads programming, planning, construction administration, post-occupancy data collection, and project management tasks. The position may provide direction to others, mentor assigned staff, share technical knowledge, support client relationships, and contribute to proposals, interviews, professional activities, and firmwide initiatives. MWA describes its work as focused on essential community needs, complex projects, sustainable architecture, human health, and the well-being of the planet. The firm emphasizes inclusive workplaces, racial and socioeconomic equity, and designs that provide healthy and dignified environments. The position follows a hybrid schedule with three days per week in the office; this schedule may change based on team needs. The listed base pay range is $68,000 to $78,000, depending on skills, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements

Non-licensed architectural status and experience with Oregon and Washington building codes.
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
At least six years of project designer experience in a small- to medium-sized firm or studio environment.
At least two years of experience assisting with highly technical project types, such as industrial, civic, commercial, multifamily, administration, operations, laboratory, maintenance, facilities, public works, or transportation facilities.
Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, 3D computer modeling, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and related programs.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, and adapting standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
Ability to receive direction when executing decisions on unusual or complex issues.
Understanding of technology used to produce project design documents and drawings.
Experience working on multiple simultaneous projects in roles such as Job Captain, Technical Lead, Design Assistant, and Project Management Assistant.

Nice To Haves

LEED accreditation is preferred but not required.
Campus-type project experience is a plus.
Experience with sustainable and resilient design; LEED, Living Building, or another green accreditation is a plus.
Experienced, quick learner, and natural communicator.
Experience successfully fostering positive team synergy.
Knowledge and experience successfully completing approved tasks and solving design problems and methods.
Comfort managing up the chain of command.

Responsibilities

Performs assignments that develop professional work skills, knowledge, and abilities across design and technical areas.
Uses independent judgment on tasks based on experience with related projects or tasks.
Makes decisions on design problems and methods, coordinating with the Project Architect, Project Manager, and/or Lead Design Architect.
Applies an understanding of construction and the firm's responsibilities for administering design documents through construction.
Uses technology to produce documents and drawings supporting project design.
Manages coordination with A/E consultants for specific project aspects.
Assists with or leads project programming and planning requirements.
Assists in developing design solutions for all aspects of a project.
Leads development of technical documents for permit submission.
Coordinates materials and products with the project specification writer.
Researches building and development codes.
Assists with or leads construction administration.
Assists with or leads post-occupancy data collection when intended for the project.
Assists with project management tasks.
Takes direction on overall project scope and expectations and completes assigned work, seeking supervisor assistance as needed.
Provides direction to others involved in assigned tasks.
Mentors assigned staff and shares acquired technical knowledge and skills.
May participate in firmwide strategic plan initiatives and other entrepreneurial or leadership activities.
Attends selected professional organization meetings and/or events.
Performs high-quality technical work.
Assists the Project Architect and/or Project Manager in maintaining relationships with existing clients.
May attend client and industry events as a firm representative.
May assist with proposal responses and take part in project interviews.
Works with the Lead Design Architect to develop project concepts through design and construction.
Works across multiple simultaneous projects in capacities such as Job Captain, Technical Lead, Design Assistant, and Project Management Assistant.