Designer 3: Infrastructure

MWA Architects•Portland, OR

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

MWA Architects is seeking a Designer 3 to join its growing Portland infrastructure design studio. The role supports sustainable, resilient, and beautiful infrastructure projects and calls for a responsible, enthusiastic, organized team player who can adapt to multiple complex project scopes across design and construction. The designer is expected to bring attention to detail, communicate effectively with the design team and managers, and apply critical judgment and acquired knowledge. MWA describes its work environment as dynamic and engaging and seeks applicants who will contribute to an inclusive workplace. The position performs professional design and technical work across project phases, including programming and planning, design development, technical documentation, permitting, consultant coordination, construction administration, and project management support. The designer exercises independent judgment on familiar tasks and design decisions, while receiving direction on overall project scope and on unusual or complex issues. The role also involves mentoring and directing staff, sharing technical knowledge, maintaining client relationships, and potentially supporting firm initiatives, proposals, interviews, and professional or industry events. The role is based in MWA’s Portland infrastructure studio. The firm currently follows a hybrid schedule with three days per week in the office, subject to change based on team needs. The stated base pay range is $68,000–$78,000, depending on skills, qualifications, and experience. MWA requires applicants to be authorized to work for any employer in the United States and states that it is not currently sponsoring or taking over sponsorship of employment visas.

Requirements

Non-licensed architectural status with experience with Oregon and Washington building codes.
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
At least six years of project designer experience within 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 on decisions involving unusual or complex issues.
Experience working on multiple simultaneous projects in roles such as Job Captain, Technical Lead, Design Assistant, and Project Management Assistant.
Ability to work with the Lead Design Architect to develop project concepts through design and construction.
Understanding of the technology used to produce documents and drawings supporting project design.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; the company is not currently sponsoring or taking over sponsorship of employment visas.

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 other green accreditation is a plus.
An experienced quick learner and natural communicator.
Experience successfully fostering positive team synergy.
Knowledge and experience completing approved tasks and solving design problems and methods.
Comfort managing up the chain of command.

Responsibilities

Perform assignments that develop professional work skills, knowledge, and abilities in design and technical areas.
Use independent judgment on tasks informed by experience on related projects or tasks.
Make design decisions and coordinate with the Project Architect, Project Manager, and/or Lead Design Architect.
Apply an understanding of construction and the firm’s responsibility for administering design documents through construction.
Use technology to produce project design documents and drawings.
Manage coordination with A/E consultants for specific project aspects.
Assist with or lead project programming and planning requirements.
Assist in developing design solutions for all aspects of a project.
Lead development of technical documents for permit submission.
Coordinate materials and products with the project specification writer.
Research building and development codes.
Assist with or lead construction administration.
Assist with or lead post-occupancy data collection when intended for the project.
Assist with project management tasks.
Take direction on overall project scope and expectations and complete assigned work, seeking supervisor assistance as needed.
Provide direction to others involved in assigned tasks.
Mentor assigned staff and share acquired technical knowledge and skills.
Perform high-quality technical work.
Assist the Project Architect and/or Project Manager in maintaining relationships with existing clients.
Attend client and industry events as a firm representative when asked.
Assist with proposal responses and participate in project interviews when needed.
Work with the Lead Design Architect to develop project concepts through design and construction.
Contribute to firmwide strategic plan initiatives and other entrepreneurial or leadership activities as appropriate.
Attend selected professional organization meetings and/or events.