Laboratory Planner

DLR Group•San Diego, CA

26d•$85,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DLR Group is seeking a Laboratory Planner with a specialization in lab planning and supporting Science + Technology projects. This role is part of a growing Science + Technology group and offers opportunities for professional growth through client engagement, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and exposure to all phases of project delivery. The ideal candidate will be innovative, creative, and detail-oriented, with a passion for laboratory design and a commitment to creating spaces that support research, learning, innovation, and discovery. The position operates within a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility between office time and working from home.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Planning, or a related field.
Minimum five years of professional experience in laboratory planning and design.
Experience supporting laboratory programming, planning, design, and documentation.
Experience designing laboratory or research facilities, including BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments.
Understanding of laboratory equipment, casework, workflows, and service-distribution requirements.
Understanding of applicable building codes, laboratory design standards, regulations, and construction practices.
Proficiency with Revit, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and other relevant design software.
Strong written, verbal, client-service, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management abilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and adapt to changing project priorities.
Ability to travel locally and nationally up to 20%.
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our dynamic Science + Technology team culture.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for work visa or residency sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Professional registration or demonstrated progress toward registration.
Experience with academic, research, teaching, clinical, or analytical laboratory facilities.
Proficiency with AutoCAD, Enscape, Lumion, Adobe InDesign, or Adobe Photoshop.
LEED, WELL, or another sustainability-related credential.
Knowledge of sustainable and integrated laboratory design practices.
Membership in the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories.

Responsibilities

Work with Senior Laboratory Planners to develop program requirements, conceptual layouts, planning grids, and detailed design criteria for laboratory and research facilities.
Participate in the planning and design of laboratory environments for a variety of Science + Technology clients.
Assist in developing space programs and physical plans for laboratory and high-tech facilities.
Collaborate with project teams to develop laboratory organization, workflow, and service-distribution concepts.
Support the documentation of laboratory systems, including casework, equipment, utilities, and laboratory spaces.
Prepare and coordinate project drawings, specifications, and other contract documents using Revit and related design software.
Participate in client meetings, user-group sessions, project presentations, and coordination meetings alongside Senior Laboratory Planners and project leadership.
Gather client and user feedback and document meeting outcomes and design decisions in Bluebeam, Revit, and other project platforms.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and other disciplines to support integrated and coordinated project delivery.
Research laboratory equipment, casework, design standards, building codes, and industry best practices.
Assist clients and project teams with the evaluation and selection of laboratory casework and equipment.
Support construction administration activities and help respond to questions that arise during construction.
Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and accuracy in laboratory planning and project documentation.
Manage multiple project assignments while meeting established schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.
Contribute technical information, project content, and presentation materials to proposals and other marketing efforts as requested.
Remain current on laboratory planning trends, technologies, and innovations through continuing education and professional development.