Project Director, Building Technology

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger•Washington, DC

About The Position

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients’ most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 750 employees in ten office locations throughout the United States, SGH’s industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what’s possible. We are seeking a Project Director who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and trusted client relationships. The Project Director role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. This individual independently directs complex, high-risk projects and manages key client relationships while mentoring staff and upholding SGH’s technical, ethical, and quality standards with oversight from the Principal-in-Charge. The Director position responsibilities will be generally consistent with ASCE Grade VI and will include:

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering with 15+ years of experience, or a Master’s Degree with 10+ years of experience, in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required.
Demonstrated multi-year experience independently directing complex projects with limited oversight and acting as a primary client contact.
Strong technical judgment, risk awareness, and decision-making capability aligned with SGH’s standards.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff across multiple projects and teams.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with technical documentation, analysis tools, and presentation graphics.
Ability to travel to project sites as required and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

Nice To Haves

Architectural licensure and relevant credentials (e.g., AIA, NCARB) are strongly valued.

Responsibilities

Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, with delegated authority from the Principal-in-Charge.
Serve as a primary client contact on major projects, representing SGH professionally and effectively while managing scope, schedule, staffing, and delivery.
Provide technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of building envelope malfunctions and failures.
Direct and oversee design and construction-phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors and construction administration support.
Oversee and guide field investigations, water leakage testing, and component sampling of building envelope systems, including walls, roofs, windows, curtain walls, skylights, plaza waterproofing, and below-grade systems.
Lead the design of remedial repairs to existing building systems, ensuring constructability, durability, and risk-informed decision-making.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development support to staff across multiple projects, reinforcing SGH’s technical standards and collaborative culture.
Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, and technical deliverables to ensure quality and consistency.
Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing senior technical insight and professional judgment.
Demonstrate strong risk-management judgment related to technical approach, documentation, scope definition, and client communication, in coordination with the Principal-in-Charge.
Assist principals with business development efforts by helping to win repeat work through excellent service delivery, long-term client relationship management, and identification of additional client needs aligned with SGH’s services.
Maintain an active professional presence through industry involvement (associations, committees, speaking engagements, or publications) that enhances SGH’s reputation and visibility.