Technical Designer - Critical Facilities - Junior

Location: Seattle, WA, US

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Gensler’s Critical Facilities practice is looking for a multi-talented technical designer to join our growing team. We are looking for a candidate with experience in the design and delivery of high-tech, new development architecture projects—whether for data centers, high density labs, or other complex designs. You will be a key team member to help expand our capabilities in support of our clients' aggressive expansion initiatives, working with our global and regional leaders to lead internal and external project teams and grow client relationships.  The ideal candidate will be adept in the design and technical elements of project delivery. 

Our Critical Facilities practice area is unique, having the ability to draw expertise from and collaborate with all of Gensler’s practice areas to serve clients based on their evolving technical requirements. Beyond data centers, our critical facilities team delivers projects for high performance/research/supercomputing, command and control centers, SCIFs, Artificial Intelligence centers, and various other technology-rich project types. 

Your Role

As a Gensler Technical Designer, you will collaborate with our design team to develop innovative design solutions as well as coordinate the design through the construction documentation phase of a project. You will be successful because you already know how to translate an architect's sketches and documents into realized 2D/3D models and images, and can research artistic and/or technical issues when they arise.  You will leverage your technical acumen and Revit skills to drive client projects from concept through build in a collaborative team. Your role is critical in the design and delivery of world-class Data Centers and other Critical Facilities projects. Your work ethic and dedication to problem solving, combined with our commitment to collaboration and mentoring, makes Gensler the perfect place to further your career.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver informed project solutions based on market expertise and an understanding of client goals

• Documentation coordination with consultants (structural, MEP, lighting, AV, acoustical, accessibility, building envelope, life safety, etc.)

• Coordinate with the project team, client, vendors, contractors, and consultants

• Resolve complex technical and design issues with team to produce innovative, technical, constructible solutions

• Direct production of drawings, specifications and construction administration tasks

• Responsible for delivery of documents with design intent and top-notch technical quality

• Process submittals/substitution requests during construction and address RFIs

• Interface with building and permitting officials during the permitting and construction phases of the project

• Actively participate and contribute to the financial performance of project

• Review and contribute to proposals and contracts with the Design Manager

• Establish and maintain ongoing, productive client relationships

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related design discipline (or equivalent experience)

• 0–5 years of related project experience, with growing responsibility and complexity

• Critical Facilities project experience or strong interest required; completed data center project experience preferred

• Strong proficiency in Revit required; familiarity with BIM 360, AutoCAD, and Enscape highly beneficial

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and/or SketchUp

• Foundational knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and applicable building codes

• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows and parametric design tools such as Grasshopper is a plus

• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices required

  • Portfolios should include at least one sustainability-focused project

  • Candidates should be prepared to speak to built work aligned with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, and/or Net Zero Building certification

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with a developing ability to contribute to technical design, planning, and occupancy studies

• Ability to research, compile, and analyze relevant data to support technical design decisions

• Demonstrated ability to write clear design reports and project specifications

• Comfortable working on projects of small to moderate complexity while exercising sound judgment within defined procedures

• Actively building productive internal and external working relationships

• Receives routine supervision and guidance, while contributing independently to project decisions and demonstrating creative problem-solving

Licensure/Certification: None required, though licensure in progress is welcomed

For consideration, please submit cover letter, resume and portfolio in PDF format. 

*The base salary range will be estimated between $75,000 - $82,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.