Associate Director – Project Architect (NSQEP)

Overview

As Associate Director – Project Architect, you will lead design and delivery of complex, safety-critical facilities in regulated environments, shaping project direction and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams. You’ll translate regulatory requirements into robust architectural solutions while maintaining design integrity across stages. You will engage clients and stakeholders, mentor teams, and drive delivery excellence in defence, research, and nuclear projects. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to high-stakes infrastructure with global reach.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible work arrangements
• additional annual leave (up to 6 weeks)
• flex public holidays
• continuous learning and professional development
• study leave and financial study assistance
• global career opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and delivery of complex defence, research, and nuclear infrastructure projects in regulated settings
• Act as Project Architect to maintain design intent and ensure high-quality outcomes across project stages
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design efforts, integrating architectural, structural, services, and specialist systems
• Translate nuclear safety case and regulatory requirements into architectural design responses with subject matter experts
• Oversee design development, technical documentation, and compliance with Defence, NCC, IAEA, and nuclear frameworks
• Lead client and stakeholder engagement to align objectives and expectations
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and continuous improvement across project teams

Key requirements

• Accredited degree in Architecture with registration as an Architect in Australia (or eligibility)
• 10–15+ years’ architecture experience, including leadership on complex, safety-critical projects
• Proven Project Architect and/or Principal Consultant experience on medium to large-scale projects
• Experience in highly regulated environments (defence, laboratories, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or nuclear)
• Strong understanding of Defence design standards, government delivery frameworks, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with safety-in-design, human factors, and complex systems integration in high-hazard environments
• Australian Citizenship or eligibility for AUKUS clearance; NSQEP recognition/postgraduate qualifications preferred

• stakeholder engagement
• leadership and mentoring
• communication and relationship-building
• defence design standards
• regulatory compliance (NCC, IAEA, nuclear frameworks)
• safety-in-design principles

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