Associate Project Architect
Relocate to Australia: Associate Director - Project Architect (NSQEP)
Full-time
State/Province: South Australia
Business Group: DCS
Legal Entity: AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places
Work Location Model: Hybrid
Operating Group: International
Primary Location: AU - Adelaide, SA
As an Associate Director – Project Architect you will lead the design and delivery of complex facilities within highly regulated environments including defence, research and nuclear infrastructure. You will provide architectural leadership across multidisciplinary teams, guiding coordinated design outcomes from concept through to delivery while maintaining strong alignment with safety and operational requirements. The role requires a balance of strong design capability, technical leadership and stakeholder engagement with responsibility for shaping project direction, managing interfaces and ensuring design integrity is maintained throughout all stages of delivery.
How you'll make a difference
Lead the architectural design and delivery of complex defence, research, and nuclear infrastructure projects within highly regulated environments
Act as Project Architect, maintaining design intent and ensuring coordinated, high-quality outcomes across all project stages
Lead multidisciplinary design coordination, integrating architectural, structural, services, and specialist systems into cohesive solutions
Translate nuclear safety case and regulatory requirements into robust architectural design responses in collaboration with subject matter experts
Oversee design development, technical documentation, and compliance with relevant standards including Defence, NCC, IAEA, and applicable nuclear frameworks
Lead client and stakeholder engagement, building trusted relationships and ensuring alignment across project objectives and expectations
Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to project teams while driving continuous improvement and delivery excellence
The qualities that help you thrive
Accredited degree in Architecture with registration as an Architect in Australia (or eligibility for registration)
10–15+ years' experience in architecture, including leadership roles on complex, safety-critical projects
Proven experience acting as Project Architect and/or Principal Consultant on medium to large-scale projects
Demonstrated experience in highly regulated environments such as defence, laboratories, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or nuclear-related facilities
Strong understanding of Defence design standards, government delivery frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements
Experience working with safety-in-design principles, human factors, and complex systems integration in high-hazard environments
Australian Citizenship (or eligibility for AUKUS clearance) is required; NSQEP recognition and/or postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded
Why you'll love working with us
Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, full-time, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options
Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better
Continuous learning and growth – lunch and learns, professional development courses, financial study assistance, 5 days paid study leave, global career opportunities
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
J-18808-Ljbffr