Aviation Architecture Principal
At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.
Aviation Architecture Principal
We are currently searching for an Aviation Architecture Principal in our Boston office. In this role, you will help guide the overall direction of the Aviation sector for the New England Area and be part of HDR’s Aviation Architecture leadership team. The successful candidate must possess the drive, skillset, and charisma needed to win new work and oversee large Aviation projects.
Leadership and Business Development Responsibilities
Manage New England Area Aviation Sector Goals – Work closely with local office Business Group Manager and leadership to ensure that the Aviation Architecture sector is meeting the business objectives for the firm from a local, regional and national perspective.
Collaborate with Aviation Architecture Leadership – Work with the Global Director of Transportation Architecture and firmwide Aviation leaders to implement key initiatives, investments and strategies for growth and practice development, obtain new project work, generate thought leadership, and contribute towards local office profitability.
Grow Local Aviation Team – Working alongside office leadership and staff, grow a well‑balanced, multi‑disciplinary team; assess capabilities of staffing resources; grow, develop, recruit, and maintain expertise, balance all aspects of an expertise and design‑driven top‑tier Aviation practice.
Build Client Relationships – Develop strong client relationships and serve as a key client relationship manager on projects.
Demonstrate Local Leadership – Participate as an Aviation thought leader in professional organizations, activities and services in/around the region that further the firm’s vision, value and relationships.
Represent and Advance the Firm – Increase the awareness and understanding within the community of the firm’s Aviation practice on a local, regional, and national basis.
Business Development and Marketing – Coordinate regularly with the Business Group Manager and the Regional Aviation Director on all BD, marketing and practice growth efforts. Identify, qualify and develop business leads. Develop effective capture plans to convert leads to wins. Coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with local leadership and leverage their roles and assistance to build teamwork and maximize effectiveness and results of all BD and marketing efforts.
Proposal Writing – Lead and oversee the analysis of RFQs and RFPs and the development of written proposal responses. Develop, craft and write proposals and oversee the preparation and timely completion of qualifications packages and proposals with all contributing parties both inside and outside the firm.
Interviews and Presentations – Lead the development of interview presentation strategies, messaging, and all team preparations for winning presentations and interviews.
Regional Teamwork – Work and collaborate with the other Aviation leaders, marketing staff and design professionals throughout the firm and particularly within the region to develop relationships and win work.
Progress Tracking – Monitor marketing progress, performance indicators, marketing report accuracy, budgets and costs, risk management and manage progress within assigned marketing resource allocations.
Project Delivery Responsibilities
Direct and coordinate work of single or multi‑disciplinary teams throughout the project’s lifecycle (from development & initiation to close‑out).
Responsible for any project assignment regardless of size, visibility, number of disciplines, technical complexity or number of staff.
Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently.
Establish client relations and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings.
Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders.
Coordinate staffing and workload through entire project life cycle and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule.
Track financial aspects of projects and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within parameters of agreed‑to budget and schedule.
Work with the Accounting, Operational and Business leadership for periodic project reviews.
Implement QA/QC procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience on large‑scale Aviation projects.
Knowledge and experience within the local, regional and national Aviation market.
Experience with successfully developing and executing targeted market and client strategies.
Interest in sustainable design / LEED.
Advanced credentialing desired (e.g. ACHA, LEED, EDAC, etc).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
15 years related experience.
A minimum 7 years project management experience.
Registered Architect.
Must have experience on large‑scale projects.
Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client presentations.
Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market.
Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be willing to travel.
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.
Primary Location
Boston, MA
Schedule
Full‑time
Employee Status
Regular
Job Posting
May 6, 2026
We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
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