At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural design for complex defence and nuclear projects, ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Join AECOM, a Fortune 500 firm known for iconic designs and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, additional leave, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with global career opportunities and a commitment to equity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the built environment while fostering diversity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Accredited Architect with experience in regulated environments; leadership skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Come and grow with us. Our global portfolio of work comprises the design of iconic and award-winning buildings and landscapes. From strategic planning through to project realisation, the connections we make among people and place provide sustainable outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve. We place a premium on investing in digital capabilities and innovations which bring a unique consistency and efficiency to our scalable work. Together with our clients, we are working to evolve and elevate the built environment across sectors including social infrastructure, transit, technology and logistics, and commercial and corporate real estate, while focusing on solutions that promote long term health and wellbeing for all.
Everyone belongs at AECOM. We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.
As an Associate Director Architecture (NSQEP), you will provide architectural leadership on complex defence, research and nuclear infrastructure projects. Combining strong design capability with experience in highly regulated environments, you will lead multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design and delivery of facilities that prioritise safety and operational performance. You will play a key role in shaping design strategy, guiding project teams and ensuring architectural outcomes align with nuclear safety requirements, Defence standards and international best practice. This role is based in Adelaide. Suitably qualified candidates will be considered for relocation.
How you’ll make a difference:
- Lead the architectural design and delivery of complex defence, research and nuclear infrastructure projects.
- Provide design leadership across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring high-quality and coordinated project outcomes.
- Oversee architectural outputs that support nuclear safety requirements, regulatory approvals and project governance.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients, stakeholders and project partners throughout all phases of project delivery.
- Guide the development of innovative, practical and resilient design solutions across complex building typologies.
- Mentor and develop architecture team members while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Support business growth through client engagement, technical leadership and the delivery of exceptional project outcomes.
Qualifications
The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.
The qualities that help you thrive:
- Accredited degree in Architecture with current registration as an Architect in Australia, or the ability to obtain registration.
- Ideally, 10-15 years' experience in architecture, including leadership roles on complex defence, research, healthcare, laboratory or safety-critical projects.
- Demonstrated experience delivering projects within highly regulated environments, with exposure to nuclear or defence sectors highly regarded.
- Strong understanding of nuclear safety frameworks, Defence design requirements and government project delivery standards.
- Experience leading architectural teams and managing multidisciplinary project delivery.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
- Chartered status, professional membership or relevant postgraduate qualifications will be highly regarded.
- Given the nature of our projects, Australian Citizenship (or AUKUS Clearance) is required.
Additional Information
Why you’ll love working with us:
- Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, 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.
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? 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. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and our communities live and work around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country in our work through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses.
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges.
AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well-being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together your growth and success are ours too. Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility.
Associate Director Architecture (NSQEP) employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion while offering a dynamic work environment in Adelaide. As an Associate Director Architecture, you will benefit from flexible work arrangements, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead innovative projects that shape the future of infrastructure. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values your unique contributions and supports your growth in a globally recognised firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Architecture (NSQEP)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from AECOM who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Architecture (NSQEP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at AECOM!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to AECOM. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at AECOM
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at AECOM.
