ARCHITECT

OVERVIEW

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center proudly serves as a Smithsonian Affiliate. We not only house Smithsonian’s largest artifact, but we also curate the world’s largest assemblage of space hardware. Our roots trace back to the very dawn of space exploration, and we’re also home to the one and only world-renowned Space Camp.

As an Architect, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of this iconic institution. You’ll oversee the planning, design, and execution of architectural projects that enhance our facilities and exhibit spaces, ensuring they inspire and educate generations to come. You’ll collaborate with internal stakeholders, engineers, and industry leaders to create functional and visually compelling environments that support our mission in space exploration, STEM education, and museum operations.

Bring your architectural expertise to craft innovative and sustainable designs that elevate the guest experience. Work with your peers to expand our vision for the future of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and translate that vision into reality through excellence in execution.

As an ideal candidate, you’ll demonstrate strong project management skills, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for creating spaces that engage and inspire. Your ability to balance creativity with functionality, navigate regulatory requirements, and lead architectural initiatives will be instrumental in taking our facilities to new levels of excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Lead architectural planning, design, and project management for facility expansions, renovations, and exhibit spaces.
• Develop and maintain master plans for the organization's infrastructure, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Create conceptual and technical drawings, renderings, and specifications for projects.
• Oversee construction and renovation projects, ensuring quality control, adherence to timelines, and budget compliance.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop functional and engaging environments.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, ADA requirements, and sustainability guidelines.
• Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and consultants, including reviewing bids, negotiating contracts, and monitoring progress.
• Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations for infrastructure improvements and space utilization.
• Support maintenance and facilities teams in troubleshooting structural and design-related issues.
• Contribute to grant proposals and fundraising efforts by providing architectural insights and cost estimates for capital projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Level of Supervision: None

Travel Required: No

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

• Bachelor’s in architecture from an accredited institution.

Required Experience

• Licensed Architect

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural design and project management.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and other architectural design software.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May require occasional evening and weekend work based on project timelines.

• Strong knowledge of building codes, ADA compliance, and sustainable design principles.

• Knowledge or experience with DCM projects preferred.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

This position has the following special requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods (4-6 hours) while conducting business over the phone and operating a computer terminal.

• Ability to walk and climb stairs to access different departments.

• Capability to carry and lift items up to 30 pounds to waist height.

• Effective verbal communication and hearing ability to instruct employees and assist guests and service providers in person and over the telephone.

Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Factors

• Work indoors and outdoors in various temperatures and weather conditions.

DISCLAIMERS

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Duties and Responsibilities May Change with or Without Notice

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)