Project Architect

Project Architect l Municipal & Federal Projects  

$85,000–$115,000+ annually | Full-time | Primarily in-office with flexible start and end times

Build meaningful projects—and a career that reflects your strengths

You have developed solid architectural experience. Your next opportunity should give you more than another set of drawings to complete. It should offer greater project ownership, a voice in your career direction, and the opportunity to see your work through from early planning to delivery.

Ridgeback Recruiting is conducting a confidential search for a Project Architect on behalf of an established, multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm in Latham, New York area. This opportunity combines the visibility of a smaller architecture team with the technical resources of an organization of approximately 175 employees.

The key advantage is ownership: the opportunity to contribute across project phases while developing a role that fits your strengths. Whether you want to deepen your technical expertise or move toward project management, client relationships, and leadership, the firm welcomes a conversation about the path you want to build. 

Why this opportunity is worth considering

• Shape your career direction. Continue growing as a hands-on architect, expand into project management, or build a combination of both. The balance can evolve with your experience, interests, and the firm’s needs.
• See more of the project. Contribute to assessments, programming, feasibility studies, design, documentation, and construction-phase work rather than being limited to one production task.
• Work across disciplines. Collaborate directly with engineering, structural, and other technical professionals to develop coordinated project solutions.
• Make a visible contribution. Join a smaller architecture group where your experience matters, supported by the resources of a larger multidisciplinary organization.
• Build leadership experience. Opportunities may include leading architectural assignments, coordinating project teams, mentoring colleagues, and taking on greater client responsibility.
• Discuss compensation that reflects your value. The anticipated salary range is $85,000–$115,000+, with compensation above $115,000 open for discussion for an especially strong candidate. A sign-on bonus may also be available. 

What you will do

You will support municipal and federal projects, bringing practical architectural judgment to new and existing facilities. Responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to projects from initial programming and feasibility through design, construction documentation, and construction-phase delivery.
• Perform and document existing-building assessments.
• Prepare architectural reports, programming studies, and feasibility studies.
• Review applicable building codes and requirements for new and existing facilities.
• Develop architectural drawings, details, and construction documents using Revit and/or AutoCAD.
• Coordinate architectural work with engineering disciplines, drafting teams, and specialty consultants.
• Serve as lead architect on multidisciplinary projects as your experience and assignments warrant.
• Support project planning, scheduling, coordination, and management.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Guide less-experienced team members and assume increasing project responsibility as your role develops. 

What you bring

We are seeking an architect with broad, practical experience who enjoys solving problems, collaborating across disciplines, and taking responsibility for quality work.

Qualifications include:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture.
• Approximately 5–10+ years of relevant architectural experience.
• Architectural registration strongly preferred. Experienced candidates who are actively progressing through the Architect Registration Examination process and are reasonably close to registration may also be considered.
• Experience across multiple project phases, including existing-building assessments, feasibility studies, renovations, and/or related architectural work.
• An understanding of New York State building codes and regulations.
• Basic to moderate proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD; advanced proficiency in both is not required.
• Strong technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• The ability to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to multiple projects and schedules.
• Interest in greater project ownership, technical leadership, project management, and/or mentoring.
• Authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

A portfolio is welcome but not required. If your experience is stronger in one software platform or your registration is nearing completion, we encourage you to discuss your background with us. 

Compensation and benefits

Compensation that recognizes your experience

The anticipated annual salary is $85,000–$115,000+, based on architectural experience, licensure, technical capabilities, project breadth, and leadership or project management experience.

The upper end is not an absolute ceiling: compensation above $115,000 can be discussed for an especially strong match.

A sign-on bonus may be available to help with relocation or other transition expenses. Eligibility, payment timing, and any repayment provisions would be confirmed in an individual offer. 

Support for your health, financial well-being, and life outside work

The firm’s benefits package includes:

• Multiple medical insurance options and Health Savings Account options.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• A 401(k) plan.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Telemedicine and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays.
• Performance bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities and reimbursement.
• Wellness programs.
• Paid volunteer and community-service opportunities.
• A referral bonus program.
• Lunch-and-learn programs, team-building events, and company social activities.
• Flexible daily scheduling.
• Company vehicles available for business travel. 

A clear picture of the work environment

Office-based collaboration with daily scheduling flexibility

This position is primarily in-office in Latham, New York area, with flexibility in start and end times around core business hours.

A regularly scheduled hybrid arrangement is not offered. During onboarding, you should expect to work in the office while becoming familiar with the team, projects, and processes. Once established, occasional work-from-home days may be possible when circumstances warrant and project commitments can still be met. 

Generally modest, planned travel

Most travel involves day trips within a few hours by car. Occasional federal planning meetings or design workshops may require approximately three days to one week away.

Historically, these longer trips have occurred roughly once every six months, although travel needs may change as the federal portfolio grows. Some federal or military-site assignments may require background or security screening for access; a formal security clearance has not been confirmed as a general requirement for the position. 

A place to build your life, too

Latham offers a suburban home base in the Capital region with access to many restaurants, cultural attractions, college sports, and outdoor recreation.

Outside work, the surrounding region offers Saratoga Springs and its performing arts venues, Lake George and the Adirondacks, local walking and cycling trails, and arts and entertainment in Albany and Schenectady. For candidates considering relocation, the area offers opportunities to combine suburban living with cultural activities and outdoor destinations. 

Explore your next step confidentially

You do not need to be actively searching—or have a portfolio ready—to start a conversation. If you want broader project involvement, a career path shaped around your strengths, and the opportunity to contribute within an established multidisciplinary firm, we would welcome an introduction.