Senior Architectural Designer

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a Sr. Architectural Designer to join our Architecture Studio in Mechanicsburg, PA! This is a hybrid position, and the selected candidate will work an average of three (3) days per week in the Mechanicsburg, PA studio.

At GFT, our architecture team is at the forefront of innovative design, shaping inspirational, sustainable, and aesthetically striking structures that stand the test of time. Collaborating with a diverse group of industry experts and our in-house engineering teams, our architects leverage advanced technologies and creative solutions to deliver exceptional projects that positively impact and reshape communities. Explore some of our signature architecture projects. 

The Sr. Architectural Designer exercises independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and use of standard industry techniques, and independently solves problems as they arise. They receive technical guidance only on unusual or complex issues and supervisory approval on proposed project plans. The designer is competent in all conventional aspects of architecture and can manage and complete small project assignments while coordinating with in‑house design staff or consultants. Under supervision, they provide design assistance for a wide variety of project types, including renovations, new buildings, and interiors, across building types such as commercial, institutional, federal, transportation, and utility facilities. They also perform routine assignments as defined by their supervisor, requiring the application and adaptation of standard industry design techniques, procedures, and criteria. The Sr. Designer may be required to supervise a small group of technical staff on project assignments.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated Senior Architectural Designer who thrives in a collaborative team environment.

• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, adapting, and modifying standard architectural techniques and procedures.
• Manage and complete small to midsize project assignments while balancing competing priorities.
• Recognize gaps in information and proactively seek clarification to maintain project efficiency without interrupting workflow.
• Follow project and office standards while continuously improving through constructive feedback.
• Work proficiently with limited supervision, adapting to varying project demands, complexities, and timelines.
• Perform field visits to verify existing conditions, supervise staff on site, and gather critical design information.

What you’ll bring to our firm:

• Architectural Engineering Degree, or Bachelor of Architecture Degree, or Bachelor of Science with a Master of Architecture required.
• Starting or in process of fulfilling NCARB AXP requirements.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience working in an Architectural office.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, SketchUp, Photoshop, and 3D/rendering software.
• Strong verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
• Working knowledge of design software and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to communicate design ideas through verbal explanation, written documentation, and drawing production.
• Professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to incorporate constructive criticism to develop technical and design skills.

What we prefer you bring:

• Experience managing small project teams or task groups through project completion.
• Advanced 3D visualization and rendering capabilities for both internal and client-facing presentations.
• Familiarity with multiple building types, including commercial, institutional, federal, transportation, and utility facilities.
• Ability to work independently in the office or on project sites, including confined spaces or extended field assignments.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as project needs require.
• A proactive, self-directed approach to problem-solving and design development.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint is desired

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits: 

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.

We are committed to your personal growth and professional development, so we offer:

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Access to internal and external training programs.
• Support of active participation in professional organizations

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000 of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location:Mechanicsburg, PA

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time