Architectural Job Captain

About Penney Design Group Penney Design Group is a national, award-winning architecture, design, and planning firm based in Bethesda, MD. We are a relationship-driven firm focused on delivering creative, cost-effective solutions for clients across diverse sectors, including automotive, mixed-use, office, and residential design. We believe that great design and thorough, complete working drawings are the best form of marketing, and we are seeking talented, dedicated professionals to join our team-oriented environment.

Position Summary The Job Captain serves as a critical technical production leader responsible for preparing, coordinating, and performing meticulous quality control on final Construction Documents (CDs). Operating under a Project Manager or licensed Architect, you will execute the technical production mandate to ensure drawing sets are high-quality, fully coordinated, and ready for permitting and construction. This role is vital for mitigating project risk and managing documentation schedules efficiently.

What You'll Do

• Lead the preparation and management of complete Construction Document (CD) sets and supporting specifications.
• Conduct rigorous technical reviews of drawings to ensure consistency, constructability, and coordination integrity before final sealing.
• Translate design concepts and redlines into highly detailed construction drawings, sections, and assemblies.
• Apply expert knowledge of building codes (life safety, fire, accessibility) for the Mid-Atlantic region through active research and jurisdictional compliance.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for clients and consultants regarding the exchange of drawings and information.
• Oversee and mentor drafting personnel, providing technical guidance and quality assurance reviews of their work.
• Track project health by monitoring production schedules and labor budgets, reporting any variances to the Project Manager.
• Support business development by identifying market leads and maintaining client relationships to encourage repeat business.
• Attend project kick-off meetings to confirm site-specific requirements and align the documentation package with client expectations.

What You'll Bring

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Experience: At least 4 to 6 years of progressive professional experience in an architectural office, with a core focus on technical execution and CD production.
• Project Mastery: Substantial experience coordinating project delivery phases, specifically transitioning from Design Development (DD) through Construction Documents (CD).
• Software Expertise: Expert proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, along with high proficiency in Bluebeam Revu for advanced markups and quality control.
• Code Knowledge: Solid working knowledge of Mid-Atlantic building codes and the ability to interpret regulations to reduce risk.
• Functional Leadership: Proven ability to supervise junior staff, delegate tasks effectively, and perform quality assurance reviews.
• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage complex document sets and maintain firm-wide technical standards.

Nice-to-Haves

• BIM/Revit certification.
• Construction Documents Technologist (CSI-CDT) certification.
• Current progress toward Architecture licensure (AXP/ARE completion).

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Range: $85,000 - $115,000.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; firm-paid STD, LTD, Life, and AD&D insurance; 401(k) with company contribution; and paid parking.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, 8 paid holidays, a paid week-long winter closure, "Summer Fridays," and remote work options each Friday.
• Other Compensation: Eligibility for the firm’s discretionary bonus program (mid-year and year-end) based on firm and individual performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Penney Design Group, LLC is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, ancestry, creed, marital status, genetic information, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement Penney Design Group, LLC complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at info@penneydesigngroup.com.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This role requires frequent on-site visits to active construction sites and a physical presence in the Bethesda office. Are you able to meet these requirements?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• professional: 4 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Bethesda, MD 20814 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $115,000