Associate Director – Architecture (NSQEP) - Adelaide, SA, Australia

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.

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 Nuclear / Nuclear Defence / NSQEP expeirence.
• 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.

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.

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About AECOM

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. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.