Director, Architecture & Engineering

About This Role

Lead the architectural, engineering, construction, and environmental aspects of real estate transactions for Principal Real Estate's Asset Management team. This role involves managing development projects, leading due diligence for acquisitions/dispositions, and driving sustainability initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage entitlement, budgeting, design, bidding, construction, and close-out activities for development, redevelopment, environmental remediation, capital projects, and tenant improvements.
• Oversee project teams from selection through completion, review design documents, support value engineering, monitor sustainability goals, and guide field progress to reduce risk and enhance asset value.
• Lead due diligence for acquisitions, mortgages, dispositions, and foreclosures, evaluating building systems, construction quality, environmental and seismic conditions, and long-term capital needs.
• Provide expert recommendations and cost assessments to support accurate underwriting and risk evaluation.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise to asset management, portfolio management, property management, and leasing teams on all physical aspects of the real estate portfolio.
• Develop and execute sustainability initiatives aligned with client goals, including energy/water efficiency, renewable and on-site generation opportunities, and building automation improvements.
• Pursue LEED, ENERGY STAR, and other industry certifications, and identify/secure rebates, incentives, and tax benefits for eligible projects.
• Stay current on industry trends, engineering standards, and best practices.
• Represent client interests in industry forums to strengthen risk management, protect asset value, and support competitive investment performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and professional licensure in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Civil/Environmental Engineering or other applicable field
• 10+ years of relevant post-licensure experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable regulatory standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and professional licensure in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Civil/Environmental Engineering or other applicable field
• 10+ years of relevant post-licensure experience in a related position at an investment firm or in an architectural, engineering, or construction management position

Nice to Have

• Prior experience at an investment management firm
• Project management experience in a variety of building project types (senior living, multi-family residential, office, retail, industrial)
• Experience working with joint venture partners
• Ability to manage third-party technical consultants, interpret reports and provide recommendations for in-house asset management staff
• Master's Degree
• Strong client service orientation
• Ability to make effective, critical high-impact decisions, creative problem-solving capabilities, and proven consulting and project management skills
• Assertive, diplomatic and positive

Benefits