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Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and an IBM Quantum One computer - the first university-based quantum computer in the U.S. 

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Research Planner / Project Manager, reporting to the Director of Campus Planning & Facilities Design, is responsible for leading the design, development, and construction of cutting-edge research laboratory facilities and academic spaces for the Institution. The Research Planner / Project Manager is also responsible for developing and presenting research space allocation alternatives that support the Institute mission. In addition, the Research Planner / Project Manager will be involved in the delivery of design and construction capital projects in the one-to-ten-million-dollar range as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field
• Eight (8) years of experience in architectural design with specific expertise in research labs, science facilities, or higher education environments

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Architectural license in NYS
• Master’s degree in architecture or related field 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Bentley MicroStation and other architectural design tools.
• Ability to prepare construction drawings, specifications and related documents
• Strong understanding of building codes, safety regulations, and laboratory-specific requirements (such as air flow systems, hazardous material storage, etc.)
• Experience with coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders, timelines and budgets.
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills, with the ability to translate technical details into clear presentations for non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Requires knowledge of cost estimating for architectural/general construction portion of projects
• Requires knowledge of engineering economics
• Ability to operate a PC using standard office software
• Must be flexible in work style; able to work effectively with project representatives and workers from all fields
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively; ability to accommodate numerous interruptions to address emergencies and client requests
• Must function as part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Experience with 3D visualization software (Rhino, SketchUp or Enscape)
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and experience with LEED certification or similar frameworks is preferred

Job Duties

1. Design Development - Lead the design of specialized research laboratories, classrooms and academic facilities that meet the unique needs of faculty researchers and students
2. Space Planning - Collaborate with faculty, researchers and other institute stakeholders to determine space requirements and optimize layouts for efficiency, safety, and usability
3. Project Management – Coordinate with project A/E teams, contractors, and external vendors to ensure timely and budget-compliant project delivery from concept to completion
4. Compliance & Safety – Ensure all designs meet the relevant building codes, ADA accessibility, safety regulations and industry standards
5. Collaboration - Work closely with engineers, contractors, and internal Physical Plant and EH&S managers to integrate HVAC, plumbing, life safety and other lab-specific systems necessary for a complete code compliant project
6. Documentation & Specifications - Prepare detailed architectural drawings, 3D models, construction documents, and material specifications using software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM platforms.
7. Sustainable Design – Incorporate sustainable building practices and materials to align with the institutional goals and achieve LEED or equivalent certifications where applicable
8. Construction Oversight - Conduct site visits during construction to monitor progress, address issues, and ensure that the design intent is fully realized.
9. Initiate, organize, monitor and complete associated project administration. Ensure drawings, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals and product warranty information are transferred to Physical Plant. Close – out project and file documentation per the departmental standards.
10. Supply overview and training of all newly installed Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) systems to Physical Plant Trade Shops or others as necessary.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $85,000- $97,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).