Architectural Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager Infrastructure ArchitectureJob DescriptionThis Project Manager role sits within a growing San Franciscobased infrastructure design studio that creates sustainable, resilient, and visually compelling facilities for the water, power, public works, and transportation sectors. You will lead complex architectural projects from planning through construction, manage multidisciplinary teams, and build strong client relationships while ensuring that scope, schedule, budget, and design quality remain tightly aligned. The position is well-suited for experienced project managers, architectural engineers with project management responsibilities, or lead/principal architects looking to transition into a dedicated project management capacity.

Responsibilities

• Lead small- to medium-sized architectural projects through all phases of design and construction, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, staffing plans, and deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships through regular communication, meetings, and thorough project documentation.
• Direct and support Project Architects, Designers, and multidisciplinary consultant teams to deliver coordinated, high-quality design packages.
• Monitor and manage project financial performance, including budgets, labor utilization, invoicing, and additional services, and take corrective action when needed.
• Develop clean, attractive, and technically sound architectural designs appropriate for public and infrastructure-focused clients.
• Lead and mentor project teams, providing guidance, feedback, and support to help team members grow and perform at a high level.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve design and technical issues in a timely and collaborative manner.
• Apply creative problem solving and sound judgment to address challenges across a range of project types and phases.
• Communicate project goals, expectations, and progress clearly to clients, team members, and leadership through written reports, presentations, and meetings.
• Promote design excellence, quality control, and continuous improvement in project delivery processes and outcomes.

Essential Skills

• At least eight years of experience within a small to medium-sized firm or studio environment, managing technical project types such as industrial, civic, commercial, administration, operations, laboratory, maintenance, public works, or transportation facilities.
• Licensed architect with experience applying California building codes; familiarity with Oregon and/or Washington state codes is desirable.
• Bachelors and/or Masters degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Proficiency in Revit for architectural design and documentation.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam for drawing review, markups, and coordination.
• Proficiency in Deltek for project accounting, budgeting, and resource management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related productivity programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring project teams in a professional design environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present ideas clearly to clients and team members.
• Strong client service and relationship management skills, with a track record of building trust and long-term partnerships.
• Commitment to design excellence and continuous improvement in both process and outcomes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• LEED accreditation is preferred but not required.
• Background as an architectural engineer with project management responsibilities is considered highly relevant.
• Experience as a lead architect or principal-level architect who is interested in transitioning into a project manager role is welcome.
• Experience designing sustainable and resilient facilities for water, power, public works, or transportation sectors is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to apply creative problem solving and sound judgment across varied project types and phases.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, supportive team culture focused on quality and accountability.

Work EnvironmentThe studio operates in a hybrid work environment, with team members splitting their time between working from home and being physically present in the San Francisco office. A typical pattern may include several days per week working remotely and the remaining days in the office, allowing for both focused individual work and in-person collaboration. You will work closely with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants using tools such as Revit, Bluebeam, Deltek, and Microsoft Office in a professional, design-focused setting that emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and high-quality public infrastructure projects. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Francisco, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $128000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Francisco, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in San Francisco,CA.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.