Junior Architect Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Architect / Job Captain – Project Manager

Job Description

This role offers an experienced architect the opportunity to lead complex projects from schematic design through construction administration in a collaborative, design-driven studio. You will take ownership of project documentation, coordinate closely with internal teams and consultants, and ensure that design intent translates into precise, buildable solutions. The position is ideal for a technically strong architect who enjoys mentoring junior staff, managing multiple concurrent projects, and contributing to a culture that values creativity, open dialogue, and long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of comprehensive construction documentation sets across all project phases, from schematic design through construction administration.
• Translate design intent into clear, accurate, and buildable drawings and details that support high-quality project delivery.
• Prepare, revise, and manage drawing sets, details, and specifications while serving as a key technical resource for the project team.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, principals, consultants, and contractors to ensure project goals, schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Participate in and lead consultant coordination efforts, including structural, MEP, and other disciplines, ensuring well-integrated building systems.
• Oversee zoning and code compliance, including NYC Building Code, ADA, and zoning requirements, and manage agency submissions and filing processes.
• Respond to RFIs, submittals, and field issues during construction administration, providing timely and thoughtful resolutions.
• Maintain consistency, organization, and accuracy across all project deliverables, including drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Independently lead projects from concept design through construction administration with limited oversight from principals.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day client contact, representing the firm in meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and agencies.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, including schedules, staffing, and consultant coordination, while balancing priorities and deadlines.
• Mentor and manage junior staff, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster professional growth and strong team collaboration.
• Contribute to design discussions and reviews, bringing a strong design sensibility to theater, cultural, museum, and related project types.
• Support budgeting and project management tasks, including tracking progress, identifying risks, and helping to keep projects on time and within scope.
• Engage in a collaborative, idea-driven studio culture by actively participating in critiques, workshops, and internal knowledge sharing.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 7+ years of post-graduate professional experience in an architecture office.
• Professional degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Strong technical skills in architectural design, construction documents, and construction administration.
• Proven ability to independently lead projects from concept design through construction administration with limited principal oversight.
• Demonstrated experience producing and overseeing complex drawing sets with minimal supervision.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, with the ability to use both platforms effectively on active projects.
• Proficiency with architectural CAD workflows and design development processes.
• Strong knowledge of NYC Building Code, ADA, zoning regulations, and NYC filing and review processes, with experience on built projects.
• Experience managing and mentoring junior staff, including task delegation and quality control of their work.
• Solid project management capabilities, including scheduling, budgeting awareness, and coordination of multiple consultants.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, teams, and deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence, with comfort serving as primary client contact.
• Reliable, focused, creative, detail-oriented, and proactive working style.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• NYS architectural licensure strongly preferred.
• Experience with theater design, cultural projects, and museum design, including performing arts and exhibit environments.
• Interest in performance arts, media, broadcast, and real estate development project types.
• Experience with theaters, cultural facilities, museums, and related specialized project types is a plus.
• Advanced proficiency with Rhino and familiarity with additional design software such as SketchUp, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Familiarity with building systems and the ability to coordinate across multiple consultant disciplines.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to guide teams, foster collaboration, and support a positive studio culture.
• Interest in building long-term client relationships and contributing to future business opportunities for the firm.
• Strong design sensibility, with the ability to balance conceptual thinking and technical execution.
• Sense of humor, collaborative attitude, and comfort working in an open, idea-driven studio environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small, collaborative studio located in a vibrant Soho neighborhood, with an open office layout that encourages close, one-on-one collaboration and free exchange of ideas. The studio operates as a design-driven, detail-focused environment with exposure to thoughtfully designed, complex projects in performance arts, media, broadcast, and real estate development. The work schedule follows a hybrid model, with three in-office days and remote work on Monday and Friday, and typical hours of approximately 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an eight-hour workday. The culture is laid-back yet professional, emphasizing teamwork, open communication, and the opportunity to avoid being pigeonholed into a single role or project type. Team members enjoy regular social and professional development activities, including happy hours, team trips, lunch-and-learn sessions, and monthly office outings. The firm promotes from within, supports long-term career growth, and offers a competitive compensation package with benefits that include healthcare, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New York, NY.

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $50.00/hr.

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)

This is a hybrid position in New York,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.