Architect B/C - Façade Technical Detail Specialist

Build your career while building NYC Public schools and impacting the learning environments of the next generation! The SCA’s Architecture and Engineering Department develops scope, design, and construction documents for new school buildings, additions, lease conversions, and renovation work of existing schools for New York City’s approximately 1.1 million students. Projects are intentionally and thoughtfully designed with positive impact design at the forefront. The In-House studio is a multidisciplinary practice responsible for designing some of the largest and most complex schools in the 1,500+ school portfolio, as well as renovation work to existing schools. Two additional studios manage external consultants from design inception to completion. Together, the studios comprise talented architects and engineers driven to deliver high-quality, custom-designed, sustainable, and resilient public schools.

About the role

The Façade Technical Detail Specialist, Architect – Level A, B, or C reports to an A&E Director, Managing Architect, or Managing Engineer and performs work in various assignments and technical roles to achieve the Authority’s objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on façade-related scope, aligning project budget, schedule, and code compliance with SCA standards from early concept through construction, setting design strategy, and ensuring technical excellence on complex projects.
• Create and innovate with strong conceptual design ability and technical resolution.
• Integrate interdisciplinary criteria to advance envelope design and achieve a project's design and performance aspirations.
• Evaluate envelope systems for movement and tolerance, including thermal, structural (dead/live), seismic, and wind-induced conditions.
• Perform and oversee thermal analysis, including whole-assembly U-value calculations and condensation (dew point) studies using 2D and 3D simulation tools.
• Perform and oversee advanced façade analyses with specialized software, including structural behavior, geometry optimization, thermal performance, moisture/condensation, air/water tightness, system movement, durability, and long-term maintenance.
• Produce, coordinate, and/or oversee façade presentation content and deliverables such as detail sketches, diagrams, 3D models, drawings, specifications, and performance analysis.
• Provide technical direction and coordinate directly with in-house architects, engineers, specialty consultants, fabricators, and suppliers to ensure integrated, buildable solutions.
• Perform and/or direct material and building envelope research, analysis, and participate in the coordination and preparation of project specifications.
• Define preliminary sizing criteria for fenestration and rainscreen systems based on structural performance requirements.
• Advise on insulating glass unit (IGU) configurations to meet project-specific solar heat gain, thermal performance, and durability targets.
• Develop conceptual roof waterproofing assemblies, including overburden systems, with consideration for long-term maintenance and constructability.
• Develop typical façade details coordinating envelope systems with structural interfaces, addressing attachment, tolerances, and installation sequencing.
• Recommend roofing and waterproofing systems, including typical details and integration with façade assemblies.
• Coordinate with MEP teams and acoustic consultants to integrate façade performance into energy modeling and review model outputs for compliance and optimization.
• Develop and maintain a façade technical standards repository, including lessons learned and best practices.
• Lead internal training initiatives related to façade design, performance, and construction.
• Prepare and review specifications for façade and roofing systems.
• Advise on value engineering strategies while maintaining façade performance and durability standards.
• Witness and evaluate field performance testing (e.g., AAMA air and water infiltration tests).
• Conduct manufacturer facility inspections and QA/QC reviews.
• Ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Manage time and workload to meet project task deadlines, with occasional interaction and direction from team leaders while guiding and teaching in-house architects.
• May act as Managing Architect in the absence of the Managing Architect.
• Participate in cross-studio/division seminars and training workshops.
• Participate in construction phase services specific to building envelope systems, including bid scope reviews, shop drawing and submittal reviews, coordination and development of responses to inquiries and RFIs, preparation of punch-lists, and field observation reports.
• Investigate and resolve fabrication and field issues, coordinating with design and construction teams.

Requirements

• Valid New York State registration as an Architect (must be maintained for duration of employment).
• Level B: Three years full-time paid experience as a Registered Architect, two years of which must be as a project architect, project/team/squad leader, or comparable level of responsibility.
• Level C: Six years full-time paid experience as a Registered Architect, three years of which must be as a project architect, project/team/squad leader, or comparable level of responsibility.
• A graduate degree in Architecture may substitute for one year of experience, but two years of experience as a Registered Architect in a leadership role is still required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in façade design.
• Maintain NFRC certification for a minimum of 3 years.

Pay

Salary ranges are as follows (subject to the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement):

• Level B:
  • Appointment Rate: $97,304.00 - $131,863.00
  • Incumbent Rate: $111,900.00 - $151,643.00
• Level C:
  • Appointment Rate: $102,653.00 - $145,027.00
  • Incumbent Rate: $118,051.00 - $166,781.00

The appointment rate for newly hired employees or those with less than two years of active City or SCA service is 15% less than the applicable incumbent rate or step.

Benefits

• Medical (100% employer-paid basic coverage available).
• Prescription drug options.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• NYC Qualified Pension Plan (QPP).
• Optional retirement savings plans (401K, 457, and IRA).
• Transit Check Program.
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO).
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education directly related to your current role.
• Access to a broad range of individual and organizational training opportunities, including leadership development, technical skill-building, compliance, and personal/professional growth.

The SCA is interested in qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States and does not sponsor employment visas at this time.