Life Sciences Leader

About the role

The Life Sciences Leader will drive the growth and technical excellence of Arup’s Science sector in Southern California. This role will lead the establishment of a Science hub in San Diego, support ambitious regional and national growth targets, and position Arup as a premier partner for life sciences clients across the West Coast.

Responsibilities

• Be a key part of the leadership team for the new San Diego office, having primary responsibility for the development of our science business in Southern California.
• Partner with the West Science Leader and other senior leadership to align growth plans with broader business goals and strategic initiatives, including identification of key clients and projects.
• Support business development efforts by leveraging sector knowledge, supporting proposals, and nurturing client relationships. Bring new, SD-focused relationships to Arup based on experience and local knowledge.
• Actively participate in local industry events, representing Arup as a speaker or panelist, bringing awareness to our capability in SD and the wider region.
• Engage locally with key clients and partners to grow the opportunity pipeline.
• Lead and deliver mechanical engineering design for medium to large-scale Life Sciences projects (laboratories, R&D, pharmaceutical, manufacturing facilities) as Engineer of Record.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, including planning, resourcing, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients and collaborators, facilitating meetings, presentations, and design discussions.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to project teams, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Integrate sustainable design principles and innovative engineering solutions into projects.
• Negotiate project contracts and conditions of engagement to optimize delivery and minimize risk.
• Regularly engage with the West Science Leader and Business Development Lead to establish key client relationships and target accounts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering.
• Valid Professional Engineering license in California.
• 15+ years of experience in mechanical / electrical engineering design for the built environment.
• 10+ years delivering medium to large-scale Life Sciences projects as Engineer of Record.
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams and mentoring engineers.
• Demonstrated experience of growing a new office and work winning skills.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Familiarity with business development processes and ability to contribute to proposal efforts.
• Experience integrating sustainable design strategies into mechanical or electrical engineering solutions.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Exposure to national standards and codes relevant to Life Sciences facilities.

Preferred

• Experience in science-focused industry events and forums.
• Exposure to strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

What we offer you

We offer an attractive total reward package that includes competitive, fair, and equitable pay, as well as benefits that support health and wellbeing, learning opportunities, and the potential to have an impact through the work you do. We also provide a career in which all of our members can belong, grow, and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellness, a wide range of learning opportunities, and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

Benefits at Work

• Comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low.
• Paid time off for rest and renewal.
• Global Profit Share Plan (payments are dependent on the firm’s financial performance).
• 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future.

Flexible Working

Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available.

San Diego Hiring Range

The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Diego is $152,650 to $203,550 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.