Principal Laboratory Planner - Science, Technology and Defence Research Sectors

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AECOM Canada’s Buildings + Places team (B+P Canada) is seeking a Principal Laboratory Planner to join our team. This position is based out of our Ottawa or Montreal offices, with hybrid work options available. 

B+P Canada is a vibrant and growing transdisciplinary team spanning architecture, building engineering, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, economics and asset management for large public realm and infrastructure projects.

In this role, the Principal Laboratory Planner will primarily focus on leading exciting projects within the Science, Technology and Defence Research sectors.

Why AECOM?

AECOM is where design and innovation meet. We are a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and expertise, all driven by the desire to enhance community living and leave a sustainable legacy. Join us and be a part of a team that values professional growth, creative freedom, and the chance to contribute to projects that are more than just buildings—they are the backbones of communities.

Join AECOM, where your vision has the power to become the world’s reality. We are not just building structures; we are building a brighter future for all.

Job Summary: 

The Principal Laboratory Planner will provide design leadership in the delivery of very large architectural commissions (>$200M construction values), acting as the single individual having overall accountability to ensure the programming and design of science-related spaces, including appropriately integrating with the architectural design vision, and coordinating with the technical aspects of all other relevant design disciplines.

As an individual professional, the Principal Laboratory Planner is a recognized industry leader and authority in either a broad area of specialization and/or in a narrow but intensely specialized field within science facility planning, contributing on a regular basis to industry thought leadership through publications, social media, or speaking,

Major Responsibilities: 

• Demonstrates creativity, foresight and mature planning judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented problems, determining project objectives and requirements, organizing and developing standards and guides for diverse planning activities.
• Serves as the professional specialist for the organization in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles and processes for science-related facilities.
• Analyzes complex issues and is accountable for solving challenge problems. Is consulted extensively by peers and others with a high degree of reliance on their professional interpretations and technical knowledge.
• Makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative and have an important impact on extensive laboratory planning activities.
• Serves as a technical leader on projects confirming that the technical approach satisfies the client scope of services and expectations.
• Engages with project technical teams within field of expertise to confirm project approach and review deliverables.
• Possesses considerable knowledge of federal, provincial and local laws, standards and codes pertaining to various laboratory planning topics.
• Regularly reviews/audits projects to confirm appropriate technical quality activities are implemented to prevent rework and legal claims.
• Regularly called upon as a key expert in business development pursuits.

Minimum Requirements:

To be considered for this position, candidates must possess, at a very minimum: 

• University Degree in relevant field of study plus eight (8)+ years of experience in a similar role. To substantiate, please list as many projects as necessary to demonstrate collective 10+ years of experience in the proposed role, where:
  • Each project was undertaken in past 15 years (start date October 2009 or later)
  • At least one project must be a new build construction or renovation, delivered using a Design-Build or Construction Management delivery model
  • At least one project had a construction value >=$200M
• Registered Architect with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and/or the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ)

Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education may be considered. 

See Preferred Qualifications below. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Local expertise recognized within the profession and externally as an expert in Science, Technology, and Defence Research facilities, providing technical leadership in some or all those specialty areas; submitted relevant projects should demonstrate some or all the following complexity characteristics:
• Sustainable design performance where loads are significantly reduced through design achieving, or ready to achieve, net zero carbon emissions and net zero; and/or
• Control of chemical or biological process(es) (e.g., laboratory facilities, chemical distillation or reaction, disinfection, material containment, radiation, industrial processes, etc.); and/or
• A security environment using progressive security layers, like the RCMP Standard G1-206, from a minimum “public zone” up to, and including, a “security zone” that are typical to legislative buildings, laboratories, courthouses, and government facilities, and the purpose of which is to secure valuable assets and to restrict access to authorized individuals; and/or
• Layers of circulation or technical programming (e.g., research space(s) and laboratories, industrial or biological process control, hazardous materials storage, local and centralized safety systems, multiple user groups, etc.); and/or
• Intensive stakeholder and authority approval processes – government, crown corporations or public context (e.g., numerous approval bodies, ministerial or equivalent approval, etc.)
• A valid RELIABILITY STATUS security clearance, granted or approved by the CSP, PWGSC
• Certifications: Sustainability certifications and licensure with other architectural jurisdictions in North America are highly regarded
• Skills: Proficiency in BIM, MS 365, Adobe Suite, and strong communication abilities

• Company paid relocation is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for Canadian employment authorization is not available for this position.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.