Architect Project Manager Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Architect project manager visa sponsorship jobs in California are concentrated in firms like Gensler, HOK, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with the heaviest hiring in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. California's dense pipeline of public infrastructure, tech campus, and mixed-use development projects drives consistent demand for internationally trained architect project managers.
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San Francisco, California, United States
INTRODUCTION
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
YOUR IMPACT
At Jacobs, we are shaping the future of cities by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance how people live, work, and connect. Our California Cities & Places team collaborates with public- and private-sector clients to create environments that are functional, resilient, and inspiring. As we continue to grow our architectural practice throughout California, we are seeking a client-facing Senior Project Architect & Design Manager based in Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Francisco, CA to help lead complex, transformative projects that positively impact communities and clients alike.
This position functions primarily as a senior-level Project Architect with deep expertise in building codes and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for building codes, zoning ordinances, life safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards across a diverse project portfolio. In this role, you will ensure project compliance with local, state, and national codes while supporting risk mitigation, quality assurance, and overall project efficiency. This responsibility includes serving as Architect of Record (AOR) on a range of projects throughout California.
In addition, as a Senior Design Manager, this role will lead multidisciplinary teams on cross-market projects where architecture is a core component. The position requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program and design excellence standards. Project assignments will span Jacobs’ core markets, including corporate, industrial, high-tech, municipal, transit, aviation, water, and higher education.
Please note: This is a hybrid position and will require you to be in the office 2-3 days a week typically with travel to construction site locations in Northern or Southern California (depending on applicant's location) on a regular basis.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Serve as a Snr. Project Architect and/or Design Manager on medium-to-large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places market in the West.
- Coordinate and develop the architectural design and technical development from early concept through construction documentation and construction contract administration.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and specialty consultants and provide code analysis and compliance strategies during project planning, design development, and construction.
- Facilitate client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Lead architectural design team efforts for construction phase services, providing or overseeing Jacobs’ responses to RFIs, submittal and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visit/observations.
- Provide Quality Assurance and Quality Control reviews on Code Summary and Life Safety plans and serve as an SME on building codes, zoning regulations, and life safety requirements across numerous projects in California and the wider region.
- Interpret and apply local, state (CBC), and national building codes (e.g., IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments).
- Be responsible for the overall quality of design deliverables in adherence with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program.
- Oversee and manage project design schedules, deliverables, and quality standards to ensure alignment with scope and client expectations.
- Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, fostering a collaborative project environment.
- Partner with project managers to manage design risk, resolve technical challenges, and ensure successful execution.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
- Licensed Architect (California)
- Minimum 20 years of architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.
- Understanding and reasonable proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows.
- In-depth understanding of building codes and have experience applying these to projects in one or more of the following core markets; Science & Tech, Commercial, Industrial, and Transportation markets.
- Experience leading ground-up new build and Core & Shell as well as ‘warm-shell’ interior fit-out projects working alongside a core & shell/developer team.
- Experience with alternative delivery models: Design-Build, Progressive-Design-Build, CMAR, P3, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.
- Comfort working in a fast paced, collaborative project environment including ground-up and Tenant Improvement projects.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
- Strong organizational, communications (verbal, written as well as hand sketching) skills, and leadership abilities are required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Licensed Architect (Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, or Texas) in addition to California.
- NCARB Certificate for reciprocal licensing as required.
- DBIA Certification
- Strong design sensibility combined with technical expertise.
- Experience working with California-specific transit agencies for bus, rail, and ferry terminal & station facilities.
- Experience with sustainable design frameworks (LEED, WELL, Envision, etc.).
COMPENSATION
- Posted Salary Range: Minimum $164,200.00
- Posted Salary Range: Upper $251,150.00
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.
The base salary range for this position is $164,200.00 to $251,150.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on October 13, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
LOCATION
San Francisco, California, United States
INTRODUCTION
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
YOUR IMPACT
At Jacobs, we are shaping the future of cities by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance how people live, work, and connect. Our California Cities & Places team collaborates with public- and private-sector clients to create environments that are functional, resilient, and inspiring. As we continue to grow our architectural practice throughout California, we are seeking a client-facing Senior Project Architect & Design Manager based in Los Angeles, Irvine, or San Francisco, CA to help lead complex, transformative projects that positively impact communities and clients alike.
This position functions primarily as a senior-level Project Architect with deep expertise in building codes and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for building codes, zoning ordinances, life safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards across a diverse project portfolio. In this role, you will ensure project compliance with local, state, and national codes while supporting risk mitigation, quality assurance, and overall project efficiency. This responsibility includes serving as Architect of Record (AOR) on a range of projects throughout California.
In addition, as a Senior Design Manager, this role will lead multidisciplinary teams on cross-market projects where architecture is a core component. The position requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program and design excellence standards. Project assignments will span Jacobs’ core markets, including corporate, industrial, high-tech, municipal, transit, aviation, water, and higher education.
Please note: This is a hybrid position and will require you to be in the office 2-3 days a week typically with travel to construction site locations in Northern or Southern California (depending on applicant's location) on a regular basis.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Serve as a Snr. Project Architect and/or Design Manager on medium-to-large, complex architectural projects across the Cities & Places market in the West.
- Coordinate and develop the architectural design and technical development from early concept through construction documentation and construction contract administration.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, engineering, planning, interiors, and specialty consultants and provide code analysis and compliance strategies during project planning, design development, and construction.
- Facilitate client presentations, design reviews, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Lead architectural design team efforts for construction phase services, providing or overseeing Jacobs’ responses to RFIs, submittal and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visit/observations.
- Provide Quality Assurance and Quality Control reviews on Code Summary and Life Safety plans and serve as an SME on building codes, zoning regulations, and life safety requirements across numerous projects in California and the wider region.
- Interpret and apply local, state (CBC), and national building codes (e.g., IBC, IFC, ADA, NFPA, local amendments).
- Be responsible for the overall quality of design deliverables in adherence with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program.
- Oversee and manage project design schedules, deliverables, and quality standards to ensure alignment with scope and client expectations.
- Mentor and guide junior architects and designers, fostering a collaborative project environment.
- Partner with project managers to manage design risk, resolve technical challenges, and ensure successful execution.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
- Licensed Architect (California)
- Minimum 20 years of architectural experience, including experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary building and infrastructure design projects.
- Understanding and reasonable proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows.
- In-depth understanding of building codes and have experience applying these to projects in one or more of the following core markets; Science & Tech, Commercial, Industrial, and Transportation markets.
- Experience leading ground-up new build and Core & Shell as well as ‘warm-shell’ interior fit-out projects working alongside a core & shell/developer team.
- Experience with alternative delivery models: Design-Build, Progressive-Design-Build, CMAR, P3, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.
- Comfort working in a fast paced, collaborative project environment including ground-up and Tenant Improvement projects.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
- Strong organizational, communications (verbal, written as well as hand sketching) skills, and leadership abilities are required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Licensed Architect (Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, or Texas) in addition to California.
- NCARB Certificate for reciprocal licensing as required.
- DBIA Certification
- Strong design sensibility combined with technical expertise.
- Experience working with California-specific transit agencies for bus, rail, and ferry terminal & station facilities.
- Experience with sustainable design frameworks (LEED, WELL, Envision, etc.).
COMPENSATION
- Posted Salary Range: Minimum $164,200.00
- Posted Salary Range: Upper $251,150.00
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.
The base salary range for this position is $164,200.00 to $251,150.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on October 13, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
Architect Project Manager Job Roles in California
See all Architect Project Manager Jobs in California
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Search Architect Project Manager Jobs in CaliforniaArchitect Project Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for architect project managers in California?
Large architecture and design firms with active California offices are among the most consistent sponsors. Gensler, HOK, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, Perkins&Will, and AECOM have filed Labor Condition Applications for architect-category roles in California. Public agencies and large general contractors working on infrastructure programs also sponsor qualified candidates, though the process is employer-driven and sponsorship is never guaranteed for any specific opening.
Which visa types realistically fit architect project manager roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common path: architect project manager is a specialty occupation requiring a directly related bachelor's degree, and the employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL before submitting the USCIS petition. H-1B is subject to an annual cap and selection process. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify for TN visa status under the USMCA Architect category with the appropriate degree or license. EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship is available for longer-term positions. E-3 visa applies to Australian nationals in specialty occupations and also requires an LCA.
How to find architect project manager visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California employers with verified visa sponsorship history for architect project manager roles, letting you focus your search on firms that have demonstrated willingness to file. Because sponsorship involves LCA filings and USCIS petitions, targeting employers with an established track record in California's design and construction sector significantly improves your prospects. Migrate Mate's search is searchable by city and role, so you can narrow results to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego specifically.
Which cities in California have the most architect project manager sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles and San Francisco generate the highest volume of architect project manager sponsorship activity, driven by large commercial, mixed-use, and tech campus projects. San Diego has a steady pipeline tied to federal defense facilities and biotech campuses. Sacramento sees demand linked to state government and infrastructure programs. Smaller markets like San Jose and Oakland also host design firm offices that periodically sponsor internationally trained candidates for project management roles.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for architect project managers in California?
California's requirement for a licensed architect to hold a California Architect license from the California Architects Board can affect how firms structure project manager roles. Some employers sponsor candidates for project management work that does not itself require licensure, while others prefer candidates already pursuing California licensure. The state's large public works programs, school construction mandates, and seismic retrofit requirements create sustained project backlogs that support long-term sponsorship commitments from established firms.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored architect project manager jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.