Senior Project Architect

Overview:

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Senior Project Architect to lead the design and delivery of municipal and industrial projects throughout Wisconsin. This role offers the opportunity to serve as a technical leader, mentor emerging professionals, and guide projects from concept through construction.

Based in either our Madison or Baraboo office, you will play a critical role in supporting MSA’s projects throughout Wisconsin while helping develop the next generation of architects and design professionals. You'll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies to create innovative, functional, and community-focused facilities.

MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned, meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.

Come join the ownership team at MSA!

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."


Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office
Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Design


Lead architectural projects from inception through construction completion and project closeout
Serve as Architect of Record on municipal, industrial, and other public-sector projects
Direct project teams through planning, design, documentation, bidding, and construction administration phases
Develop architectural concepts, layouts, and technical solutions that meet client goals, project budgets, and regulatory requirements
Coordinate architectural efforts with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and other disciplines


Project Management & Delivery


Define project scope, develop project plans, and monitor budgets and schedules throughout project execution
Manage project activities to ensure successful delivery while maintaining quality and profitability goals
Identify and communicate scope changes, project risks, and resource needs
Perform quality control reviews and ensure project deliverables meet firm and industry standards
Coordinate and review work completed by subconsultants and internal project team members


Client & Stakeholder Engagement


Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal and industrial clients
Lead client meetings, presentations, interviews, and project discussions
Prepare proposals, statements of qualifications, and project-related correspondence
Coordinate with permitting agencies, jurisdictional authorities, contractors, and project stakeholders
Participate in public meetings and stakeholder engagement activities as needed


Mentorship & Team Development


Mentor emerging professionals, project architects, designers, and architectural technicians
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to support professional growth
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across offices and disciplines
Help build a strong architectural presence in the Madison and Baraboo offices through leadership and team development
Qualifications:

Education


Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering required
Master’s degree preferred


Experience


10+ years of experience performing a broad range of architectural duties
Experience leading architectural projects from concept through construction required
Municipal and/or industrial project experience strongly preferred


Licensure


Licensed Architect in WI required.


Professional Involvement


Active member of AIA preferred
Industry-related certifications and professional organization involvement encouraged


Skills


Strong knowledge of architectural principles, building systems, codes, and construction practices
Proficiency with BIM-based design platforms and architectural software tools
Experience preparing construction documents, specifications, reports, and permit applications
Strong project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight
Proven leadership and mentoring abilities
Ability to build strong client relationships while delivering profitable project outcomes

Why MSA

100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
Flexible work‑life integration
Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Additional Benefits

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:


Compensation Range: $88,800–$142,000 annually (commensurate with experience)


Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost

Flex Time: Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future


401(k) Retirement Plan – Generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested



Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents



Paid Time Off – Minimum of 17 days in the first year



Paid Holidays – 8 holidays annually



Paid Parental Leave – regardless of birth parent



Employer-Paid Insurance – Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage



Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) – Annual performance-based bonus opportunity


Equal Opportunity Employer

MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected] so we can assist you.