We are seeking a Life Sciences Leader for San Diego. This is a strategic role responsible for driving the growth and technical excellence of Arup's Science sector in Southern California. This leader 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. As part of our continued growth, we are expanding our presence in San Diego. We currently operate with a visiting presence and plan to open a permanent office, estimated in early 2026. The opportunity: • 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 based 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. • Success in this role will be measured by client engagement, project opportunities pursued, project wins, and the establishment of a Science hub in San Diego 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. Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal. If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to our Talent Community where you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world. 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. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Diego will differ.