As the world is currently experiencing an extremely challenging job market, architects are preparing for the possibility of moving into new positions, and even transferring into different industries. As we navigate these unprecedented times, we will be sharing especially interesting or unique opportunities available to architects, from Archinect Jobs, the industry’s most trafficked and effective job board. 

San Francisco-based Advanced Prototype Engineering (APROE) is currently searching for a Senior Architect, an intriguing opportunity because APROE is not your typical architectural practice. In fact, APROE isn’t an architecture firm at all, the company specializes in the development of mechanical and mechatronic prototypes, partnering with clients in developing new technologies. Some clients the group has worked with include tech companies like Autodesk, Google, Facebook, and Lyft, among many others.

The uniqueness of this opportunity for senior-level architects opens up a new path of growth in an industry outside of architecture. About the position the company writes:

“This is unlike a typical architecture position, and involves hands-on work in the design and build-out of client facilities, with an emphasis on the equipment in the space and how people interact with it.”

Moreover, architectural candidates who have a knowledge of machine tools and product testing equipment are especially of interest to APROE. In a traditional practice, one’s peripheral interests outside of architecture may not be relevant in the day-to-day duties within an office, but in expanding out to different industries, architects with broader interests and knowledge may begin to discover opportunities to bring the two together. In this case, knowledge of prototyping, machining, and fabrication offers distinct advantages.

A multidisciplinary team, APROE’s President, Principal and Founder, Mose O’Griffin is himself, a mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience. The company’s Director, Jennifer O’Griffin is an Industrial Designer with a background in Human Factors and Ergonomics. The team also includes staff with backgrounds in fabrication, architectural design, GIS analysis, education, graphic design, and research.

You can check out the job listing for a Senior Architect / Senior Project Manager here.