Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Warrenville, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: September 14, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the marketing team, focusing on visual communication for proposals, reports, and marketing collateral.

• The Graphic Designer will translate technical information into visually appealing graphics and layouts, supporting a fast-paced, creative environment.

• Key responsibilities include the end-to-end design process for various marketing assets, from initial concept to final production.

• Collaboration with engineers, project managers, and technical staff is essential to understand project requirements and branding guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data focuses on graphic design tasks, the context of interacting with engineers and project managers, and the emphasis on proposals and reports, suggests this role has a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) support functions. The output will reflect this by framing responsibilities within a business operations context where applicable, even though the core role is design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually compelling covers, templates, and layouts for complex proposals and technical reports, ensuring adherence to corporate and client branding guidelines.

• Develop engaging presentations and multimedia graphics to effectively communicate project information and company capabilities.

• Create detailed before-and-after photo simulations and aerial map exhibits to support project visualization and client understanding.

• Produce a variety of marketing collateral, including unique brochures (print and digital), trade show graphics, and e-blast campaign assets.

• Design eye-catching social media graphics to enhance the company's online presence and engagement.

• Manage large format printing and production processes, ensuring high-quality output for various marketing needs.

• Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to gather information and translate complex data into accessible visual formats.

• Thrive in a dynamic, creative, and specialized marketing team environment, contributing to team projects and initiatives.

• Maintain and update design templates and brand assets to ensure consistency across all company communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are standard for a graphic designer but are framed here to emphasize their impact on business development and client communication, aligning with a GTM support function. For instance, "Design covers, templates, layouts, and supporting graphics for proposals and reports" is critical for sales enablement and proposal wins.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.

Experience: 0-2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) is mandatory.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for document integration and presentations.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• A professional demeanor with a positive, solution-seeking attitude and a high sense of personal responsibility.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, varied assignments simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining consistent quality.

• Expertise in using Adobe InDesign for the layout of complex, multi-page documents. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video filming/editing and/or motion graphics creation (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects).

• Familiarity with 3D modeling and rendering software such as 3DS Max or Sketchup.

• Web design experience, particularly with WordPress, including knowledge of HTML and CSS.

• Experience in creating and managing e-blast campaigns and social media graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required" skills are directly pulled from the job description. The "Preferred" skills are extracted from the "Qualifications" section that was presented as optional or advanced capabilities. The experience level is inferred from the salary range and the common industry expectation for these skill sets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio is required for all applicants.

• The portfolio should showcase a diverse range of design projects, highlighting proficiency in layout design, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Include examples of proposal graphics, report layouts, brochures, and digital assets to demonstrate relevant experience.

• Showcase projects that adhere to specific branding guidelines and demonstrate an understanding of corporate identity.

• Highlight projects that involved translating complex information into clear and engaging visual narratives. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design process from concept to final delivery, including brief interpretation, sketching, digital design, revisions, and final output.

• Showcase experience in managing design feedback and incorporating revisions effectively.

• Illustrate an ability to work within established workflows and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an online portfolio is explicitly stated. This section extrapolates on what a strong portfolio for this role would entail, focusing on showcasing relevant design processes and outcomes that would be valuable in a business context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year, commensurate with degree and applicable experience.

Benefits:

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: A generous 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus), plus an additional profit-sharing contribution.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options designed to meet diverse employee needs.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays to support employee well-being.

• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching contributions within the 401(k) plan and performance-based bonuses to reward achievements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and access to childcare resources to support employees during significant life events.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with flexibility expected for occasional work outside normal hours and travel as business needs dictate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The benefits are detailed and categorized for clarity, reflecting Kimley-Horn's reputation for strong employee support. The working hours are inferred from the "Full-time" employment type and the mention of flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting (specifically Civil Engineering, Transportation, Land Development, Water Resources, etc.) Kimley-Horn operates within a professional services sector where technical expertise is paramount, and visual communication plays a crucial role in client engagement and project acquisition.

Company Size: Large (Kimley-Horn is a major engineering firm with a significant number of employees, indicating a structured corporate environment with ample resources and opportunities).

Founded: Kimley-Horn was founded in 1968, bringing decades of experience and stability to its operations and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a growing, specialized marketing team located in the Chicago West office.

• This team likely works collaboratively, supporting various project managers and technical staff across different engineering disciplines.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, requiring designers to interface with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's engineering focus implies a strong emphasis on data accuracy and clear representation, which should extend to design outputs for proposals and reports.

• Client-Centric Approach: Design efforts will be geared towards meeting client needs and enhancing project proposals, reflecting a commitment to client success.

• Quality Assurance: A focus on quality and accuracy in all outputs, including design, is a core tenet of engineering consulting firms.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company industry and size are inferred from the company name and its reputation. The founding date adds context to the company's history and stability. The team structure and methodology are logical deductions based on the role's description within a large engineering firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Entry-level to Mid-level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with foundational design education and a developing professional portfolio. It serves as a key support function within the broader GTM and marketing operations of the firm.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Graphic Designer within the Chicago West marketing team. Collaboration will extend to project managers and technical staff across various departments.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the firm's ability to win new business by creating compelling proposals and marketing materials. High-quality visuals enhance client perception, communicate technical capabilities effectively, and differentiate Kimley-Horn from competitors. This role is crucial for supporting sales enablement and brand consistency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, video editing, 3D rendering, or web design through preferred skills development.

• Career Advancement: Potential to advance into Senior Graphic Designer roles, Lead Designer positions, or even transition into broader marketing or communications management roles within the firm.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to diverse engineering projects provides opportunities to understand technical concepts and apply them creatively, fostering a unique skill set.

• Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and internal training programs supports continuous learning and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within an operational context, emphasizing its contribution to business development and GTM support. Growth opportunities are detailed with specific examples relevant to a design career path in a professional services firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office opportunity based in Kimley-Horn’s Chicago West office. The environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and focused on project delivery.

Office Location(s): The role is specifically located at 4201 Winfield Rd Ste 600, Warrenville, IL 60555. This location offers accessibility within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The office environment likely encourages interaction with engineers, project managers, and other marketing team members, fostering a dynamic and communicative workspace.

• Technology Enabled: As a PC-based company, employees will have access to the necessary hardware and software, including the full Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Project-Oriented: The workspace will be geared towards supporting project-based work, with a focus on producing high-quality deliverables under deadlines.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the role requires flexibility to periodically work outside normal working hours and travel as needed for business requirements, which is common in proposal-driven industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the "in-office" designation and the nature of a professional engineering firm. The location details are specific, and the workspace context emphasizes collaboration and technology access relevant to a designer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and online portfolio. Candidates must submit a link to their portfolio.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or a deeper dive into portfolio projects to assess technical skills, creative problem-solving, and adherence to branding.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with marketing team members and potentially project managers to evaluate communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving attitude, and alignment with company values.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those showcasing proposal graphics, report layouts, brochures, and digital assets.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and ability to work within constraints (e.g., branding guidelines, technical information).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that show a range of skills, from print to digital, and complex document layout.

• Ensure Accessibility: Make sure your online portfolio link is functional and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail.

• Practice articulating how you would approach designing graphics for a technical proposal or report.

• Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's work and recent projects to understand their aesthetic and client base.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on the portfolio requirement and interview stages, tailored to a graphic design role within a professional services firm.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign (essential for complex document layout), Photoshop (image editing and manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics and illustrations), Acrobat (PDF creation and management).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (document creation and integration), PowerPoint (presentation design and delivery).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., e-blasts, social media) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms is not explicitly required but can be a plus, especially for e-blast campaign design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the software and tools mentioned in the job description, highlighting their relevance and expected proficiency for the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality and Accuracy: A fundamental value in an engineering firm, extending to the precision and professionalism of design work.

• Client Focus: Design efforts are aimed at effectively communicating value to clients and supporting their project goals.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The role emphasizes working effectively within the marketing team and with technical staff.

• Innovation and Creativity: While grounded in technical accuracy, the role encourages creative solutions to visual communication challenges.

• Responsibility and Proactiveness: A high sense of personal responsibility and a solution-seeking attitude are highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers must effectively communicate and collaborate with engineers and project managers who may have different communication styles and technical backgrounds.

• Feedback Loop: An open feedback culture is expected, where designers can provide creative input and receive constructive criticism to refine their work.

• Team Support: Working as part of a specialized marketing team means contributing to shared goals and supporting colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from the company's industry, the role's description, and general best practices for creative teams within professional services organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Data: The primary challenge will be converting complex engineering concepts and data into visually understandable and appealing graphics.

• Balancing Branding and Creativity: Adhering to strict corporate and client branding guidelines while still producing creative and impactful designs.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling simultaneous assignments from various project teams, each with its own urgency and requirements.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively communicating and collaborating with individuals from highly technical backgrounds who may have varying expectations for design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunities to master preferred skills like motion graphics, video editing, or 3D modeling.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends and technologies relevant to marketing and proposal development in the engineering sector.

• Project Exposure: Gaining exposure to a wide range of engineering projects, which can broaden design inspiration and understanding.

• Professional Certifications: Potential for tuition reimbursement to pursue further certifications or specialized design training.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the nature of the role and industry. Learning opportunities are linked to the preferred skills and the company's commitment to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a complex proposal cover or report layout. How do you ensure accuracy and visual appeal?"

• "How do you approach translating technical information into graphics that are easily understood by a non-technical audience?"

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to work within strict branding guidelines. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kimley-Horn and our work in the engineering sector?"

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?"

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with individuals from different professional backgrounds. How did you ensure effective communication?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant project.

• Context is Key: Clearly explain the project's objective, your role, and the client/audience.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your design thinking, from initial concepts to final execution.

• Highlight Results: If possible, discuss the impact of your design (e.g., improved proposal win rate, increased engagement).

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to a graphic designer role in a corporate, technical environment, focusing on portfolio demonstration and cross-functional collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kimley-Horn careers portal.

• Crucially, ensure your online portfolio link is clearly visible and functional on your resume or within the application.

• Tailor your resume to highlight proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and any experience with proposal/report design, e-blasts, or social media graphics.

• Prepare to discuss 2-3 key projects from your portfolio in detail, focusing on your process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Research Kimley-Horn's services, recent projects, and company culture to articulate your interest and how your design skills can support their business objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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