Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Seattle, Washington, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 04, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design visually compelling graphics for proposals, reports, and marketing collateral to influence client and project strategy.

• Develop and execute creative assets for various digital and print platforms, including e-blasts and social media.

• Collaborate closely with technical staff, engineers, and project managers to translate complex information into clear visual communications.

• Maintain and apply corporate and client branding guidelines, ensuring consistency across all design outputs.

• Contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced marketing team environment, supporting a wide range of creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and collaboration with technical staff suggest a role that bridges creative services with the operational needs of a large engineering and design firm. This position will likely require an understanding of how design supports business development and project delivery, making it a valuable role within the broader GTM and operations ecosystem.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design covers, templates, layouts, and supporting graphics for proposals and technical reports, ensuring clarity and aesthetic appeal.

• Create engaging presentations and multimedia graphics to enhance client proposals and internal communications.

• Develop before-and-after photo simulations and aerial map exhibits for project visualization and client understanding.

• Produce unique brochures, both print and digital, and design impactful trade show graphics to support business development efforts.

• Design e-blast campaigns and social media graphics to support marketing initiatives and brand awareness.

• Manage large format printing and production processes, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

• Thrive as an integral part of a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, contributing to a collaborative workflow.

• Interact effectively with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to gather project requirements and information.

• Work diligently within established corporate and client branding guidelines to maintain brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities list highlights a strong focus on client-facing deliverables (proposals, brochures, trade show graphics) and internal operational support (technical reports, presentations). The inclusion of "before-and-after photo simulations" and "aerial map exhibits" points to a need for graphic designers who can interpret and visualize technical data, a critical skill for operations and business development in an engineering context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2+ years of professional corporate or agency graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Adobe Acrobat Proficiency: Strong command of Adobe Acrobat for document manipulation and PDF creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel (as Kimley-Horn is a PC-based company).

• Layout Design: Proven ability to create complex, multi-page document layouts in InDesign.

• Visual Communication: Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and composition.

• Branding Application: Ability to consistently apply and maintain corporate and client branding guidelines.

• Verbal & Written Communication: Excellent communication skills for collaborating with technical teams and stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: A positive, solution-seeking attitude and a high sense of personal responsibility.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Filming/Editing: Experience with video production, including filming and editing.

• Motion Graphics: Proficiency in creating animated graphics and motion design.

• Adobe Premiere: Experience with Adobe Premiere for video editing.

• Adobe After Effects: Experience with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and visual effects.

• 3D Software: Familiarity with 3DS Max or Sketchup for 3D rendering or visualization.

• Web Design: Experience in web design, with a preference for WordPress.

• Web Technologies: Knowledge of HTML and CSS for web-related design tasks.

• Large Format Printing: Experience with pre-press and production for large-format graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on InDesign for complex documents and the breadth of Adobe CC tools required indicates a need for a designer skilled in producing high-quality, polished deliverables essential for business development and client presentations. The preferred skills in video and 3D software suggest an opportunity to expand into more advanced multimedia roles within the company's operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Showcase: A digital portfolio (online link required) demonstrating a range of design projects relevant to proposal and report design, marketing collateral, and digital assets.

• Technical Document Design: Specific examples showcasing expertise in InDesign for complex, multi-page documents, including proposals and technical reports.

• Branding Consistency: Projects that clearly illustrate the ability to adhere to and effectively implement corporate and client branding guidelines.

• Versatility: Examples demonstrating proficiency across various design mediums, including print, digital, social media, and potentially presentations or basic multimedia.

• Process Documentation (Implied): While not explicitly stated, the ability to articulate the design process behind portfolio pieces—from concept to final output, including client/stakeholder feedback incorporation—will be crucial.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Ability to describe the typical workflow for design projects, from initial brief to final delivery, including revision cycles.

• Collaboration Integration: Examples of how design processes integrate with broader project timelines and team collaboration, particularly with technical staff.

• Quality Assurance: Demonstration of internal quality control measures to ensure accuracy, brand compliance, and high-quality output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for an online portfolio link is a primary filter. For operations-minded candidates, this portfolio should not just showcase aesthetics but also highlight efficiency, adherence to client/corporate standards, and the ability to translate complex information visually. Demonstrating a structured design process, even if not explicitly asked for, will set candidates apart.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 to $83,000 annually, dependent on applicable experience.

Benefits:

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

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Work-Life Balance: Personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.

• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in the 401(k) plan, and performance-based bonuses.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous learning through tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.

• Family Support: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and access to childcare resources.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility required to periodically work outside normal hours and travel as needed for business demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role with 2-5 years of experience in Seattle, WA. The extensive benefits package, particularly the strong retirement plan match, profit sharing, and work-life balance initiatives (half-day Fridays, flexible scheduling), positions Kimley-Horn as a highly desirable employer for long-term career growth and stability. The need for flexibility in working hours and travel is typical for client-facing roles supporting project deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Consulting Services. Kimley-Horn is a leading firm providing a wide array of services across transportation, environmental, land development, and more.

Company Size: Large, with a significant employee count (estimated 5,000+ based on typical industry presence for a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For). This size implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: Kimley-Horn was founded in 1945, indicating a long history of stability, expertise, and established business practices.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The Graphic Designer will be part of a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team." This suggests a departmental structure with various sub-specialties within marketing.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director within the marketing department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Essential collaboration with engineers, project managers, and technical staff across different project teams is a key aspect of the role. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate technical needs into design solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicit, the nature of working with technical staff and for an engineering firm suggests that design decisions will need to be supported by data, project requirements, and client objectives.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on efficiency and quality in a large firm suggests a focus on streamlining design workflows and ensuring consistent output.

• Client-Centric Approach: Kimley-Horn's reputation and "100 Best Companies to Work For" status indicate a strong client-focused culture, where design directly supports client success and business development.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's consistent recognition on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for 19 years is a significant indicator of a positive and stable work environment. For a graphic designer, this translates to a company that values its employees, invests in their development, and fosters a culture of quality and collaboration, which is crucial for sustained creativity and productivity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring 2+ years of experience. It is a specialized creative role that supports the broader operational and business development functions of the firm. The "office-based opportunity" and collaboration with technical staff indicate it's not a purely remote, freelance-style position but an integrated team member.

Reporting Structure:

• The designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead within the marketing department.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the firm's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and marketing materials.

• High-quality design enhances the perceived professionalism and credibility of Kimley-Horn's technical expertise.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like proposal design, large-format graphics, or multimedia production.

• Skill Expansion: Pursue preferred skills such as video editing, motion graphics, or web design through internal training or tuition reimbursement.

• Leadership Potential: With significant experience and demonstrated impact, potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, team lead positions, or specialized creative consultant roles within the firm.

• Cross-functional Understanding: Gain in-depth knowledge of engineering and project management processes, enabling more impactful design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a stable career path within a reputable, large organization. Growth will likely involve deepening technical design skills and understanding how those skills serve the operational needs of an engineering firm, rather than a typical agency progression. The company's commitment to professional development is a key factor for long-term career enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Office-based role within Kimley-Horn's Seattle location. This implies a professional corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, Washington (WA) 98101. This is a prime downtown Seattle location, suggesting accessibility via public transport and proximity to business amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working within a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team" and interacting directly with engineers and project managers, indicating a highly collaborative workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to a PC-based environment with the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Microsoft Office Suite. Likely equipped with professional-grade workstations capable of handling design software and large files.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues for project feedback, brainstorming, and team meetings, fostering a supportive and dynamic work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, likely Monday to Friday.

• Requirement for periodic flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as needed. This is common for client-facing roles with project deadlines, especially in proposal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being office-based in a major city like Seattle offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking. The expectation of occasional work outside standard hours is typical for roles supporting client deadlines and business development cycles in professional services firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and online portfolio link to assess qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Discussion of portfolio pieces, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and technical proficiency in required software (Adobe CC, Microsoft Office). Expect questions about how you've handled design challenges and collaborated with technical teams.

• Behavioral & Situational Interview: Assessment of communication skills, problem-solving attitude, ability to meet deadlines, and fit with the company culture. Questions may revolve around managing multiple assignments and working with diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior team member to discuss final fit and expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in proposal design, report layout, branding consistency, and visual communication of technical information.

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for key projects – from initial brief and concept development to revisions and final output. Highlight problem-solving steps.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, try to articulate how your designs contributed to project clarity or client engagement. Mention any positive feedback received.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows examples of work created in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and mention your proficiency in Acrobat and Microsoft Office.

• Address Preferred Skills: If you have experience in video, motion graphics, or web design, include relevant examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise simulating a real-world task, such as designing a cover page for a proposal or a social media graphic.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions like: "How would you design a complex, multi-page technical report for a client?" or "How do you ensure consistency when working with multiple project teams?"

• Time Management: Practice articulating your thought process and solutions concisely, as time management is often a key factor in these exercises.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the rationale behind their design choices, their process, and how they collaborate. Demonstrating an understanding of how design supports business operations and client acquisition will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for complex document layout (proposals, reports). Expect questions on advanced features and best practices for long documents.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, retouching, and creating digital assets.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations, often integrated with design elements.
  • Word: For document formatting and integration with InDesign layouts.
  • Excel: Potentially for data visualization or integration with design elements.

Analytics & Reporting: (Less direct for this role, but understanding is beneficial)

• While not a primary tool for this designer, understanding how marketing collateral is tracked (e.g., e-blast open rates, social media engagement) could be a plus.

CRM & Automation: (Indirectly relevant)

Preferred/Advanced Tools:

• Adobe Premiere: For video editing.

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics.

• 3DS Max / Sketchup: For 3D visualization.

• WordPress: For web design and content management.

• HTML / CSS: For web design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe InDesign is a critical differentiator given the emphasis on proposals and reports. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with creating and managing templates, style guides, and complex layouts within InDesign to ensure efficiency and brand consistency across numerous projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: Kimley-Horn's reputation hinges on precision in both engineering and supporting functions like design. Expect a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, error-free work.

• Client Focus: Designs must serve the client's needs, whether it's winning a proposal or clearly communicating project scope.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams (technical, project management, marketing) is paramount.

• Efficiency & Responsibility: Given the fast-paced environment and tight deadlines, a proactive and responsible approach to managing workload and delivering on time is expected.

• Professionalism: Adherence to corporate branding and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers are not siloed but work closely with technical staff and project managers to understand requirements and provide solutions.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to feedback and revisions from various stakeholders is essential for refining designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices and creative solutions are shared.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long-standing recognition as a "Best Company to Work For" suggests a culture that values employee well-being, professional growth, and ethical business practices. For a designer, this means an environment where creativity is respected, but also where contributions are integrated into a larger operational framework aimed at client success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Information: Effectively visualizing complex engineering data and technical concepts into clear, compelling graphics.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Balancing simultaneous assignments from various project teams and marketing initiatives, often with tight turnaround times.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying corporate and client branding guidelines across a wide range of deliverables without stifling creativity.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Communicating effectively with technical staff who may have different communication styles and expectations than creative professionals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe CC or learn preferred software like After Effects, Premiere, or 3D modeling tools through company-provided training.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining a strong understanding of the engineering and consulting industry, which can inform more impactful design solutions.

• Business Acumen: Developing a better understanding of business development processes, proposal strategies, and client engagement.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into senior design roles, lead creative projects, or specialize in areas like large-format graphics or multimedia.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be bridging the gap between creative design and technical/operational requirements. Growth opportunities lie in becoming a specialist who deeply understands the firm's core business and can translate its technical expertise into powerful visual narratives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale, and problem-solving approach for 2-3 key projects from your portfolio. Focus on how you translated requirements into visual solutions.

• Software Proficiency: Expect detailed questions about your experience with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, including specific techniques for complex layouts and image manipulation.

• Collaboration Scenarios: How would you handle a request from an engineer who has specific technical requirements but limited design understanding? How do you manage constructive criticism on your designs?

• Branding Management: How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects and for different clients?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Kimley-Horn's Work: Research recent projects or news from Kimley-Horn. How do you see your design skills supporting their mission or specific service lines?

• Team Fit: "Describe your ideal work environment." "How do you handle working under pressure?" "What is your approach to collaboration?"

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this Graphic Designer role at Kimley-Horn?" "What excites you about working for a consulting firm?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a brief story: the challenge, your creative solution, the tools used, and the outcome/impact.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize examples that directly align with proposal design, technical reports, and marketing collateral.

• Demonstrate Process: Show sketches, wireframes, or early concepts if available, to illustrate your thinking process.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss specific software techniques and how you optimized files for print or digital use.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, highlighting the most impactful projects first.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they designed, but why and how. Demonstrating an understanding of how design serves the firm's operational goals (e.g., winning bids, clear client communication) will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects showcasing your expertise in InDesign for complex documents, proposal design, and corporate branding. Tailor your selection to highlight relevant work.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office Suite. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 50+ proposals annually") and use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving skills using the STAR method. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio and how you collaborate with technical teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's services, recent projects, and company culture, especially its recognition as a "Best Company to Work For." Understand how graphic design supports 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.