Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Dallas, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations Support

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level to Junior)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating visually compelling graphics and layouts for a variety of marketing and client-facing collateral within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Key responsibilities include the design and production of print and digital materials, supporting proposal and report development, and contributing to broader marketing campaigns.

• The position demands strong proficiency in industry-standard design software and the ability to translate technical information into accessible visual content.

• Success in this role requires adherence to branding guidelines, effective communication with cross-functional teams, and a proactive approach to project management under tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities, particularly designing for proposals and reports, and interacting with engineers and technical staff, indicate a strong support function for Go-To-Market (GTM) and client engagement teams. This role can be categorized under Creative & Design, with a significant overlap into Marketing Operations Support due to its contribution to proposal processes and marketing collateral creation. The experience level is inferred as entry-level to junior based on the Bachelor's degree requirement and lack of explicit senior-level responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually appealing covers, templates, and comprehensive layouts for client proposals and technical reports.

• Create engaging presentations, multimedia graphics, and digital assets for internal and external communication.

• Develop before-and-after photo simulations and detailed aerial map exhibits to illustrate project scope and impact.

• Produce unique brochures (print and digital), marketing collateral, and trade show graphics to enhance brand visibility.

• Design graphics for e-blast campaigns and social media platforms to support digital marketing initiatives.

• Manage large format printing and production processes, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.

• Collaborate effectively within a large, specialized marketing and design team, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.

• Interact professionally with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to understand project requirements and gather necessary information.

• Strictly adhere to and apply corporate and client branding guidelines across all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a designer supporting a professional services firm. The emphasis on proposals and reports suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work with technical content, which is crucial for GTM collateral. The mention of "large, creative, and specialized marketing team" implies a structured operational environment within the marketing department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 0-2 years of professional graphic design experience, ideally within a corporate or agency setting.

Required Skills:

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

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint), essential for PC-based environments and proposal integration.

• Layout Design: Proven ability to create complex document layouts, particularly for proposals and reports using InDesign.

• Graphic Creation: Skill in developing compelling graphics for brochures, digital media, and presentations.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for effective stakeholder interaction.

• Professionalism & Responsibility: A professional demeanor, positive attitude, solution-seeking mindset, and a high degree of personal responsibility.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as business needs dictate.

• Time Management: Ability to manage simultaneous, varied assignments under tight deadlines with consistent quality and accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Video & Motion Graphics: Experience with video filming/editing and/or motion graphics creation using Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects.

• 3D Modeling/Rendering: Familiarity with 3DS Max or Sketchup for creating visual simulations.

• Web Design: Experience in web design, with a preference for WordPress, including knowledge of HTML/CSS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required" skills align with foundational design competencies. The "Preferred" skills indicate opportunities for specialization and growth within the team, particularly in multimedia and digital content creation, which are increasingly important for GTM strategies. The emphasis on PC-based systems is a practical requirement for this specific company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects.

• Specific examples demonstrating proficiency in layout design for complex documents (e.g., proposals, reports).

• Visuals proving skill in creating multimedia graphics, photo simulations, and aerial map exhibits.

• Proof of ability to design for both print (brochures, large format) and digital (e-blasts, social media) channels.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of design workflows from concept to final delivery.

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly showcase the process of interpreting client needs and technical information into visual solutions.

• Experience with version control or file management for design assets, especially in a collaborative setting, is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting operations and GTM, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of design capability and process adherence. The emphasis on "complex documents" and "photo simulations" points to a need for detailed process execution and visual storytelling.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in Dallas, TX, we estimate a salary range of $50,000 - $70,000 per year.

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, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.

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

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs to support career growth.

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

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet business needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for entry-level to junior graphic designers in a major metropolitan area like Dallas. Kimley-Horn's benefits package is exceptionally strong and is a significant differentiator, particularly the retirement plan and work-life balance initiatives. The "half-day Fridays" are a notable perk for work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Planning, and Design Services. Kimley-Horn operates in a professional services sector where technical expertise is paramount, and client relationships are built on trust and delivery excellence.

Company Size: Large. Kimley-Horn is a significant firm with a substantial employee base, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: 1967. With a long history, Kimley-Horn has a well-established reputation and a deep understanding of its industry, fostering a culture of stability and expertise.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design role is part of a large, specialized marketing team. This implies a hierarchical structure with potential for different specializations within design (e.g., proposal design, digital marketing, multimedia).

• Reporting is likely to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with close collaboration with other marketing specialists and technical staff.

Methodology:

• Design projects are often driven by client proposals and internal marketing initiatives, requiring a structured approach to project management and execution.

• Emphasis on data-driven design is less explicit than in pure marketing operations, but visual effectiveness in proposals and marketing collateral directly impacts business outcomes.

• Workflow optimization is critical for handling a high volume of varied assignments efficiently and maintaining brand consistency.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's culture is rooted in professional services, emphasizing client success and employee development. For a designer, this means understanding the business context of their work, particularly how visuals support technical proposals and business development. The company's longevity suggests a stable and supportive environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level to Junior Graphic Designer. This role is positioned at the beginning of a design career path within a large organization, focusing on core design execution and learning established processes.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead within the marketing department. This provides direct mentorship and guidance on projects and career development.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the clarity and persuasiveness of client proposals, the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and the overall brand perception of Kimley-Horn. High-quality visuals are crucial for winning bids and engaging clients in the professional services industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas like proposal design, multimedia production, video editing, or web design, aligning with preferred skills.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, take ownership of more complex design projects and potentially lead smaller design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of engineering and project management processes, enhancing the ability to create more impactful visuals.

• Mentorship: Benefit from experienced designers and marketing professionals within the large team, fostering continuous learning.

• Career Advancement: Progress to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within the marketing function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in a firm like Kimley-Horn is typically within the marketing department, with opportunities to deepen technical design skills or move into creative leadership. The "operations" aspect here refers to the operational support provided to the core business functions (engineering, sales/BD) through design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site in a professional office setting. The description explicitly states "This is not a remote position."

Office Location(s): Dallas, TX. The specific office environment will likely be a modern, professional workspace designed for collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be PC-based, requiring familiarity with this operating system.

• Access to standard office technologies and design software will be provided.

• The environment is collaborative, with opportunities for direct interaction with engineers, project managers, and other marketing team members.

• Teamwork and shared project goals are likely emphasized.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility expected for occasional overtime to meet critical project deadlines. Half-day Fridays are a notable perk.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for in-person collaboration and team integration. The mention of a PC-based environment is a practical consideration for software compatibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and assessment of required qualifications.

• Portfolio Submission: Candidates will be required to submit a link to their online portfolio. This is a critical step.

• Screening Interview: A brief call with HR or a hiring manager to discuss experience, qualifications, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session with the design team or hiring manager to review the portfolio, discuss design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills. This may include design challenges.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior marketing leadership to assess overall fit and strategic understanding.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to the responsibilities listed (proposals, reports, multimedia, branding).

• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you met project objectives.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio visually represents your expertise in Adobe CC, particularly InDesign.

• Quality over Quantity: A smaller, highly curated portfolio with strong examples is better than a large, unfocused one.

• Clarity and Navigation: Ensure your online portfolio is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and loads quickly.

• Tailor to Kimley-Horn: If possible, include any relevant B2B, proposal, or corporate design examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for technical documents or complex data visualization.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale, especially for proposal graphics and branding applications.

• Review Kimley-Horn's existing marketing materials and proposals to understand their brand aesthetic and communication style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the single most important element for this application. Interviewers will be looking for not just aesthetic talent but also the ability to translate complex information into clear, impactful visuals and to work within established brand frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign (essential for complex layouts), Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), Acrobat (PDF creation, editing).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (document integration), PowerPoint (presentations), Excel (data visualization support).

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary function, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics for e-blasts or social media would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of how design assets are used within broader marketing automation platforms might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe InDesign is highlighted as critical due to its use in complex document layout for proposals and reports. The PC-based environment is a key technical constraint.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting client needs, reflected in the quality and accuracy of proposal materials.

• Quality & Accuracy: High standards for design output, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and error-free work.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach, valuing input from engineers, project managers, and fellow marketing professionals.

• Responsibility & Proactivity: Taking ownership of tasks, seeking solutions, and contributing positively to team goals.

• Adaptability: Willingness to manage varied assignments and adapt to changing project requirements and deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Designers are expected to work closely with technical teams to gather information and understand project specifics.

• Collaborative review sessions for design concepts and final outputs are likely common.

• Open communication and a solution-seeking attitude are encouraged to navigate diverse project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's culture values professionalism, expertise, and client service. For a designer, this means being a reliable partner to technical teams and contributing to the firm's reputation for quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Corporate Branding: Consistently producing innovative designs while adhering strictly to established brand guidelines and client requirements.

• Translating Technical Content: Effectively visualizing complex engineering concepts, data, and technical information for non-technical audiences.

• Managing High Volume & Tight Deadlines: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, often with urgent turnaround times, while maintaining high quality.

• Cross-functional Communication: Effectively gathering requirements and receiving feedback from diverse stakeholders (engineers, project managers, marketing).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in preferred software like Adobe Premier, After Effects, or 3DS Max.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning about design trends in professional services marketing and proposal development.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced designers and marketing professionals on design strategy and career development.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of projects provides broad experience and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in corporate and B2B design, with specific challenges related to technical content visualization and proposal support. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing design execution and expanding technical software skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a highly technical subject. How did you ensure accuracy and clarity?" (Focus on your process for understanding complex information and translating it visually).

• "How do you balance creative expression with strict brand guidelines?" (Prepare examples demonstrating your ability to be innovative within constraints).

• "Walk me through your process for creating a complex document layout, such as a proposal or report." (Detail your steps from brief to final output, emphasizing InDesign usage).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kimley-Horn and our services?" (Research the company's industry, key projects, and values).

• "How do you see graphic design contributing to the success of an engineering consulting firm?" (Connect your skills to client acquisition, brand reputation, and proposal wins).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Walkthrough: Organize your portfolio by project type or skill, dedicating time to your strongest and most relevant examples.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design approach, the challenges you faced, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design contributed to a successful proposal win or increased engagement, mention it.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software usage, design choices, and problem-solving techniques.

• Showcase InDesign Expertise: Be prepared to discuss specific techniques or challenges you've overcome using InDesign for complex layouts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio review. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design thinking, technical proficiency, and ability to integrate into a professional, client-focused environment.

📌 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 prominently features your best work in layout design (especially for complex documents), proposal graphics, multimedia, and branding applications. Tailor your selection to align with the responsibilities outlined.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Microsoft Office, and any experience with video editing or web design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice explaining your design process, how you handle tight deadlines, and your approach to working with technical content. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's services, projects, and company culture. Understand how design supports their business objectives in the engineering and planning sector.

⚠️ 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.