Graphic Designer at Kimley-Horn

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Orange, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Develop visually compelling graphics and layouts for proposals, reports, and marketing collateral to support a leading engineering and design firm.
Create engaging digital and print assets, including e-blasts, social media graphics, and trade show materials, ensuring brand consistency.
Collaborate closely with engineering, project management, and technical staff to translate complex information into clear, impactful visuals.
Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to strict deadlines and maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
Contribute to a dynamic, creative marketing team by bringing innovative design solutions and a proactive, solution-seeking attitude.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a "Graphic Designer," this enhanced description frames it within a "Marketing Operations / Creative Services" category to better align with operational functions that support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. The role emphasizes the creation of assets crucial for proposal wins and client communication, which are key operational outputs in professional services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design and produce high-quality covers, templates, and layouts for client proposals and technical reports, ensuring adherence to corporate and client branding guidelines.
Create compelling presentations and multimedia graphics that effectively communicate project scope, objectives, and outcomes.
Develop detailed before-and-after photo simulations and sophisticated aerial map exhibits to visually represent project impacts and proposed solutions.
Conceptualize and design unique brochures, both print and digital, to showcase company services and project portfolios.
Produce engaging e-blast campaigns and social media graphics to support marketing initiatives and drive brand awareness.
Manage large-format printing and production processes for various marketing materials and event displays.
Integrate seamlessly into a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Actively interact with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to gather requirements and ensure design accuracy and relevance.
Maintain and apply strict adherence to established corporate and client branding guidelines across all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are detailed to highlight the operational impact of design work in a professional services context. The emphasis on "proposals," "reports," "client branding," and "technical staff interaction" underscores the role's critical function in supporting business development and client engagement processes, aligning it with GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field. Experience:
2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, and visual storytelling.
Proven experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects with competing deadlines. Required Skills:
Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat are essential for complex document layout, image manipulation, vector graphics, and PDF production.
Microsoft Office Suite Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), particularly for creating and integrating graphics within business documents on a PC-based platform.
Layout and Design Principles: Strong understanding of graphic design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy.
Brand Adherence: Demonstrated ability to work within and consistently apply corporate and client branding guidelines.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with technical teams and stakeholders.
Problem-Solving Attitude: A positive, solution-seeking mindset with a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative.

Preferred Skills:

Video & Motion Graphics: Experience with video filming/editing and/or motion graphics using tools like Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects.
3D Modeling Software: Familiarity with 3D modeling and rendering software such as 3DS Max or Sketchup.
Web Design: Experience in web design, particularly with WordPress, and foundational knowledge of HTML/CSS.
Large Format Printing: Understanding of pre-press requirements and production processes for large-format printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills is crucial. Emphasizing Adobe CC and Microsoft Office aligns with typical operational toolsets. The preferred skills highlight areas that could lead to greater operational efficiency and broader creative output, such as video editing and web design, which can support digital marketing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive online portfolio is required for application.
Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects that demonstrate proficiency across various design mediums (print, digital, presentations, proposals).
Include examples of complex document layouts (e.g., proposals, reports) demonstrating mastery of Adobe InDesign.
Highlight projects where you successfully applied and maintained strict branding guidelines.
Provide evidence of your ability to create impactful visuals from technical or complex information. Process Documentation:
Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, from initial concept and client brief to final delivery and production.
Showcase examples of how you manage feedback loops and revisions from technical teams and project managers.
Illustrate your understanding of pre-press workflows and preparation for large-format printing or digital distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount for design roles. This section is tailored to operations by focusing on the process behind the portfolio: how projects were managed, how feedback was incorporated, and how the final output met specific operational needs (e.g., proposal wins, brand consistency). This aligns with an operations mindset of structured execution and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Estimated Range: $60,000 - $85,000 annually.
Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Orange County, California area. Factors considered include the firm's reputation, the scope of responsibilities (including technical and multimedia elements), and the typical compensation for similar roles in professional services firms within this region. Kimley-Horn's placement on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work" list suggests competitive compensation.

Benefits:

Kimley-Horn offers a robust benefits package designed for employee well-being and financial security:

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 for employees and their families.
Generous Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays to promote work-life balance.
Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in the 401(k) program and performance-based bonuses to support financial goals.
Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs to foster continuous learning and career growth.
Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and access to childcare resources.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
Flexibility to periodically work outside normal working hours is required to meet business needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an educated estimate due to the absence of specific data. The benefits are directly pulled from the provided text and highlighted for their value to operations professionals who often prioritize stability, work-life balance, and long-term financial planning. The mention of flexible scheduling and half-day Fridays is particularly relevant.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Design Consulting. Kimley-Horn operates within the professional services sector, providing critical design and technical expertise to infrastructure projects. This context means the graphic design function directly supports business development, client relations, and project delivery by enhancing the visual communication of complex engineering concepts.

Company Size: Large (Kimley-Horn is a significant firm with a substantial employee base, indicated by its consistent Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" recognition). This size implies a structured environment with established processes, diverse teams, and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: Kimley-Horn was founded in 1945, signifying a long history of stability, expertise, and a well-established corporate culture. This longevity suggests a company with robust operational frameworks and a commitment to employee retention and development.

Team Structure:

Marketing Department: The graphic designer will be part of a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, suggesting a departmental structure with various roles focused on different marketing functions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires regular interaction with engineers, project managers, and technical staff, indicating a highly collaborative environment where design is integrated early and often into project workflows.
Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a designer in a large firm typically reports to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or similar leadership role within the marketing department.

Methodology:

Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, Kimley-Horn's industry and culture suggest an emphasis on data and technical accuracy, which designers must translate visually.
Client-Centric Approach: The company's focus on client goals means designs must be effective in communicating value and winning business.
Quality & Accuracy: The emphasis on "consistent quality and accuracy" in the job description points to a rigorous operational standard for all outputs.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the company and its industry through an operations lens. The "large company" aspect implies established operational processes, and the "engineering and design consulting" industry highlights how design serves as a critical operational tool for business development and project support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves executing design tasks with a degree of autonomy, managing project specifics, and collaborating with technical teams. It's a foundational role within the marketing operations/creative services function, focused on high-quality output and process adherence.

Reporting Structure: The designer likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, who oversees the marketing team's operational output and strategic direction. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for creative execution.

Operations Impact: The designer's work has a direct impact on Kimley-Horn's Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by:

Enhancing the visual appeal and professionalism of proposals, directly influencing win rates.
Creating clear and effective communication materials for clients and internal stakeholders.
Supporting brand consistency and recognition across all marketing channels.
Streamlining the production of marketing collateral, improving efficiency for the sales and project teams. Growth Opportunities:
Skill Specialization: Opportunities to develop deeper expertise in preferred areas such as video editing, motion graphics, 3D rendering, or web design, potentially leading to specialized roles within the creative team.
Project Leadership: As experience grows, the designer may take on lead roles for specific design projects or campaigns, managing timelines and coordinating with other team members.
Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or interns, developing leadership and training capabilities.
Cross-Functional Exposure: Deeper engagement with engineers and project managers can lead to a better understanding of the core business, potentially opening doors to roles with more strategic marketing input or even program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the "operations" aspect of career growth. It frames the role's impact on GTM and business development, and outlines growth paths that involve specialization or increased responsibility within the operational framework of the marketing department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at Kimley-Horn's Orange, California office. The environment is described as a "fast-paced environment" within a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team." This suggests a professional, collaborative, and potentially dynamic workspace.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Orange, California. Kimley-Horn has multiple offices, but this specific position is tied to the Orange location.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The role requires interaction with engineers, project managers, and technical staff, implying a workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork, both within the marketing team and across departments.
Tools & Technology: The office utilizes a PC-based system and requires proficiency in Adobe CC and Microsoft Office Suite, indicating a standard professional technology setup for creative and business operations.
Team Interaction: Being part of a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team" suggests regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and opportunities for knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

Standard full-time, 40-hour work week.
Requires flexibility to periodically work outside normal hours and travel as needed for business demands, which is common in client-facing or project-driven operational roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the "on-site" nature and the collaborative aspects relevant to operations. The "fast-paced" and "flexible hours" notes are common operational considerations that candidates should be aware of.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and mandatory online portfolio to assess design skills, experience, and fit with core requirements.
Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and answer questions about their technical proficiency in Adobe CC and Microsoft Office. Expect questions related to handling feedback, meeting deadlines, and applying brand guidelines.
Skills-Based Exercise (Potential): A small design challenge may be given to assess practical application of skills under timed conditions, simulating the fast-paced environment.
Team/Manager Interview: Discussion focused on cultural fit, collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and understanding of the company's operational needs. Interaction with engineers or project managers might be part of this stage.
Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and overall fit with Kimley-Horn's values and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select portfolio pieces that best represent the required skills (InDesign, proposals, reports, branding) and preferred skills (video, web, etc.).
Tell the Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your process, and the outcome. Focus on how your design solved a problem or met an operational need.
Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow for managing projects, incorporating feedback, and ensuring quality and brand consistency.
Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to demonstrate or discuss your proficiency with specific software, especially InDesign for complex layouts.
Company Alignment: Show awareness of Kimley-Horn's industry (engineering/design) and how your design skills can support their business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

Practice Timed Designs: If a challenge is given, practice creating simple graphics or layouts within a short timeframe.
Focus on Brand: If a brand is provided, ensure your design adheres strictly to its guidelines.
Clarity & Communication: Be prepared to articulate your design choices clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for the application process, specifically tailored to a design role within an operational context. The emphasis on portfolio strategy and challenge preparation aims to give candidates a competitive edge by understanding what employers in this space are looking for.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency required in InDesign (for complex document layout, proposals, reports), Photoshop (image editing, digital graphics), and Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons). Acrobat is essential for PDF creation and management.
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in PowerPoint (presentations), Word (document integration), and Excel (data visualization, basic charts). The company operates on a PC-based system.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary analytical role, designers may use tools to track engagement on digital assets (e.g., e-blasts, social media graphics). Familiarity with how visual assets perform in marketing campaigns is beneficial. CRM & Automation:
Understanding of how design assets are used within CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for e-blasts, landing pages) can be advantageous, though direct management is not expected. Specialized Tools (Preferred):
Video Editing Software: Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects for multimedia content creation.
3D Modeling Software: 3DS Max, Sketchup for advanced visual simulations or renderings.
Web Design Platforms: WordPress, with knowledge of HTML/CSS for web-based graphics or contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section clearly outlines the essential and preferred technical tools. For operations roles, understanding the "stack" is critical, as it dictates the technical environment and required skill sets for efficient workflow and output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Quality & Accuracy: Kimley-Horn emphasizes "consistent quality and accuracy" in its work, a core operational value that extends to design. Designs must be technically sound, error-free, and professionally executed.
Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires working closely with engineers and project managers, highlighting a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration essential for successful project delivery and business development.
Client Focus: A strong emphasis on achieving client goals and growing their success means designs must be client-centric, persuasive, and aligned with project objectives.
Proactivity & Responsibility: The company seeks "proactive employees" with a "high sense of personal responsibility," indicating a culture where individuals take ownership of their tasks and contribute actively to team success.
Innovation & Creativity: As a creative team member, bringing "creative, resourceful, talented" ideas is valued, balanced with adherence to established guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with technical staff, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate complex information into accessible visuals.
Feedback & Iteration: The role involves receiving feedback from various stakeholders (engineers, project managers, marketing leadership) and iterating on designs to meet project requirements.
Knowledge Sharing: Being part of a large marketing team suggests opportunities for sharing design techniques, best practices, and insights with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates company values into operational expectations for a designer. The emphasis on "quality," "collaboration," and "client focus" are key operational pillars that shape how work is performed and how team members interact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating complex engineering concepts and data into visually appealing designs while adhering to strict corporate and client branding guidelines.
Managing Multiple, Varied Assignments: Handling simultaneous projects with diverse requirements and tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.
Communicating with Non-Designers: Effectively collaborating with engineers and technical staff who may not have a strong visual design vocabulary, requiring clear articulation of design rationale.
Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends & Technology: Staying current with new design software, techniques, and digital media trends while meeting the demands of a professional services environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in preferred software like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, or 3DS Max through internal programs or tuition reimbursement.
Industry Best Practices: Learning about design trends specific to the engineering and professional services sectors, understanding how visuals impact proposal wins and client perception.
Cross-Disciplinary Understanding: Gaining a deeper insight into engineering projects and client needs, which can inform more strategic and impactful design solutions.
Portfolio Enhancement: Continuous development of portfolio pieces through challenging projects, showcasing growth and expanded skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges from an operational perspective, focusing on process, workflow, and skill application. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement and deeper operational understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a complex technical document or report you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did your design choices facilitate understanding?" (Focus on InDesign skills, problem-solving, and communication impact.)
"How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials, from print proposals to social media graphics?" (Prepare examples of brand guideline application and your process.)
"Walk us through a project where you had to collaborate closely with engineers or technical staff. How did you manage communication and incorporate their feedback?" (Highlight collaboration skills and ability to translate technical information.)
"Describe your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize and ensure quality?" (Demonstrate organizational skills and workflow management.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What do you know about Kimley-Horn and the engineering/design consulting industry?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and market position.)
"How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of a firm like Kimley-Horn?" (Connect your portfolio and skills to their business objectives and operational needs.)
"Our culture values collaboration and proactive problem-solving. Can you provide an example of how you've embodied these values in a previous role?" (Prepare a STAR method response.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest skills first.
Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, and the successful outcome. Quantify impact if possible (e.g., "contributed to winning proposal," "increased engagement").
Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other relevant software.
Brand Focus: Emphasize examples where you successfully applied and maintained strict branding guidelines.
Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and within the allotted time, allowing for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to probe for operational competencies relevant to a designer supporting a professional services firm, focusing on process, collaboration, and impact.

📌 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, easily navigable, and prominently features projects demonstrating your proficiency in InDesign for complex documents (proposals, reports), brand adherence, and visual communication of technical information.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe CC," "InDesign," "proposal design," "technical graphics," "client branding," and "collaboration with technical staff." Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you manage projects and client feedback. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's services, recent projects, and company culture. Understand their position in the engineering and design industry and how visual communication 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.

Graphic Designer