Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Sacramento, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategy through the creation of compelling graphic assets for proposals, marketing collateral, and digital platforms.

• Collaborate with technical and project management teams to translate complex information into clear, engaging visual designs.

• Maintain brand integrity by consistently applying corporate and client branding guidelines across all design outputs.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.

• Leverage a strong understanding of print and digital design principles to produce impactful marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Marketing & Design Operations, emphasizing the strategic application of design principles to support business development and client engagement, rather than purely artistic creation. The emphasis on proposals and technical staff interaction highlights a need for understanding complex information and translating it visually for a business audience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually appealing covers, templates, and layouts for client proposals and technical reports, ensuring adherence to brand standards.

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

• Create realistic before-and-after photo simulations and detailed aerial map exhibits for project proposals and client presentations.

• Produce unique and impactful brochures, both print and digital, to showcase company services and project successes.

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

• Manage large-format printing and production processes, ensuring quality and timely delivery of physical marketing materials.

• Contribute actively to a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, fostering collaboration and idea exchange.

• Interface effectively with engineers, project managers, and other technical staff to understand project requirements and design needs.

• Ensure all design work strictly adheres to established corporate and client branding guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for versatility in design applications, from highly technical exhibits (photo simulations, aerial maps) to broader marketing campaigns (e-blasts, social media). The requirement to "thrive as part of a large, creative, and specialized marketing team" suggests a collaborative environment where design supports broader marketing objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in creating a wide range of marketing and technical graphics.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong understanding of how to integrate graphics into Word documents and PowerPoint presentations.

• Proven ability to design complex documents and layouts using InDesign software.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.

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

• Ability to manage simultaneous, varied assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining consistent quality and accuracy.

• Experience working within established corporate and client branding guidelines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video filming/editing and/or motion graphics creation.

• Familiarity with Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max, or Sketchup.

• Web design experience, with WordPress proficiency and knowledge of HTML/CSS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Kimley-Horn is a PC-based company" is a crucial technical detail for candidates to note. The explicit mention of InDesign for "complex documents" and the preference for video/motion graphics and web design skills suggest a progressive design department looking for candidates who can handle both traditional print and emerging digital media.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio link is mandatory for application consideration.

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, including proposals, reports, brochures, digital graphics, and photo simulations.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of branding guidelines and their application.

• Include examples of complex document layouts created with InDesign.

• Present case studies or project descriptions that articulate your design process and problem-solving approach. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to design projects, from concept development to final output.

• Illustrate how you manage feedback and revisions from technical staff and project managers.

• Provide examples of how you ensure brand consistency across multiple design assets and platforms.

• Showcase your workflow for preparing files for both print production and digital distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an online portfolio is paramount. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically highlight the types of work mentioned in the responsibilities, such as proposal graphics, technical exhibits, and marketing collateral, demonstrating their ability to translate complex information into visually digestible formats.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000 - $72,000 annually, commensurate with applicable experience and education.

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.

• Generous Time Off: Includes personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.

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

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

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

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility to periodically work outside normal working hours as required for business needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is within the mid-level graphic designer market for Sacramento, CA, considering the required experience and educational background. The extensive benefits package, particularly the retirement plan match and profit-sharing, alongside robust time-off policies and professional development support, positions Kimley-Horn as a highly competitive employer in the industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting & Design Services. Kimley-Horn operates within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, providing design and planning services for infrastructure projects. This context means the graphic design function is critical for business development, proposal win rates, and client communication.

Company Size: Kimley-Horn is a large, established firm, indicated by its consistent presence on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and a strong emphasis on employee well-being and retention.

Founded: Kimley-Horn was founded with a commitment to client success and employee growth, fostering a culture that values people. This long-standing history suggests a stable and reputable organization with a deep understanding of its industry and workforce.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design team is part of a larger, specialized marketing department, indicating a collaborative environment where design professionals work alongside other marketing specialists.

• Design team members are expected to interact directly with engineers, project managers, and technical staff, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to translate technical concepts into visual assets.

• The team operates within a structured hierarchy, likely reporting to a Marketing Director or similar leadership role, with clear processes for project assignment and review. Methodology:

• A data-driven approach to design is implied, with an emphasis on creating graphics that support proposal wins and client engagement, suggesting a focus on measurable impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential, given the need to manage simultaneous assignments and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be leveraged for repetitive tasks, particularly in proposal template creation and large-format printing preparation.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's position within the AEC industry means the graphic designer will be instrumental in creating materials that convey technical expertise and project value. The culture emphasizes a balance between demanding client work and supportive employee development, as evidenced by their long tenure on "Best Companies to Work" lists.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is considered a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires independent work on assignments, proficiency in core design software, and the ability to manage multiple projects. While not entry-level, it involves significant hands-on design work with opportunities to learn advanced techniques and contribute to strategic design initiatives under experienced leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or a Senior Graphic Designer within the marketing department. This structure allows for guidance and mentorship while providing autonomy in day-to-day tasks.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts Kimley-Horn's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and marketing materials. High-quality visuals enhance the firm's professional image, communicate technical information effectively, and differentiate them from competitors. This role is crucial for translating the firm's technical expertise into accessible and persuasive visual narratives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop expertise in specialized design areas like motion graphics, video editing, web design, and advanced 3D rendering through internal training and project experience.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and expanded skill sets, there's potential to move into senior designer roles, team lead positions, or specialize in specific areas like proposal graphics or digital marketing design.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of engineering and project management processes, potentially leading to roles that bridge design and technical communication within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on professional development, including tuition reimbursement and internal training, suggests a clear path for designers to expand their skill sets beyond core graphic design, particularly into areas like video and web, which are increasingly important in marketing and business development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the Sacramento, CA office, indicating a traditional office environment. This setting fosters direct collaboration, spontaneous idea sharing, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Sacramento, California. This location offers access to a vibrant professional community and potential for diverse project engagement within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting encourages direct interaction with engineers, project managers, and fellow marketing team members, facilitating a dynamic workflow and immediate feedback loops.

• Tools and Technology: Access to a PC-based computing environment equipped with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Microsoft Office. This ensures designers have the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, project discussions, and informal collaborations within the marketing department and with technical staff.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with an expectation of flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as needed for business requirements. This flexibility is common in client-facing roles, especially in proposal development and marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the company's value for in-person collaboration and team integration. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment that prioritizes direct communication and teamwork, with the understanding that occasional overtime or travel may be necessary to meet project deadlines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and the mandatory online portfolio link.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work. This may involve a design challenge or case study related to proposal graphics or technical visualization.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on communication skills, cultural fit, experience with similar projects, and understanding of the AEC industry.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking and long-term career aspirations within Kimley-Horn.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize projects that align with Kimley-Horn's industry (AEC) and the specific responsibilities listed (proposals, reports, technical graphics, marketing collateral).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Clearly indicate which software was used for each project, especially Adobe CC and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within strict branding guidelines.

• Quality over Quantity: Select your strongest, most relevant pieces. A concise, impactful portfolio is better than a lengthy, unfocused one.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a graphic element for a hypothetical proposal or marketing piece.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and workflow under time constraints.

• Familiarize yourself with common AEC industry terminology and visual representation styles.

• Consider how you would approach incorporating feedback from non-designers (engineers, project managers).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an online portfolio is critical. Candidates should ensure their portfolio is easily accessible, well-organized, and showcases a breadth of skills relevant to the job description, particularly in technical illustration and proposal design. The interview process will likely assess not only design talent but also communication and collaboration skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign (expert level for complex document layout), Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), Acrobat (PDF creation, editing, optimization).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (layout integration), PowerPoint (presentation design), Outlook (communication).

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly responsible for data analytics, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics for digital campaigns (e.g., e-blasts, social media) is beneficial. Proficiency in tools that facilitate reporting on asset usage or campaign performance may be advantageous.

CRM & Automation: No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed for this design role. However, an understanding of how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for campaign deployment could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for proficiency in Adobe CC, with a special mention of InDesign for complex documents, is a key technical skill. Experience with PC-based systems and Microsoft Office is also a must. Preferred skills like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, 3DS Max, Sketchup, and web technologies (WordPress, HTML/CSS) indicate a desire for a versatile designer capable of expanding their technical repertoire.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work, especially critical for client-facing proposals and technical documentation.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including engineers and project managers, to achieve common goals.

• Professionalism & Responsibility: Maintaining a professional demeanor, taking ownership of tasks, and demonstrating a solution-seeking attitude.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Ability to manage workload effectively, meet tight deadlines, and deliver projects on schedule.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle varied assignments and adapt to changing project needs and client requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with technical staff (engineers, project managers) to understand project details and translate them into visual concepts.

• Feedback Exchange: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from colleagues and clients to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the team's collective knowledge by sharing design best practices, new techniques, and creative ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's culture, as highlighted by its Fortune ranking and emphasis on people, likely fosters a supportive yet high-performance environment. The graphic designer must be adept at bridging the gap between technical teams and communication needs, embodying values of precision, teamwork, and client focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Content: The primary challenge will be interpreting complex engineering and technical information and translating it into clear, compelling, and visually accurate graphics.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects simultaneously, each with its own set of requirements and deadlines, will demand strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying both corporate and client branding guidelines across a wide range of materials requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Evolving Technology: Staying current with design software updates, new creative tools, and evolving digital media trends while managing existing responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized Adobe CC applications or explore new software like motion graphics and 3D modeling tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insight into the AEC industry, project lifecycles, and the specific communication needs of engineering clients.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and marketing professionals within a large, established firm.

• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects that showcase growth and increased responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a design role within a technical industry. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for designers who are proactive in skill development and eager to contribute to a broader range of projects and marketing initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a visual format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses ability to handle technical content).

• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests from different stakeholders?" (Evaluates time management and prioritization skills).

• "Walk me through a project where you had to strictly adhere to brand guidelines. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you ensure compliance?" (Tests attention to detail and brand stewardship).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest graphic design trends and software advancements?" (Gauges commitment to continuous learning). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kimley-Horn and our work in the engineering and design sector?" (Assesses company research and genuine interest).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative atmosphere." (Evaluates cultural fit and teamwork).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs from project managers or technical staff?" (Tests adaptability and professionalism). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest pieces first.

• Storytelling: For each selected project, briefly explain the client's need, your design process, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the final impact or result.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your online portfolio is clean, easy to navigate, and showcases your work in high resolution.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, highlighting the most relevant aspects for this specific role. Focus on quality over quantity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Kimley-Horn's projects and values. They should be prepared to discuss their design philosophy, how they approach client communication, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the AEC industry's visual communication needs. The portfolio presentation is the most crucial part of the interview.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Kimley-Horn careers portal, ensuring you include a direct link to your online portfolio.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature examples of proposal graphics, technical illustrations, marketing collateral for professional services, and any experience with large-format printing or digital campaigns.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight specific software proficiencies (especially InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), years of experience, and any relevant project successes, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you handle feedback. Prepare specific examples of projects that demonstrate your ability to work under deadlines and with technical teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's recent projects, company values, and their position in the AEC industry to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.