Intermediate Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Intermediate Graphic Designer

Company: CDM Smith

Location: Nationwide, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Services / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes on-brand design solutions for a variety of marketing, communications, sales, and client deliverable materials.

• Manages the production and distribution of final design products, including print, digital, web, and social media content.

• Collaborates with internal teams and external vendors (photographers, printers, technology suppliers) to ensure project success, adherence to budget, quality standards, and timely delivery.

• Contributes to project planning, task management, and provides peer reviews for design work, fostering a collaborative creative environment.

• Maintains and upgrades design software and systems, ensuring efficient and up-to-date operational capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is graphic design, the responsibilities involving vendor management, project planning, and system maintenance indicate a strong connection to operations within the creative function, aligning it with aspects of Marketing Operations or Creative Operations. The "Nationwide" location suggests a distributed team model, requiring strong remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce engaging visual assets for marketing campaigns, internal communications, sales collateral, and client proposals across print and digital mediums.

• Translate complex technical information and branding guidelines into clear, compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.

• Manage design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with project objectives, brand consistency, and stakeholder expectations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and technical departments, to understand project requirements and deliver effective design solutions.

• Liaise with external vendors, such as printers and photographers, to obtain quotes, manage production schedules, and ensure the quality and timely delivery of design materials.

• Maintain an archive of project files and design assets in an organized and accessible manner to facilitate future use and knowledge management.

• Conduct peer reviews of design work, providing constructive feedback to other designers to uphold quality standards and foster continuous improvement.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, software updates, and industry best practices to enhance creative output and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on client deliverables, vendor management, and project planning suggests this role requires not just creative talent but also project management and operational execution skills within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field. Equivalent directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively.

Required Skills:

• Intermediate knowledge of graphic design principles, including layout, composition, and typography, with a proven ability to apply these to solve marketing and business challenges.

• Intermediate proficiency in current graphic design software applications, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign).

• Intermediate ability to collaborate effectively with team members, including designers, marketers, and project managers.

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for document creation and presentations.

• Experience in creating assets for both print and digital platforms. Preferred Skills:

• Experience using AutoCAD for technical drawing integration or understanding.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and intricate design work.

• Familiarity with web design principles and social media content creation.

• Experience with motion graphics or animation software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2 years of related experience" combined with the "Intermediate" skill level descriptions suggests the company is targeting candidates with a solid foundation who are ready to take on more complex tasks and contribute to project planning, rather than entry-level designers. The preference for AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator indicates a need for designers who can work with technical data and create precise vector graphics, common in engineering or consulting firms like CDM Smith.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that showcase a strong understanding of branding, typography, and visual hierarchy across various mediums (print, digital, web, social).

• Case studies demonstrating how design solutions addressed specific marketing or business challenges, highlighting the problem, process, and outcome.

• Examples of projects that required collaboration with cross-functional teams or external stakeholders, illustrating communication and project management skills.

• Visual evidence of ability to update existing materials and create templated products with an eye for improvement and client-specific needs.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in core design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and any preferred software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator). Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow management for design projects, from brief to final delivery, demonstrating an organized approach to task execution.

• Include instances where design processes were optimized for efficiency or to meet specific client requirements or vendor specifications.

• Evidence of experience in managing project timelines and deliverables, potentially including project plans or task breakdowns.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio should not only highlight creative output but also demonstrate an organized, process-oriented approach to design execution, project management, and collaboration. This shows the candidate can handle the "how" of design delivery, not just the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,674 - $100,090 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and work-related support.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs, aligning with a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a good faith estimate. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's experience level, specific skills, location (though this role is listed as Nationwide), and other factors relevant to the role's responsibilities within CDM Smith's operational structure. The "Additional Pay Range Information" confirms this approach.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Construction. CDM Smith is a global environmental and infrastructure firm.

Company Size: Over 5,000 employees. This size indicates a structured organization with established processes and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: 1947. With a long history, CDM Smith has a stable foundation and extensive experience in its industry, suggesting a culture that values expertise and long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design role likely sits within a larger Marketing or Communications department, potentially reporting to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager.

• This role will collaborate with various internal teams such as project managers, engineers, sales, and client service representatives who require design support for their deliverables.

• The "Nationwide" location suggests the design team may be distributed, requiring strong remote collaboration tools and practices. Methodology:

• CDM Smith likely employs project-based methodologies, requiring designers to adapt to different project scopes, timelines, and client specifications.

• Emphasis is placed on delivering high-quality, technically accurate, and visually compelling materials that support the company's engineering and construction services.

• A data-driven approach is likely used to inform marketing strategies and design effectiveness, though the primary focus for this role is creative execution.

Company Website: https://www.cdmsmith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding CDM Smith's core business in engineering and infrastructure is crucial. Design work will likely involve translating complex technical concepts into accessible visuals. The company culture video mentioned suggests an emphasis on employee experience, career growth, and making a difference.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intermediate Graphic Designer. This level signifies a professional who has moved beyond foundational skills and can independently manage moderately complex design tasks, contribute to project planning, and offer peer support. They are expected to take ownership of their work and contribute to team efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Creative Lead, Senior Designer, or Marketing Manager. The "Nationwide" scope may mean reporting to a manager overseeing a distributed team, requiring strong remote management and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the clarity and professionalism of CDM Smith's client proposals, marketing materials, and internal communications. Effective design enhances brand perception, aids in winning new business, and ensures consistent corporate messaging, thereby contributing indirectly but significantly to revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas relevant to CDM Smith's industry, such as technical illustration, data visualization, or large-format presentation design.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, mentoring junior designers, leading design projects, and taking on more strategic creative responsibilities.

• Cross-functional: Transition into roles with a stronger operational focus, such as Marketing Operations Specialist, Project Coordinator within a creative team, or Brand Manager, leveraging design expertise in a broader business context.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and industry conferences to stay updated on design software, techniques, and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Intermediate" designation implies a path towards senior roles. Growth will likely involve taking on more complex projects, demonstrating leadership in design execution, and potentially contributing to process improvements within the creative department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role allows for a blend of remote work and in-office presence, offering flexibility while maintaining team connection and access to office resources.

Office Location(s): CDM Smith has numerous offices across the United States. While the job is listed as "Nationwide," specific hybrid expectations may vary by local office policy or team structure. Candidates should clarify the expected in-office days and primary office location during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Remote: Requires a dedicated, productive home office setup with reliable internet connectivity to manage design software and participate in virtual meetings.

• In-Office: Access to shared office resources, collaborative workspaces, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, fostering team cohesion and idea exchange.

• Tools: Access to necessary design software and potentially other collaboration or project management tools essential for hybrid work environments.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak project periods. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in structuring the workday, but core collaboration hours will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nationwide" location with a "Hybrid" work arrangement is a key detail. Candidates should inquire about the specific expectations for remote vs. in-office work, especially regarding the frequency of office visits and the primary office location for team collaboration and resource access.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your experience, design philosophy, and how your skills align with CDM Smith's needs, focusing on intermediate-level responsibilities and project examples.

• Portfolio Review/Creative Challenge: A deeper dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and potentially a creative exercise or case study related to engineering/infrastructure marketing. This will assess your ability to handle technical subject matter and meet client-specific needs.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Interaction with potential colleagues from the design team or other departments you'd collaborate with (e.g., Marketing, Project Management) to evaluate teamwork, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within CDM Smith.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to solve problems, adapt to different brand guidelines, and handle technical subject matter.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome. Highlight any challenges overcome and lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs contributed to project success (e.g., improved engagement, clearer communication, positive client feedback).

• Tailor to CDM Smith: If you have experience in similar industries (engineering, construction, B2B services), highlight those projects prominently. Demonstrate an understanding of their brand and target audience.

• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF) and loads quickly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Industry: Familiarize yourself with CDM Smith's services, projects, and target markets. Research their existing marketing materials and website to understand their visual identity.

• Practice Technical Translation: Be prepared to discuss how you would translate complex technical information (e.g., engineering concepts, project data) into clear, understandable visuals.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common design challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or integrating technical data into designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Intermediate" level and the company's industry suggest that the portfolio review will heavily focus on process, problem-solving, and the ability to translate technical information, not just pure aesthetics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design. Proficiency in Photoshop and InDesign is required.

• Adobe Illustrator: Preferred for vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Necessary for document creation, presentations (PowerPoint), and data handling (Excel).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts digital metrics (e.g., web analytics, social media engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with tools that report on these metrics may be indirectly relevant. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how marketing materials are distributed or tracked within a CRM system could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD as preferred. A strong command of Adobe Creative Suite is a given for any graphic designer, but highlighting proficiency in these specific tools will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Safety: As an engineering and infrastructure firm, these are paramount. Designs must be accurate and safe, especially for technical deliverables.

• Client Focus: Delivering high-quality solutions that meet client needs and contribute to their project success. Designs should reflect professionalism and understanding of client objectives.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and embracing new technologies and approaches to design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within project teams and across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work, from concept to final execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expectation of active participation in team meetings, design critiques, and collaborative brainstorming sessions.

• Cross-Functional: Designers will need to communicate effectively with non-designers (engineers, project managers) to translate technical needs into visual solutions. This requires clear, concise communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: CDM Smith's values are likely rooted in its core engineering and client-service mission. Designers will need to demonstrate how their work supports these values, particularly regarding accuracy, client satisfaction, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Subject Matter: Translating complex engineering and infrastructure concepts into accessible and engaging visuals for diverse audiences.

• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Projects: Maintaining a unified brand identity across a wide range of marketing, sales, and client deliverables for a large, global company.

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Constraints: Meeting project deadlines, budget limitations, and specific client or vendor requirements while maintaining creative integrity.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating with team members and stakeholders across different locations in a hybrid and potentially distributed work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining expertise in visual communication for the engineering, construction, and environmental sectors.

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, or explore new design software and technologies.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Developing skills in project planning, timeline management, and stakeholder communication through hands-on experience.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and creative leads within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around translating technical content and managing projects within a large, operational framework. Growth will be about deepening industry-specific design expertise and enhancing project management capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex technical concept into a visual design. What was your process and the outcome?" (Assesses ability to handle technical subject matter.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a variety of different project types and stakeholders?" (Evaluates understanding of brand management and operational consistency.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you collaborated with non-designers. What were the key communication challenges and how did you address them?" (Tests collaboration and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CDM Smith and our work in engineering and infrastructure?" (Assesses research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially when it's conflicting?" (Evaluates adaptability and collaboration.)

• "How would you contribute to a hybrid team environment, balancing remote and in-office work?" (Assesses understanding of hybrid work dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your creative solution, and the results.

• Highlight Process Over Perfection: Show your thought process, including sketches, iterations, and how you overcame obstacles. This is more valuable for an intermediate role than just showcasing final polished pieces.

• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to work with technical information, meet client needs, and manage project workflows.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to be clear, confident, and within a reasonable timeframe. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of project management, client needs, and the ability to work effectively within a structured, operations-focused environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the CDM Smith careers portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features projects demonstrating your ability to translate technical information into clear visuals, manage design workflows, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with graphic design software (especially Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD if applicable), project planning, vendor interaction, and any experience in the engineering or infrastructure sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback. Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the business impact and operational aspects of your projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research CDM Smith's projects, values, and industry. Understand how design contributes to their mission of solving complex infrastructure challenges.

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

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