BIM / 3D Design Manager (Water / Wastewater – Desalination) – Bilingual Spanish

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: BIM / 3D Design Manager (Water / Wastewater – Desalination) – Bilingual Spanish

Company: Ardurra

Location: Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Corpus Christi, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: Senior (15+ years total, 5+ years leadership)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive BIM and 3D design production for complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects, with a significant focus on desalination facilities.

• Manage and coordinate international, predominantly Spanish-speaking production teams, ensuring seamless collaboration with U.S. engineering standards and project objectives.

• Drive the establishment and implementation of advanced BIM standards, templates, and workflows to enhance efficiency and scalability across distributed teams.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for complex modeling, design challenges, and quality assurance, bridging communication between U.S. engineering and international production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management position, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise in BIM and 3D design, coupled with strong leadership and cross-cultural communication skills. The emphasis on water/wastewater infrastructure, particularly desalination, and the bilingual requirement (Spanish/English) highlight a specialized niche within engineering project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead all BIM/3D design production efforts for major water infrastructure projects, including multi-discipline coordination for seawater desalination plants, drinking water/wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, and conveyance systems.

• Directly manage international production teams, ensuring strict adherence to U.S. engineering standards, project specifications, and overall design intent.

• Develop, implement, and enforce company-wide Civil 3D and BIM standards, templates, and optimized workflows to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Lead Engineers to translate design intent accurately into production models, construction documents, and deliverables.

• Conduct and oversee rigorous QA/QC processes for both 3D models and associated documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Lead model-based coordination and clash detection efforts using relevant software to proactively identify and resolve design conflicts.

• Champion initiatives to drive efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement in production workflows, particularly across geographically dispersed teams.

• Manage production schedules, allocate resources effectively, and ensure timely delivery of all BIM/3D design outputs.

• Act as the primary technical escalation point for resolving complex modeling, design, and software-related challenges encountered by the production teams.

• Contribute to the strategic enhancement of Ardurra's BIM strategy, standards, and digital delivery practices, staying abreast of industry advancements.

• Facilitate and participate in project coordination meetings, both domestically and internationally, to ensure alignment and effective communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a dual focus: technical leadership in BIM/3D design and operational management of international production teams. The emphasis on "driving efficiency and scalability" and "continuous improvement" points to a need for process optimization and strategic thinking beyond day-to-day task management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in CAD, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field. Technical certifications are highly preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in CAD and BIM design is required, with at least 5 years specifically in a leadership or team management capacity overseeing production or BIM efforts.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, Civil 3D, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).

• Extensive experience in multi-discipline design coordination, encompassing process, mechanical, structural, architectural, electrical, instrumentation, and civil engineering aspects.

• Demonstrated experience with large-scale industrial or treatment facilities design, specifically integrating treatment plant site/civil design with BIM models.

• Proven track record supporting design-build or other large, complex infrastructure programs.

• Fluent in both Spanish and English (written and verbal) is a mandatory requirement for effective communication and management of international teams.

• Strong understanding of U.S. design standards, specifications, and the intricacies of plan production requirements.

• Established experience in managing and implementing robust QA/QC processes for design deliverables and production quality.

• Expertise in developing and maintaining BIM standards, templates, and optimized production workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with desalination, advanced water treatment, or similar industrial water projects.

• Prior experience leading international design and production teams.

• Relevant CAD/BIM certifications (e.g., Autodesk Certified Professional, Autodesk Certified Specialist).

• Demonstrated ability to lead large, geographically dispersed design teams effectively.

• Experience developing as-built models utilizing technologies such as laser scanning and Matterport.

• Familiarity with project management principles and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 15+ years of experience with 5+ in leadership, combined with advanced Autodesk software expertise and bilingual fluency, positions this as a senior technical management role. The preference for desalination experience and international team leadership further refines the ideal candidate profile.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing leadership in managing BIM/3D design production for complex infrastructure projects, ideally including water/wastewater treatment or industrial facilities.

• Include case studies highlighting successful implementation and enforcement of BIM standards, templates, and optimized workflows across large-scale projects or distributed teams.

• Provide examples of QA/QC processes implemented and their impact on design accuracy and project delivery, with quantifiable results if possible.

• Showcase experience in multi-discipline coordination, illustrating how clashes were detected and resolved proactively through BIM processes.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss and illustrate your methodology for establishing and documenting BIM standards and workflows, including the iterative process of refinement and adoption.

• Detail your approach to managing and coordinating international production teams, including communication protocols, quality control measures, and cultural adaptation strategies.

• Outline your process for conducting model-based coordination and clash detection, including software used, reporting mechanisms, and resolution tracking.

• Describe your strategy for ensuring design intent is accurately translated from engineering through to production models and final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize leadership in BIM production management and process optimization, particularly within the context of complex infrastructure. The ability to demonstrate successful management of international teams and stringent QA/QC processes will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on location (Miami, Tampa, Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi), experience level (15+ years with 5+ in leadership), and the specialized bilingual requirement, the estimated salary range for a BIM / 3D Design Manager is typically between $130,000 and $180,000 annually. This range is informed by industry benchmarks for senior engineering design managers in major metropolitan areas, adjusted for the specific technical expertise and language proficiency required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, designed to promote work-life balance.

• Professional development opportunities through Ardurra Academy and leadership programs, including support for certifications and continuous learning.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• A people-centric culture that emphasizes individual value, career growth, and work-life integration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid work arrangement is offered, flexibility may be required to accommodate international team coordination across different time zones and project deadlines. Occasional travel (5-10%) is expected for project coordination efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on a blend of Ardurra's known strong benefits and the senior, specialized nature of this role. The bilingual requirement and focus on desalination infrastructure command a premium. The benefits listed are standard for a company emphasizing a "people-centric culture."

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Ardurra operates within the Engineering and Construction sector, specializing in water, wastewater, transportation, and infrastructure solutions. Their focus on water infrastructure, including desalination, places them at the forefront of addressing critical environmental and community needs, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.

Company Size: Ardurra is a significant player in the engineering consulting space, likely falling into the mid-to-large enterprise category with hundreds to thousands of employees across multiple U.S. locations and potentially international reach. This size offers stability and resources while maintaining a commitment to a strong internal culture.

Founded: Ardurra has roots tracing back through various acquisitions and organic growth, indicating a mature company with a solid history and established reputation in the engineering field. This history suggests a stable environment with deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The BIM/3D Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of BIM specialists, CAD technicians, and potentially junior designers, both domestically and internationally. This team will be crucial for the execution of design deliverables.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Director of Engineering, a VP of Operations, or a senior project executive, depending on the specific project or regional organization.

Methodology:

• Ardurra likely employs a data-driven approach to project execution, utilizing BIM models as a central source of truth for design, coordination, and potentially cost estimation and scheduling.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially given the international team structure and the need for efficient project delivery. This involves leveraging technology and clear processes to maximize productivity.

• Automation and efficiency practices are expected to be integrated into the BIM workflows to reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and accelerate project timelines.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ardurra's emphasis on a "family-like culture," "people-centric culture," and "staff development" suggests a company that values its employees and invests in their growth. This is a key differentiator that operations and engineering professionals should consider. The specific focus on water infrastructure and desalination highlights a commitment to impactful projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the technical design and operations management domain. It demands a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to influence project execution and team performance. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to encompass team leadership, process development, and cross-functional coordination on major infrastructure projects.

Reporting Structure: The BIM / 3D Design Manager will report into a senior leadership role within Ardurra's engineering or project delivery functions, likely a Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, manage a team of BIM modelers and technicians, including direct oversight of international production staff.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and constructability of designs for critical water infrastructure. Effective BIM management contributes to reduced project costs, minimized rework, improved safety, and timely project completion, all of which are key operational and financial metrics for Ardurra and its clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced water treatment technologies (desalination, reuse) and their BIM implementation, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the company and industry.

• Leadership Expansion: Progress into broader project management roles, overseeing larger project portfolios or expanding responsibilities to include other engineering technology initiatives within Ardurra.

• Process Innovation: Lead company-wide initiatives to enhance BIM strategies, digital delivery practices, and the integration of new technologies, contributing to Ardurra's competitive edge.

• Mentorship: Develop and mentor junior BIM staff and international team members, fostering talent and building a strong internal knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are geared towards both technical specialization and broader management roles, aligning with typical career paths for senior engineering professionals. The emphasis on innovation and mentorship suggests a company that encourages proactive contribution and talent development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it combines remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration. Ardurra maintains physical office locations in Miami, Tampa, Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, providing a base for team meetings, client interactions, and focused work.

Office Location(s): Candidates are sought near Ardurra's U.S. office locations in Florida (Miami, Tampa) and Texas (Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi). This allows for accessibility to team members and company resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a blend of remote setup and collaborative office environments. Ardurra's culture suggests an emphasis on open communication and teamwork, even in a hybrid model.

• Access to industry-standard BIM software (AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, Civil 3D, ACC) and potentially high-performance computing resources will be provided or expected.

• Opportunities for interaction with domestic and international engineering teams will be frequent, facilitated through virtual collaboration tools and in-person meetings when necessary.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week, but the demands of managing international teams and critical project timelines may require adapting schedules to overlap with global team working hours and meet deliverable deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, coupled with specified office locations, indicates a need for candidates who can effectively manage their work remotely while also participating actively in office-based team activities and client meetings. The international coordination aspect implies a need for schedule adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and bilingual proficiency. Candidates may be asked to confirm their Spanish/English fluency.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into BIM/3D design expertise, software proficiency (AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, Civil 3D, ACC), and experience with water/wastewater projects. Expect questions about workflow development, standards implementation, and QA/QC processes.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting relevant projects and leadership experience. A specific case study, potentially involving managing an international team or resolving a complex design coordination issue, may be requested to assess problem-solving, communication, and process management skills.

• Management & Cultural Fit Interview: This interview will focus on leadership style, experience managing distributed and international teams, cross-cultural communication, and alignment with Ardurra's people-centric culture. Questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic thinking will be prominent.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, potentially including salary and benefits negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing workflows, and driving project success, not just individual technical contributions.

• Showcase Process: Include examples of BIM standards, templates, and workflow optimization efforts. Clearly articulate the "before and after" impact of your process improvements.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., reduction in clashes, time savings, improved design accuracy, successful project delivery.

• International Team Management: If possible, include examples or case studies that illustrate your experience managing international teams, highlighting communication strategies and cross-cultural successes.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific software challenges and solutions, and demonstrate a deep understanding of multi-discipline coordination within BIM environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a potential design coordination challenge or a scenario requiring you to outline a strategy for managing a remote international production team.

• Practice articulating your approach to establishing BIM standards for a new project or improving an existing workflow.

• Be ready to discuss how you would handle communication breakdowns or quality issues with an international team.

• Prepare to explain how you measure the success of BIM implementation and its impact on project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on the candidate's ability to manage international teams and drive process improvements. The portfolio review is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Suite: Advanced proficiency is required in AutoCAD Plant 3D (for process piping and plant design), Revit (for architectural, structural, MEP modeling), and Civil 3D (for site/civil design).

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Essential for cloud-based collaboration, document management, and project coordination.

• Navisworks: Likely used for advanced model aggregation, clash detection, and 4D/5D simulation.

• ReCap: Potentially used for working with laser scan data to create as-built models.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BIM 360/ACC Project Dashboards: For tracking project progress, model quality, and coordination status.

• Custom Reporting Tools: Development of custom reports or scripts may be necessary to extract specific data from BIM models for analysis and stakeholder communication.

• Excel/Power BI: For data analysis, KPI tracking, and creating performance reports related to production efficiency and quality.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how BIM data integrates with project management and potentially enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with scripting (e.g., Dynamo for Revit, AutoLISP for AutoCAD) to automate repetitive tasks and improve production efficiency is highly valued.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how different Autodesk platforms and other project software (e.g., project management, scheduling) interact and exchange data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on the Autodesk ecosystem, with advanced skills required in core modeling and coordination software. Proficiency in Autodesk Construction Cloud is critical for collaboration in a hybrid and international environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring accurate and reliable design data.

• Client Focus: Commitment to delivering exceptional value and solutions that meet client needs, particularly in critical infrastructure projects.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, processes, and project delivery, driven by a passion for engineering.

• Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where individuals are valued, supported, and encouraged to share knowledge, especially across diverse teams and geographies.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as advanced BIM practices and digital delivery, to drive efficiency and improve outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Ardurra promotes a collaborative approach, characterized by open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to project success. The "family-like culture" suggests a supportive and approachable environment.

• Expect a culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement, where team members are encouraged to identify process inefficiencies and propose solutions.

• Knowledge sharing is vital, particularly given the international team structure. This involves leveraging digital platforms and scheduled interactions to ensure everyone is aligned and learning from each other.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ardurra's stated values and culture emphasize a supportive, collaborative, and quality-driven environment. This is a significant selling point for candidates seeking a positive and engaging workplace, especially one that values individual growth and international teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effectively managing and motivating a diverse, international team requires sensitivity to cultural nuances, language barriers, and differing work styles. Proactive communication strategies and clear protocols are essential.

• Technical Complexity: Leading design for large-scale, multi-discipline projects like desalination plants presents significant technical challenges in coordination and integration. Staying ahead of evolving design technologies and standards is crucial.

• Scalability of Workflows: Ensuring that BIM workflows are robust enough to handle large project scopes and can be efficiently scaled across a distributed international team requires continuous optimization and strong process management.

• Time Zone Differences: Coordinating work and meetings across multiple time zones requires careful planning, flexible scheduling, and effective asynchronous communication methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Specialization: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in specialized BIM applications, digital twins, and emerging technologies relevant to water infrastructure.

• Leadership Training: Access to Ardurra's internal leadership development programs and external training to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending industry events (e.g., Autodesk University, WEFTEC) and obtaining relevant certifications to stay current with best practices.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with various departments and project types, broadening understanding of the engineering lifecycle and business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities inherent in managing large, international infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with career progression in technical management and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and enforcing BIM standards for a large, multi-discipline project with an international production team. What are the key steps you would take?" (Focus on process documentation, communication, and enforcement).

• "How would you manage a situation where there's a significant communication breakdown or a quality issue arising from your international BIM team? What immediate steps would you take, and what long-term solutions would you implement?" (Assess problem-solving, conflict resolution, and process improvement).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Ardurra, how do you see your leadership style and experience contributing to our people-centric culture and family-like environment?" (Assess cultural fit and self-awareness).

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members who are geographically dispersed and from different cultural backgrounds?" (Focus on collaboration strategies and cross-cultural competence).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in BIM production management for complex infrastructure, ideally including water/wastewater or industrial facilities.

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini case studies, detailing the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented (especially regarding process and team management), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate any BIM standards, templates, or workflow optimizations you developed or implemented, explaining their purpose and impact.

• Team Management: Highlight your experience managing teams, especially international ones, detailing communication strategies and how you fostered collaboration and quality.

• Visual Aids: Use screenshots of models, drawings, and dashboards to illustrate your points. Be prepared to discuss specific software features and how they were utilized.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical BIM expertise but also strong leadership, cross-cultural communication, and process optimization skills. The ability to articulate impact through case studies and quantifiable results will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ardurra's careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 15+ years of CAD/BIM experience, specifically emphasizing your 5+ years in leadership roles. Ensure your proficiency in AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, Civil 3D, and Autodesk Construction Cloud is clearly stated. Explicitly mention your fluency in both Spanish and English.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate examples of your work that demonstrate leadership in BIM production management, multi-discipline coordination, and process optimization for complex infrastructure projects. Be ready to present case studies focusing on your impact and team management, particularly with international teams.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for technical questions about BIM software and workflows, leadership scenarios involving international teams, and questions assessing your fit with Ardurra's culture. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling and quantifiable achievements.

• Research Ardurra: Familiarize yourself with Ardurra's projects, values, and commitment to a people-centric culture. Understand their focus on water infrastructure and desalination 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.