Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Dallas, TX

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce high-quality visual assets for proposals, reports, and marketing collateral, adhering strictly to corporate and client branding guidelines.

• Develop engaging multimedia graphics, presentations, and digital content for e-blasts and social media campaigns.

• Create compelling visual exhibits, including before-and-after photo simulations and aerial map visualizations, to support technical documentation and project proposals.

• Manage large-format printing production and ensure quality control for all physical marketing materials.

• Collaborate effectively with a diverse team of engineers, project managers, and technical staff to translate complex information into clear, impactful visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a firm that provides engineering and design consulting services, implying a need for graphics that can effectively communicate technical and project-related information. The emphasis on proposals and reports suggests a strong focus on business-to-business (B2B) marketing materials and client-facing documentation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Develop dynamic presentations and multimedia graphics to enhance client engagements and internal communications.

• Produce detailed before-and-after photo simulations and sophisticated aerial map exhibits for project documentation and marketing.

• Create impactful brochures, both print and digital, and eye-catching trade show graphics to support business development efforts.

• Design e-blast campaigns and social media graphics to drive engagement and brand awareness across digital platforms.

• Oversee large-format printing production, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of materials.

• Integrate seamlessly into a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, contributing to a collaborative and productive environment.

• Engage with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to understand project requirements and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Maintain strict adherence to corporate and client branding guidelines, ensuring visual consistency and brand integrity across all outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and technical application, common in operations roles that support specialized industries like engineering consulting. The need to work with technical staff and translate complex information into visuals is a key operational function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in creating marketing and proposal collateral.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for integration with technical documentation.

• Expertise in layout design for complex documents, particularly using Adobe InDesign for proposals and reports.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively.

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

• Proven ability to manage multiple, varied assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining consistent quality and accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max, or Sketchup for advanced multimedia and 3D visualization.

• Web design experience, with a preference for WordPress, including knowledge of HTML/CSS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe CC, Microsoft Office, and specific applications like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, along with the preference for video editing and web design skills, indicates a need for a versatile designer capable of supporting a broad range of marketing and technical documentation needs. The mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years) suggests the need for someone who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on proposal and report design, marketing collateral, and digital graphics.

• Specific examples of complex document layouts created in Adobe InDesign, demonstrating an ability to manage intricate typography, imagery, and data visualization.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the creation of photo simulations, aerial map exhibits, or other technical visualizations.

• Demonstrations of e-blast campaigns, social media graphics, and digital marketing materials.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and production.

• Understanding of workflow management for simultaneous, varied assignments and the ability to maintain quality and accuracy throughout.

• Familiarity with version control and asset management best practices for design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting a firm like Kimley-Horn, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to translate complex, technical information into clear, professional, and branded visual assets. The emphasis on InDesign for complex documents is a critical differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for a Graphic Designer in Dallas, TX, at a mid-level experience (2-5 years) with a reputable firm like Kimley-Horn, typically falls between $60,000 and $80,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for creative roles in major metropolitan areas, considering the company's strong reputation and the comprehensive benefits package offered.

Benefits:

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 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.

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

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

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs available.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. The role requires flexibility to periodically work outside normal working hours and travel as needed for business requirements, particularly to meet tight deadlines and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on general market data for experienced graphic designers in Dallas, TX, and the provided benefits suggest a company that invests heavily in employee well-being and long-term financial security, aligning with Kimley-Horn's stated values. The mention of half-day Fridays and flexible scheduling indicates a focus on work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Design Consulting. Kimley-Horn is a leading national firm providing comprehensive engineering and design services across various sectors, including transportation, environmental, water resources, land development, and aviation. This context means the graphic design team supports highly technical projects and professionals.

Company Size: Large (Kimley-Horn has over 5,000 employees globally). This size implies a structured organization with established marketing departments and clear operational processes, offering opportunities for specialization and career advancement within the marketing team.

Founded: 1945. With a long history, Kimley-Horn has a well-established corporate culture, a strong reputation for quality, and a deep understanding of its client industries. This stability is attractive for long-term career growth.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design role is part of a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team," suggesting a dedicated marketing department with specialized functions like graphic design, content creation, and proposal management.

• The team likely operates with a hierarchical structure, potentially reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director, with clear lines of communication and collaboration.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for understanding the effectiveness of marketing materials, though this role is more focused on the creative output rather than deep analytical work.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be employed to manage multiple design projects efficiently and meet deadlines.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be utilized through template development and streamlined design processes to maximize output.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's industry as an engineering and design firm is crucial. The graphic designer will need to understand technical concepts and communicate them visually, requiring a different approach than a purely consumer-facing brand. The company's long history and large size suggest a stable, professional environment with established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer position (implied by the 2-5 years of experience). It involves significant responsibility for producing high-quality marketing and proposal materials, requiring a solid understanding of design principles, software proficiency, and the ability to work independently on varied assignments. The role requires translating technical information into compelling visuals, a key operational skill in supporting client-facing functions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Graphic Designer within a larger marketing department. Collaboration will extend across various project teams, including engineers and project managers, requiring effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the firm's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and reports, enhance brand perception through marketing collateral, and effectively communicate project value to clients. High-quality visuals are critical for differentiating Kimley-Horn in a competitive market and reinforcing its reputation for excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific areas like proposal graphics, large-format printing, motion graphics, or web design within the marketing team.

• Skill Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs for advanced software skills (e.g., Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max) and new design trends.

• Leadership Potential: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy. Advancement into a Marketing Manager or Creative Director role is also a possibility within a large firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are tied to both deepening design expertise within the firm's specific needs (technical visuals, proposals) and potentially moving into leadership roles within a structured corporate marketing department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position located in Dallas, TX, at a Kimley-Horn office. The company emphasizes a collaborative and professional work environment.

Office Location(s): Dallas, Texas. This major metropolitan area offers a dynamic professional setting with access to various amenities and a strong talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is described as part of a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team," suggesting a collaborative design studio environment within the larger office.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware (PC-based) is expected, supporting efficient workflow and high-quality output.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to work outside normal hours and potentially travel as needed to meet business demands and project deadlines, a common requirement in roles supporting proposal cycles and client-facing projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and emphasis on collaboration with technical staff highlight the need for a designer who thrives in a team-oriented, project-driven environment. The flexibility in working hours is a critical aspect for roles supporting proposal deadlines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and online portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic relevant to Kimley-Horn's needs.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a portfolio review session with the hiring manager and/or senior design team members to evaluate software proficiency, creative problem-solving, and understanding of technical/proposal design.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions focusing on teamwork, communication, problem-solving under pressure, handling feedback, and adapting to corporate branding guidelines.

• Final Interview: Discussion with marketing leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase a strong selection of work that directly aligns with the responsibilities outlined, particularly proposal graphics, technical illustrations, and brand-compliant marketing materials.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of different types of projects (print, digital, multimedia) to showcase a broad skill set.

• Focus on Technical Communication: If possible, include examples where you successfully translated complex technical information into clear visuals.

• Ensure Quality: Present your portfolio in a clean, professional, and easy-to-navigate format. Ensure all links are active.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for design exercises that may involve creating a graphic for a hypothetical proposal, updating a template, or simulating a before-and-after scenario.

• Practice articulating your design choices, justifying your approach based on client needs, branding guidelines, and project objectives.

• Be ready to discuss how you handle constructive criticism and incorporate feedback from technical colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, skill-based nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their technical proficiency and their ability to apply design principles to the specific needs of an engineering consulting firm.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe CC Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout of complex documents like proposals and reports. Proficiency in master pages, styles, preflighting, and interactive PDF creation is key.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Acrobat: For PDF management, editing, and creation of interactive forms.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For presentation design, integration with InDesign layouts.
  • Word: For incorporating graphics into text documents and understanding document structure.
  • Excel: For potential data visualization or integration with charts/graphs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• This role is unlikely to directly manage CRM systems but may be involved in creating collateral used in CRM-driven campaigns (e.g., e-blasts). Familiarity with email marketing platforms (for e-blast design) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Proficiency, particularly in InDesign for complex document layouts, is non-negotiable. The mention of PC-based systems indicates the operating environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free work, especially critical for proposals and technical reports that represent the firm's expertise.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within a large, diverse marketing team and collaborating closely with technical staff to achieve shared goals.

• Client Focus: Understanding that design work directly supports client needs and business development objectives.

• Efficiency & Responsiveness: Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Professionalism & Responsibility: Maintaining a professional demeanor, taking personal responsibility for work, and demonstrating a solution-seeking attitude.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Frequent interaction with engineers and project managers, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate technical jargon into visual concepts.

• Feedback & Iteration: An open culture for design review and feedback, allowing for iterative improvements to ensure the final product meets requirements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a creative environment where designers share best practices, new techniques, and inspiration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's emphasis on its culture, employee retention, and its Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list status suggests a strong focus on employee well-being, professional development, and a collaborative, supportive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Information: Effectively visualizing complex engineering concepts and technical data for diverse audiences without losing accuracy.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects simultaneously with varying priorities and tight turnaround times, common in proposal-driven environments.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying corporate and client branding across a wide range of materials while maintaining creative integrity.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design software and techniques, especially in areas like video editing or 3D visualization, if pursued.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe CC, particularly in preferred skills like After Effects, Premier, or 3DS Max, through internal programs or tuition reimbursement.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of graphic design trends and best practices in marketing, proposal development, and visual communication for technical industries.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining insights into engineering and project management processes through ongoing collaboration, which can inform more effective design solutions.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or marketing professionals within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a graphic designer in a professional services firm, emphasizing the need for both creative skill and operational efficiency. The growth opportunities are strongly supported by the company's stated commitment to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a cover for a complex technical proposal. How do you balance branding, technical content, and visual appeal?" (Focus on your structured approach, research, and iterative design process.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and adherence to brand guidelines when working with multiple stakeholders, including engineers and project managers?" (Highlight communication, feedback loops, and attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Kimley-Horn specifically, given our focus on engineering and design?" (Research Kimley-Horn's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs, especially from technical team members who may not have a design background?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback and collaborative problem-solving.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Select 2-3 projects from your portfolio that best demonstrate your skills in proposal design, technical visualization, or brand adherence. Be prepared to walk us through them."

• For each project:

  • Clearly state the objective or problem.
  • Describe your specific role and process.
  • Explain the design choices you made and why.
  • Detail the tools and software you used.
  • Discuss the results or impact of your design.

• Be ready to answer questions about your technical proficiency in Adobe CC and Microsoft Office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also the ability to work within a structured, technical environment, manage projects efficiently, and communicate effectively with non-design professionals. The portfolio is a critical tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kimley-Horn careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work relevant to proposal design, technical graphics, and corporate branding. Ensure it's easily navigable and showcases your proficiency in Adobe InDesign and other required software.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and any experience in creating visuals for technical or engineering contexts. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed graphics for proposals that contributed to X% win rate").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to discuss 2-3 key portfolio projects in detail, focusing on the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's services, recent projects, and company culture. Understand their brand identity and how your design skills can support 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.