Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: January 13, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for enhancing the visual communication of proposals, reports, and marketing collateral, directly impacting client perception and bid success.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide range of visual assets, from complex document layouts to engaging digital media, requiring a strong understanding of design principles and brand consistency.

• Collaboration with technical staff (engineers, project managers) is a key aspect, necessitating the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling visuals.

• The position offers an opportunity to work within a specialized marketing team in a fast-paced environment, contributing to high-profile projects in the engineering and consulting sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context (proposals, reports, technical staff interaction) suggest a strong focus on technical illustration and marketing design within an A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) or similar professional services firm. This implies a need for precision, adherence to brand guidelines, and the ability to quickly grasp technical concepts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually compelling covers, templates, and layouts for complex technical proposals and client reports, ensuring adherence to corporate and client branding guidelines.

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

• Create detailed before-and-after photo simulations and illustrative aerial map exhibits to support project proposals and analyses.

• Produce unique and impactful brochures, both print and digital formats, as well as eye-catching trade show graphics.

• Design and execute e-blast campaigns and social media graphics to support marketing initiatives and brand outreach.

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

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, project managers, and other technical staff to understand project requirements and translate them into visual assets.

• Thrive within a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

• Maintain a high level of accuracy and consistency in all design outputs, working under tight deadlines and managing multiple assignments simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility across print, digital, and presentation design, with a specific emphasis on technical graphics for proposals. This requires not only creative flair but also meticulous attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment common in professional services.

🎓 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 demonstrable portfolio showcasing a range of design capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command of InDesign (for complex document layout), Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Strong skills in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as Kimley-Horn operates on a PC-based platform.

• Layout and Typography: Excellent understanding of layout principles, composition, and effective typography for both print and digital media.

• Brand Consistency: Ability to consistently apply and maintain corporate and client branding guidelines across all design projects.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to liaise with technical staff and articulate design concepts.

• Problem-Solving Attitude: A positive, solution-seeking mindset with a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative.

• Deadline Management: Proven ability to work effectively under tight deadlines and manage multiple, varied assignments simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Production: Experience with video filming, editing, and motion graphics creation.

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

• Web Design: Experience in web design, with WordPress proficiency and knowledge of HTML/CSS.

• Technical Illustration: Experience creating technical illustrations, photo simulations, or exhibit graphics relevant to engineering or consulting projects.

• Large Format Printing: Understanding of pre-press requirements and production for large-format printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required" skills focus on core design software and professional attributes essential for client-facing work. The "Preferred" skills indicate areas where additional expertise would be highly valued, particularly in multimedia and web design, suggesting potential future growth areas for the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Visual Showcase: A well-organized online portfolio demonstrating a breadth of design skills, including proposals, reports, brochures, presentations, and digital assets.

• Technical Graphics Examples: Specific examples of before-and-after photo simulations, aerial map exhibits, or other technical illustrations that showcase an ability to interpret and visualize complex data.

• Brand Application: Clear demonstration of how you have applied and maintained brand guidelines for various clients or corporate entities.

• Process & Workflow Documentation: While not explicitly stated as a portfolio requirement, an understanding of your design process from brief to final output will be crucial during interviews. Be prepared to discuss your workflow.

• Software Proficiency Evidence: Portfolio pieces that implicitly or explicitly showcase mastery of Adobe CC tools, particularly InDesign for complex layouts.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to articulate your design process, including initial conceptualization, client/stakeholder consultation, iterative feedback loops, and final production.

• System Integration: Understanding of how design assets integrate with various platforms (print, web, presentations) and adherence to technical specifications for each.

• Quality Assurance: A systematic approach to reviewing and ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and quality of all design deliverables before submission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of the role and the company, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase creative talent but also the ability to produce professional, technically accurate, and brand-compliant graphics for complex projects. Applicants should be ready to discuss their process and how they ensure accuracy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Orlando, Florida, the estimated annual salary range is $60,000 - $85,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Orlando, the typical salary bands for mid-level creative roles in professional services firms, and the specific technical skills required.

Benefits:

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: Kimley-Horn offers a generous 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus), plus an additional profit-sharing contribution.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

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

• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching program within the 401(k) and eligibility for performance-based bonuses.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs to foster skill growth.

• Family-Friendly Benefits: Support for employees with new parent leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to periodically work outside normal working hours and travel as needed to meet business demands, particularly for proposal deadlines or company events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate. The benefits package is robust and a significant differentiator, particularly the retirement plan match and time-off policies, which are attractive to professionals seeking long-term career stability and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, and Design Services. Kimley-Horn is a prominent firm providing a wide range of planning, design, and construction management services across various sectors, including transportation, aviation, water, land development, and environmental.

Company Size: Kimley-Horn is a large organization, employing over 5,000 individuals across numerous offices. This scale provides stability, resources, and opportunities for professional growth.

Founded: Kimley-Horn was founded in 1967. With a long history, the company has established a strong reputation for quality, client service, and a positive employee culture.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The Graphic Designer will be part of a larger, specialized marketing team, likely consisting of marketing coordinators, proposal specialists, graphic designers, and potentially content strategists.

• Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director within the marketing department.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role requires significant interaction with engineers, project managers, technical staff, and business development teams across various service lines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, design decisions are often informed by project requirements, client needs, and corporate branding standards, emphasizing accuracy and clarity.

• Process Optimization: The company values efficiency and continuous improvement, so designers are expected to refine their workflows to meet project demands effectively.

• Client-Centric Approach: All work, including design, is geared towards supporting client success and enhancing Kimley-Horn's reputation for quality service.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's culture is noted for prioritizing people and client success, leading to high employee retention and recognition on "Best Companies to Work" lists. The company's size and industry suggest a professional, deadline-oriented environment where strong collaboration and adherence to standards are key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software proficiency, coupled with the ability to work independently on assignments and contribute to team projects. The emphasis on technical graphics and proposal support indicates a specialized track within creative services for professional firms.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a marketing leadership role (e.g., Marketing Manager, Creative Director) and will work closely with a diverse range of internal stakeholders, including technical staff, project managers, and business development professionals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the success of client proposals and marketing efforts. High-quality visuals can differentiate Kimley-Horn from competitors, enhance client understanding of complex projects, and strengthen brand perception. Effective proposal graphics are crucial for winning new business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in technical illustration, proposal graphics, or specific software (e.g., motion graphics, advanced 3D rendering).

• Skill Expansion: Develop proficiency in areas like video editing, animation, or web design to broaden service offerings.

• Leadership: Potentially move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, mentoring junior designers, leading design projects, or managing specific marketing collateral development.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain exposure to other marketing functions or even project management processes through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within this role at Kimley-Horn likely involves deepening expertise in specialized design areas relevant to the firm's services, rather than a transition into a broad "operations" role in the traditional sense. The company's emphasis on professional development supports continuous learning and skill enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, meaning the Graphic Designer will work from Kimley-Horn's Orlando office. The environment is likely professional and collaborative, typical of a large engineering and design consulting firm.

Office Location(s): Orlando, Florida. Specific office address details would typically be provided during the application process, but it is a physical office location requiring daily attendance.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect to work within a dedicated marketing team and frequently interact with engineers and project managers, fostering a collaborative and communicative environment.

• Technology & Tools: Access to a PC-based system with the full Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite will be provided. The office will likely be equipped with standard professional amenities.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues for brainstorming, feedback, and project coordination are integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours expected to be around 40 hours per week. However, flexibility is required to accommodate project deadlines, potentially involving occasional work outside of standard hours. Half-day Fridays are a notable perk.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and emphasis on collaboration suggest a traditional office setting where in-person communication and teamwork are valued. The mention of half-day Fridays indicates a company culture that balances productivity with employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, critically, your online portfolio. Ensure your portfolio link is clearly accessible and showcases relevant work.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A discussion about your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you handled client feedback. Be prepared to detail your experience with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Skills-Based Interview: Questions may focus on your experience with technical graphics, proposal design, and ability to work under deadlines. You might be asked to describe how you would approach a specific design challenge.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your communication skills, teamwork abilities, flexibility, and how you align with Kimley-Horn's values and culture. Expect questions about your attitude, responsibility, and ability to collaborate with technical staff.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior marketing or departmental leadership to discuss career aspirations and confirm fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your ability to create professional, high-quality graphics for proposals, reports, and marketing collateral, especially any technical illustrations or complex layouts.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design process for 2-3 key projects, including the brief, challenges, your solutions, and the outcome.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio implicitly demonstrates your mastery of Adobe CC, particularly InDesign.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you can, mention how your designs contributed to successful proposals or marketing campaigns.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your online portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Graphics: Be ready to discuss how you approach creating visualizations for technical concepts (e.g., photo simulations, map exhibits).

• Proposal Design: Understand the pressures of proposal deadlines and how you manage multiple urgent requests.

• Brand Adherence: Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked within strict brand guidelines.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you communicate design ideas to non-designers and incorporate feedback from technical professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element of the application. Candidates must be prepared to thoroughly discuss their work, process, and ability to meet the specific needs of a professional services firm.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for complex document layout of proposals and reports. Proficiency is a must.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating raster graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations and multimedia graphics.
  • Word: For understanding document context and potentially minor edits.
  • Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how visuals contribute to engagement metrics for e-blasts and social media could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Primarily for marketing campaign assets (e-blasts). Familiarity with how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms is a plus.

Preferred/Additional Tools:

• Adobe Premiere / After Effects: For video editing and motion graphics.

• 3DS Max / Sketchup: For 3D modeling and rendering, potentially for visualizations.

• WordPress: For web design and content management.

• HTML/CSS: For web design and understanding digital asset implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of Adobe CC (especially InDesign) and Microsoft Office. Experience with video, motion graphics, and web technologies are considered strong advantages, indicating potential for growth and broader contribution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality, error-free work, especially critical for technical proposals and client deliverables.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with a diverse team, including engineers and project managers, is paramount. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Client Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring that all design work supports client satisfaction and project success.

• Responsibility & Initiative: A proactive approach to tasks, taking ownership of assignments, and seeking solutions to challenges.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: The capacity to manage multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing project requirements in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to integrate closely with technical and business development teams, translating their needs into visual communications.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and improve project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Within the marketing team, sharing best practices, design trends, and technical tips is likely encouraged to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's stated values of prioritizing people and client success strongly influence the team culture. The emphasis on a "positive, solution-seeking attitude and a high sense of personal responsibility" directly informs how collaboration and work ethic are perceived.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Concepts: The primary challenge will be to effectively visualize complex engineering and technical information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner for non-technical audiences.

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Navigating corporate branding guidelines while still producing innovative and impactful designs.

• Managing Multiple, Urgent Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of proposal work can lead to competing priorities and high-pressure situations.

• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively managing feedback from diverse stakeholders, including technical experts who may have specific, sometimes conflicting, ideas.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to become proficient in video editing (Premiere, After Effects), motion graphics, or 3D modeling software.

• Specialized Design Skills: Developing expertise in areas like data visualization, technical illustration, or advanced layout techniques for large-format documents.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining a deeper understanding of the engineering and consulting industry to better inform design decisions.

• Web Design Integration: Learning or enhancing skills in web design, HTML/CSS, and WordPress to support digital marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a graphic designer in a professional services firm. The growth opportunities lean towards expanding technical design skills and software proficiency, aligning with the company's core business.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio. For each, discuss the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Focus on projects relevant to proposals, reports, or technical graphics.

• Technical Graphics Approach: How would you approach creating a "before-and-after" photo simulation for a construction project? Or how would you visualize a complex infrastructure plan?

• Brand Management: Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How do you ensure consistency across different deliverables?

• Deadline Management: How do you prioritize and manage multiple urgent design requests simultaneously? Describe a challenging deadline you've met.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why Kimley-Horn?: Research the company's values, recent projects, and its reputation. Understand their position in the engineering and consulting industry.

• Collaboration: How do you collaborate with engineers or project managers who may not have a strong design background? How do you incorporate their technical input?

• Problem-Solving: Describe a time you faced a design challenge or received difficult feedback. How did you resolve it?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create professional, technically accurate, and brand-compliant graphics for proposals and marketing collateral.

• Showcase InDesign Proficiency: Be ready to discuss complex document layouts and your process for managing them in InDesign.

• Explain Your Process: Clearly articulate your workflow from brief to final delivery, including how you manage feedback and revisions.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your design work contributed to winning bids or improving client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and collaborate effectively with technical teams. Demonstrating an understanding of the company's industry and values will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible via a direct link on your resume and application, and prominently features your strongest work relevant to technical proposals, reports, and marketing collateral.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and any experience with technical graphics, video, or web design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, your design process, and how you handle collaboration with technical staff. Be ready to articulate your understanding of Kimley-Horn's business and values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kimley-Horn's services, recent projects, and company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and align your responses with their mission.

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

---