Sr. Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Technologist Company: CannonDesign Location: San Francisco, CA Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Technology / Operations Date Posted: September 17, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between design conceptualization and technical execution, focusing on integrating cutting-edge technology into architectural and design workflows.
• Responsibilities include driving digital transformation initiatives within the firm, enhancing design processes through technology, and ensuring the successful implementation of digital solutions across projects.
• The position demands strong leadership in digital strategy, project delivery, and vendor relationship management, with a focus on leveraging data for design intelligence and automation.
• A key aspect involves evangelizing and supporting primary design applications, fostering a culture of technological adoption and innovation within the design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are technology-focused, the "operations" aspect comes from the systematic implementation, workflow optimization, process authoring, and ensuring the "digital health" of projects, which are all operational functions within a design firm's project delivery lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and support the successful implementation and delivery of design technology solutions on major projects and programs.
• Partner with Project Design Technologists to manage the digital health of projects, ensuring digital delivery commitments are met.
• Lead specific major initiatives identified by the Design Technology group, including planning and ensuring successful completion.
• Collaborate with consultants and clients to maintain model integrity and support digital collaboration needs.
• Own and manage relationships with key vendors, championing CannonDesign’s needs and priorities.
• Lead project teams in BIM (Building Information Modeling) project execution planning at project kickoff and milestones.
• Author and implement standard workflows and processes for design technology adoption and utilization.
• Evangelize, educate, and provide support for primary design applications across the firm.
• Champion technology for data collection and querying to drive design intelligence, optimization, automation, simulation, and explore potential for artificial intelligence applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of project management, technical leadership, and strategic initiative ownership, common in senior operations roles that manage cross-functional technology adoption and process improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Design Technology, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of related experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience specifically in design technology, software development, or a closely related role is mandatory.
• A solid understanding of all project phases, from initial design through construction/close-out, is essential.

Required Skills:

• Strong background in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
• Expertise in design technology and software development principles.
• Proficiency in design processes, understanding delivery requirements, and strategically applying technology for efficiency and quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven experience training others in the design, delivery, and use of BIM.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent client and practice engagement capabilities.
• Strong technical knowledge of model authoring tools such as Revit.
• Familiarity with analysis tools (e.g., Insight 360).
• Proficiency with Dynamo for parametric design and automation.
• Experience with review tools like Navisworks, Bluebeam, Revizto, and Enscape.
• Competency with various other Design Applications relevant to architectural workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the Revit API (Application Programming Interface) is highly preferred, indicating a deeper technical aptitude for customization and automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required technical skills and industry experience points to a role that acts as an internal consultant and implementer, requiring deep operational knowledge of design software and workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of successfully implemented design technology solutions on complex AEC projects, demonstrating tangible improvements in efficiency or outcomes.
• Examples of workflow optimization and automation projects, detailing the process from conception to execution and the resulting benefits.
• Case studies illustrating the strategic application of technology to solve design challenges or enhance project delivery.
• Evidence of leading or significantly contributing to digital transformation initiatives within a design or construction context.
• Demonstrations of proficiency with key design technology tools mentioned in the requirements, highlighting practical application.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of authored standard workflows and processes for design technology adoption and BIM implementation.
• Documentation of training materials or methodologies used to educate design teams on new technologies or software.
• Case studies detailing the process of managing the "digital health" of projects and ensuring digital delivery commitments.
• Evidence of creating or contributing to BIM project execution plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list skills but demonstrate how these skills have been applied to create operational efficiencies, solve problems, and drive technological adoption within a project or firm context. Demonstrating ROI or measurable impact is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,600 to $138,200 annually The stated salary range is the anticipated base compensation. Actual pay may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Insurance options.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Flex-Time Schedules to accommodate work-life balance.
• Remote Work Options (though the role is listed as Hybrid, specific days/flexibility may apply).
• 401k Plan for retirement savings.
• Employee Perk Programs designed to enhance employee well-being and engagement.
• Access to detailed benefits information on the company's careers page.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week, typical for a senior-level position.
• The mention of "flex-time schedules" suggests potential for flexible working hours, which can be a significant operational benefit for managing project deadlines and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation range is competitive for a senior technical role in a major metropolitan area like San Francisco. The benefits package is robust, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and retention, which is a positive operational indicator for company stability and employee satisfaction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Services. CannonDesign is a design practice focused on strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact. Company Size: CannonDesign is a large firm, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals globally, offering a dynamic and resource-rich environment for operations professionals. Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, CannonDesign has a long-established presence in the industry, suggesting a mature organizational structure and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The Design Technology group likely operates as a specialized internal service or support function, working closely with project teams and leadership.
• This role may report into a Director or Principal of Design Technology, or potentially a Chief Innovation Officer or similar senior operational leader.
• Collaboration is expected to be extensive with architects, engineers, project managers, IT, and external consultants/clients.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "Living-Centered Design" as a core philosophy, suggesting a human-centric approach to problem-solving and innovation.
• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on data collection, query, and leveraging technology for design intelligence and simulation.
• Process optimization and workflow standardization are key operational functions for this role.

Company Website: http://www.cannondesign.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Living-Centered Design" and social impact suggests a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and making a tangible difference, which can influence how operational improvements are approached and implemented.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Design Technologist role, indicating a high level of expertise and responsibility within the design technology function. It’s a critical operational role that impacts project delivery efficiency and technological advancement. Reporting Structure: Typically, a Senior Design Technologist would report to a Design Technology Manager, Director of Design Technology, or a similarly positioned leader responsible for operationalizing technology across the firm. They would likely manage or mentor junior team members. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on project efficiency, quality, and the firm's ability to innovate. By optimizing workflows and implementing new technologies, the Design Technologist contributes significantly to the firm's operational excellence, client satisfaction, and competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to move into management roles within Design Technology, leading larger teams or more strategic initiatives.
• Specialization: Deeper expertise in specific areas like AI in design, advanced simulation, or data analytics for AEC.
• Strategic Roles: Transition into broader operational strategy roles, focusing on digital transformation across the entire firm.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior technologists, developing leadership and coaching skills.
• Industry Influence: Representing CannonDesign at industry conferences, contributing to best practices in design technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Progression in this field often involves a blend of technical mastery, project leadership, and strategic thinking, mirroring career paths in many specialized operations functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CannonDesign operates as a professional services firm, likely with modern, collaborative office spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork. The San Francisco office would be a key hub. Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and design ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and collaborative, requiring close interaction with diverse project teams.
• Access to advanced technological tools and software is a given.
• Opportunities for knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning with other design and technology professionals within the firm.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the mention of "flex-time schedules" suggests a degree of flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing project demands with personal needs, which is crucial for sustained productivity in demanding roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role implies a balance of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility, a common operational model in today's professional services environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on experience, technical skills, and alignment with the role’s responsibilities. This is where your understanding of design technology operations will be assessed.
• Technical/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, demonstrating their capabilities in design technology, workflow optimization, and project implementation. Expect detailed questions about case studies.
• Stakeholder/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with individuals from different departments (e.g., project leaders, IT) to assess collaboration and communication skills.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the technology used, and the measurable results (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, improved design quality, increased efficiency).
• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to workflow design, implementation, and optimization. Explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved.
• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples where you led initiatives, trained teams, or collaborated effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Show practical application of key software like Revit, Dynamo, Navisworks, etc., perhaps through custom scripts, complex model setups, or efficient workflow demonstrations.
• Tailor to CannonDesign: Research the firm’s projects and "Living-Centered Design" philosophy. Frame your portfolio to show how your skills align with their values and strategic goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you address X technical challenge on a project?" or "How would you convince a team to adopt a new workflow?"
• Understand common BIM execution planning challenges and how to resolve them.
• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely for both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and technical skills suggests a rigorous evaluation process. Candidates should prepare to "show, don't just tell" their expertise in design technology operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Core model authoring tool. Deep understanding of its capabilities, best practices, and potential for optimization is essential.
• Dynamo: For parametric design, automation, and generative design workflows.
• Navisworks: For model aggregation, clash detection, and project review.
• Bluebeam: For PDF-based collaboration and markup, often used in project documentation and review.
• Revizto: For integrated BIM collaboration and issue tracking.
• Enscape: For real-time rendering and visualization.
• Insight 360: For building performance analysis.
• Other Design Applications: Proficiency with a range of industry-standard design and visualization software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing model data, performance metrics, and workflow efficiency. This could include custom scripts or integration with broader business intelligence platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a core requirement, understanding how design technology integrates with project management systems or CRM-like functions for client engagement and project tracking might be beneficial.
• Automation tools beyond Dynamo (e.g., scripting with Python for Revit API) would be a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in this specific stack of AEC software is critical. The mention of Revit API knowledge indicates a need for individuals who can go beyond using software to customizing and integrating it.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Adoration: A commitment to delivering exceptional service and exceeding client expectations through efficient and high-quality design technology support.
• Innovation & Technology Adoption: A continuous drive to explore, test, and implement new technologies to enhance design processes and outcomes.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, knowledge sharing, and a willingness to work across disciplines to solve problems.
• Efficiency & Quality: A focus on streamlining workflows and maintaining high standards of technical execution.
• Social Impact & Living-Centered Design: Applying technology in ways that contribute positively to society and the built environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration with architecture, engineering, project management, and IT teams.
• Proactive engagement with clients and consultants to ensure seamless digital integration.
• A culture that encourages shared learning and continuous improvement in design technology practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values emphasize a client-centric, innovative, and collaborative approach, which shapes how operational excellence in design technology is perceived and pursued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Technological Change: Staying current with rapidly evolving design and construction technologies requires continuous learning.
• Adoption Resistance: Encouraging adoption of new workflows and technologies among design teams can be challenging.
• Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration between various software tools and project workflows.
• Data Management: Handling and leveraging large datasets generated by design processes effectively.
• Balancing Innovation with Project Demands: Implementing new technologies while meeting strict project deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Training: Opportunities for specialized training in BIM, computational design, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Industry Conferences: Participation in conferences like Autodesk University, AIA conferences, or specific design technology events.
• Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications in software or project management.
• Internal Mentorship: Learning from experienced design technologists and leaders within CannonDesign.
• Leading Initiatives: Developing strategic thinking and project leadership skills by spearheading key technology projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are typical of technology-focused operational positions, where continuous learning and change management are paramount. The growth opportunities align with advancing technical expertise or moving into leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Workflow Optimization: "Describe a complex design workflow you optimized. What was the process, what tools did you use, and what were the quantifiable results?"
• Technology Adoption: "How would you introduce and train a team on a new software or plugin like Dynamo or a Revit API enhancement? What are the key considerations for successful adoption?"
• Problem Solving: "Imagine a project where BIM models are consistently causing performance issues. What steps would you take to diagnose and resolve this?"
• Data Utilization: "How can we leverage data from our design models to improve our design intelligence, automation, or simulation capabilities?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does your approach to design technology align with CannonDesign's 'Living-Centered Design' philosophy?"
• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration?"
• "How do you stay current with emerging technologies in the AEC industry?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Present 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in workflow optimization, technology implementation, and problem-solving.
• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your role and approach, the technologies used, the execution, and the impact/results.
• Demonstration: Be prepared to walk through examples of your work, show custom scripts, complex model setups, or process documentation.
• Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use data to demonstrate efficiency gains, time savings, or quality improvements.
• Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical choices, problem-solving methods, and leadership approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical application, problem-solving, and the ability to articulate the operational impact of design technology.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Design Technologist position:

• Visit the CannonDesign Careers site and submit your application via their official portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your expertise in design technology, workflow optimization, and BIM implementation, specifically emphasizing results and impact. Include examples of process documentation if available.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, focusing on your 5+ years in design technology and software development. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., BIM, Revit, Dynamo, workflow automation, digital transformation). Quantify achievements.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with the specified tools (Revit, Dynamo, Navisworks, etc.) and be ready to discuss your approach to solving common design technology challenges. Prepare to present your portfolio with a strong narrative and quantifiable results.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CannonDesign's projects, values, and their "Living-Centered Design" approach. Understand how your role contributes to their overall mission and operational success.

⚠️ 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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