Sr. Designer

As a Sr. Designer at Kimley-Horn in Riverside, your primary responsibilities will revolve around implementing and managing drafting and plan preparation standards. You'll develop technical drawings and quality-check designs of substantial complexity. This role also includes making suggestions for design changes based on your knowledge of engineering principles, supervising and training CAD staff, and ensuring that projects meet quality control standards. Your day-to-day tasks will allow for both independent work and collaboration with a talented team.

To apply for the Sr. Designer position at Kimley-Horn, you need to have at least 8 years of relevant experience in design. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, although an associate's degree is preferred. You should possess advanced knowledge and proficiency in Autodesk or Bentley products. Strong interpersonal communication skills, a detail-oriented approach, and a professional attitude are essential. Additionally, the desire to mentor others and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are key attributes we look for.

The salary range for the Sr. Designer position at Kimley-Horn in Riverside is between $100,000 to $135,000. This competitive salary reflects Kimley-Horn's commitment to valuing the expertise and contributions of its employees. In addition to a robust salary, employees can expect to enjoy a range of benefits that enhance their overall compensation package.

Kimley-Horn offers a wealth of benefits to its Sr. Designers, including comprehensive health coverage that encompasses low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options. An exceptional retirement plan is available with a 2-to-1 company match on eligible compensation, along with profit-sharing contributions. Employees can take advantage of flexible scheduling, personal leave, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays. Furthermore, opportunities for professional development through tuition reimbursement and internal training programs are also provided.

The work culture at Kimley-Horn is centered on employee engagement and support. As a Sr. Designer, you'll be part of a welcoming environment where your contributions are valued, and your growth is encouraged. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional development, you will have opportunities to mentor others and continue learning. This supportive atmosphere is reflected in Kimley-Horn’s recognition as one of the '100 Best Companies to Work' by Fortune, emphasizing our dedication to fostering a positive and productive workplace.

In an interview, when asked about your experience with Autodesk or Bentley products as a Sr. Designer, provide specific examples of projects where you utilized these tools. Explain how you applied your technical skills to create detailed designs and address any challenges you faced. Highlight any advanced features of the software that you are proficient in and the impact your expertise has had on project outcomes.

When discussing quality control during an interview, emphasize your systematic approach to checking designs. Describe the processes you follow, such as reviewing calculations, peer reviews, or utilizing checklists. Share examples of how you've identified and resolved issues in past projects, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to high standards.

In response to questions about mentoring and training, share your approach to fostering a learning environment. Discuss how you would create tailored training sessions and provide constructive feedback. Highlight instances where you've successfully guided junior staff, helping them to improve their skills and confidence in using design software or understanding project processes.

When asked to discuss a complex design project, choose a specific example that illustrates your role and impact as a Sr. Designer. Outline the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the team's collaboration. Make sure to detail your contributions, from concept to completion, emphasizing any unique design elements you brought to the project.

To answer this question effectively, explain your task management strategies, such as using project management tools or setting clear priorities. Provide concrete examples from your experiences, demonstrating how you maintained focus on deadlines while ensuring quality work. Mention any techniques you employ, like time blocking or regular check-ins with team members to stay aligned on project progress.

Discuss your client engagement process when making design changes. Explain how you actively listen to feedback and assess its implications on design integrity. Share an example of how you've successfully incorporated client feedback in past projects, demonstrating your ability to balance client requests with professional standards.

When addressing how you stay current in the industry, emphasize your commitment to continuous learning. Mention sources like professional journals, webinars, or workshops. Share any memberships in professional organizations that help you remain updated on trends and technologies relevant to your role as a Sr. Designer.

In response to this question, give a specific instance that illustrates your teamwork and collaboration skills. Describe the project, your role, and how you effectively communicated with other teams. Highlight any challenges faced and how you worked together to overcome them, showcasing your ability to unite different perspectives for project success.

In articulating your motivations as a Sr. Designer, focus on your passion for design, problem-solving, and improving user experiences. Share specific aspects of the role that excite you, such as contributing to impactful projects or mentorship. This helps interviewers understand your alignment with Kimley-Horn’s values and culture.

Talking about handling constructive criticism, convey your openness to feedback and willingness to learn. Share a personal experience where you received feedback on a design and how you used it to improve your work. Highlight that you view criticism as a learning opportunity, and explain how this attitude aligns with a collaborative work environment like Kimley-Horn.