Senior Visualization Specialist

Job Description:

CDM Smith is seeking a visionary, technically skilled Senior Visualization Specialist to help shape how transportation projects are understood and experienced. In this role, you will transform complex engineering, planning, CAD/BIM, and GIS data into compelling visual stories --- photorealistic renderings, animations, interactive experiences, and real-time environments --- that inform decision-making, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and elevate strategic pursuits. You'll collaborate closely with transportation engineers, planners, designers, and marketing teams across project types ranging from complete streets and transit corridors to highways, bridges, and NEPA/environmental permitting, ensuring visuals are technically accurate, aligned with design intent, and delivered on schedule.

This is also a rare opportunity to join a dedicated Transportation Visualization Practice at its launch --- shaping the workflows, tools, and standards the team will build on for years to come. As our first specialized visualization hire, you'll operate with full autonomy from day one, contributing to live projects while mentoring junior staff and helping advance the practice through workflow development and R&D. The role spans the full deliverable spectrum today, with interactive models, VR/AR experiences, and real-time walkthroughs on the near horizon. If you're energized by building something new --- and defining what comes next --- this is that opportunity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 5 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of professional experience in 3D visualization, with a preference for AEC or transportation contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver photorealistic visuals from complex CAD/GIS/BIM inputs, with proven experience building and maintaining scalable CAD and GIS visualization workflows.
• Familiarity with DOTs, transit agencies, regional planning agencies, and municipal stakeholders is a plus --- as is comfort navigating the technical and communication demands of public-sector transportation projects.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or contributing to team workflow development is preferred; we're looking for someone who is as invested in growing the people around them as they are in the quality of their own work.

EEO Statement:

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?:

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/en/Video/Meet-CDM-Smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith -- where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Site Location:

Oregon - Portland

Agency Disclaimer:

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Amount of Travel Required:

5%

Assignment Category:

Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available:

No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced proficiency in 3ds Max and a production renderer such as V-Ray, plus Adobe Creative Suite, and strong command of one or more real-time rendering platforms including Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, or Vantage. Experience with scripting and automation (Python, MAXScript, or similar) is highly valued.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand complex technical, professional and business materials.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information:

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Additional Compensation:

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options:

Fully Remote or Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Massachusetts Applicants:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.