Virtual design and construction (VDC) engineers manage the planning, visualization, and computer modeling of building projects. They work closely with BIM modelers, architects, and clients to create a cohesive construction plan. VDC engineers need to have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, along with technical expertise and artistic ability.
Sample job description #1
Qualified candidates should
- Understand building construction and/or architecture
- Have on the job or class experience with BIM software programs and technology
- Thrive in a team environment both contributing to larger projects and producing independent work
- Have an innately curious, forward-thinking personality to be push innovative ideas in all aspects of daily tasks
Typical daily tasks include creating modeled visualizations for site logistics, safety concerns, building sequencing, scheduling, and VR experiences.
Education and experience
- Bachelor degree with preference given to Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management related degrees or Associate degree in a VDC/BIM technical concentration with 2-4 years of experiency
- VDC/BIM tool knowledge & proficiency
Software skills required
- General Computing Skills
- SketchUp
- CAD
- Revit
Software skills preferred
- Coding
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Assemble
- Synchro
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- 3ds Max
- Lumion
Sample job description #2
Bring your implementation, architectural, and construction management mastery to work for an industry leader.
In this role you will
- Work on the project management of VDC/BIM projects across the VDC spectrum
- Serve as the interface to clients and cultivate client relationships. Present work to the client. Conduct and/or actively participate in meetings with the client
- Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. Enhance VIATechnik’s goal of continuous improvement within our company, for our clients, and for the industry
- Coordinate and lead interesting digital model creation efforts globally for large GC coordination projects
- Contribute to our culture of professional development and knowledge sharing by participating in and leading training efforts
Apply if you have
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or similar
- Interest in or up to 3 years of experience providing implementation, training, and support in BIM and VDC
- Excellent organizational skills
- Knowledge of primary building systems – foundations, primary building structure and walls, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, fire protection, specialty systems, conveying systems and interior finishes, and the sequence of assembly of each
- A knack for managing multiple simultaneous projects requiring frequent communication, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
- Capability to read and interpret construction contracts
- Availability to work hybrid out of one of our offices
Even better if you have
- A background working for a general contractor, especially in a VDC capacity
- Experience in combining and coordinating BIM updates, running clash detection on revised components and communicating results to internal and external stakeholders
- Understanding of leading online meetings and training sessions across remote project teams using platforms such as Asana
- Ability to create and manage complex commercial and industrial design projects within Revit, Navisworks, BIM360, AutoCAD, and other supporting programs
- Familiarity with managing BIM and VDC across the project lifecycle including operations and facilities management
- A track record of effectively working with and/or managing teams remotely
- Aptitude for working effectively in an extremely fast-paced, ambiguous environment
- Proactive and flexible attitude, willingness to take an “all hands on deck” approach
Sample job description #3
The VDC Engineer’s primary responsibility is to develop 3D models used for proposal graphics and animations needed to construct large bridges, tunnels, highway interchanges, power plants, and other infrastructure systems.
What you’ll do
- Effectively communicate with project teams, construction contractors, and others as applicable and necessary
- Effectively utilize computer design and drafting software, and 3D Modeling/BIM software to produce construction drawings, and construction coordination modeling
- Collaborate with project teams to analyze constructability, build construction sequence animations, and help to create 4D/5D and 6D models for some of the largest civil and infrastructure projects across the United States
- Support all design disciplines (architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering)
- Provide timely services that meet the needs of clients and the overall project schedule requirements
We’re looking for
- Ability to independently calculate quantities
- Ability to independently generate 3D models
- Have a strong working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Knowledge of general construction, Roadway, Paving, Bridges, Drainage, etc.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to perform quickly and effectively under pressure and deadlines
- Demonstrate a high standard of professionalism, client focus/customer service, and ownership/responsibility
- Demonstrates proficiency of MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Functions effectively as part of a team
- Dependability
- Ability to understand and follow directions
- Must be well organized
- Ability to multitask, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Ability to quickly learn and run new software and updated programs
- 2-5 years of experience with 3/D Modeling/ BIM software
- Bachelors degree in Engineering or Architecture preferred, but not required
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a VDC engineer is $88,750 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $88,250 | $119,400 |
| Los Angeles, California | $99,600 | $134,700 |
| Denver, Colorado | $83,000 | $112,300 |
| Washington, DC | $101,100 | $136,750 |
| Miami, Florida | $82,600 | $111,750 |
| Orlando, Florida | $76,200 | $103,100 |
| Tampa, Florida | $76,950 | $104,100 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $80,700 | $109,200 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $92,800 | $125,550 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $100,350 | $135,750 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $79,950 | $108,200 |
| New York City, New York | $105,600 | $142,900 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $86,000 | $116,350 |
| Dallas, Texas | $83,750 | $113,300 |
| Houston, Texas | $83,000 | $112,250 |
| Seattle, Washington | $96,550 | $130,650 |
| National Average | $75,450 | $102,050 |
Sample interview questions
- Can you tell me about a time you noticed a small problem that others had missed?
- What qualities does a VDC engineer have?
- Where do you see your career heading in the next five years?
- As a VDC engineer, you will be working with architects, builders, and other engineers. How do you feel about working with people across multiple professions?
- What do you like about VDC engineering?
- What do you not like about VDC engineering?
- Tell me about your favorite programs and software to use.
- What is your favorite project you have worked on?
- What challenges do you expect as a VDC engineer?
- Tell me about a time where your actions didn’t line up with your core values.
- What is your ideal workspace environment?
- What are the strengths that will help you in your work as a VDC engineer?
- Describe a time you showed leadership skills at work.
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
- How do you stay current with new technology?
- Describe a time you received criticism from your supervisor. How did you respond to it?
- What processes do you follow to catch mistakes in your work?
