Junior Designer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

SOM, one of the most influential design firms in the world, is seeking innovative, creative, independent, and critical thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence. Join our collaborative design practice as a Junior Designer for the opportunity to build a strong and thriving career.

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all
the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.




• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our




• knowledge.




• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.




• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal




• integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.




• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.




• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities

• Assists in preparation of solutions to general and engineering problems. Checks and coordinates details and dimensions under supervision.




• Performs structural analysis and design under supervision.




• Assists in preparation of design and construction documents.




• Provides independent general drafting work relating to specific areas of project.




• Reviews shop drawing and product submittals for general conformance with the structural engineering documents.




• Handles a reasonable workload to meet project tasks deadlines and commitments under regular direction from the supervisor.




• Generates ideas under direction relative to the task in hand for review and selection by others.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or B.Eng required; Master’s degree in Structural Engineering a plus.




• Limited experience in structural analysis, drafting, and design development.




• Demonstrates general knowledge of materials, detailing and construction techniques related to structural engineering principles, and codes.




• Exhibits initiative, problem solving, and a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level.




• Able to follow instructions on timelines of deliverables, seeks guidance when needed, escalates appropriately if needed.




• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.




• Possesses basic knowledge of computational and FEM tools for daily use on project design.

SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs

Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development 

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $67,000-$74,000.

Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices. 

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com

At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.