VDC Visualization Specialist

Description

McGough is a respected partner that brings six generations of experience to high profile, unique and complex construction projects. We take great pride in our people and their extraordinary expertise in planning, development, construction and facility management. McGough employee tenure reflects the commitment and pride we share in our work. Ask anyone who knows us - the caliber of our people sets us apart.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The VDC Visualization Specialist is a company-wide Virtual Design & Construction professional responsible for creating compelling, technically credible visual content that strengthens pursuit strategy, communicates the proposed construction approach, and helps project teams make better planning decisions.

The primary responsibility of this position is to support pursuit efforts across the company. Working in close partnership with Business Development, Pursuit Marketing, Preconstruction, Estimating, Operations, and VDC leadership, the Specialist translates construction means and methods, site logistics, sequencing, safety considerations, and project-specific constraints into clear, persuasive visual narratives. Deliverables may include 3D site logistics plans, construction sequencing animations, renderings, walkthroughs, phasing simulations, physical 3D-printed models, AR/VR-ready rendered environments, presentation graphics, and other model-based content for proposals, interviews, and client presentations.

When not assigned to active pursuits, the Specialist supports project teams with 4D and 5D phase-planning efforts. This includes developing and maintaining model-based phasing and logistics plans, linking approved schedules and cost/quantity information to model elements as directed, and producing visual planning tools that support constructability, safety, schedule, cost, and work-planning decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

* Bachelor's degree in construction management, construction engineering, architecture, engineering, digital media, visualization, or a related field; equivalent combination of relevant education, technical training, and experience will be considered.

* Three or more years of experience in VDC, BIM, construction visualization, architectural visualization, construction operations, preconstruction, or a closely related AEC discipline.

* Demonstrated experience producing model-based visual deliverables for construction pursuits, preconstruction, project planning, or active construction operations.

* Working knowledge of commercial construction documents, construction sequencing, site logistics, and general contractor means and methods.

* Experience working with 3D models and source content from common AEC platforms, including Revit, Revizto, AutoCAD, SketchUp, or comparable tools.

* Experience creating 4D phasing or sequencing deliverables using model and schedule information.

* Working knowledge of the 3D-printing process, including preparing printable models, selecting appropriate print media, operating or coordinating use of 3D printers, and estimating costs for 3D printing efforts.

* Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, schedules, and site logistics information.

* A portfolio demonstrating relevant construction, architectural, or VDC visualization work is required.

Preferred

• Five or more years of progressive AEC VDC, construction visualization, preconstruction, or operations experience.
• Experience supporting complex commercial, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, mission-critical, industrial, or data-center projects.
• Experience supporting formal proposal submissions, owner presentations, shortlist interviews, or business-development pursuits.
• Experience with 5D workflows, including model-based quantities, estimate alignment, cost visualization, or work-package planning.
• Proficiency with 4D tools such as Synchro Pro, Fuzor 4D, Primavera P6 integrations, or comparable platforms.
• Experience with Autodesk Forma or other common data environments used in the AEC industry.
• Experience developing real-time rendered environments for AR/VR headsets, immersive client reviews, or marketing events.
• Experience creating holographic, mixed-reality, or other advanced immersive marketing content.
• Familiarity with lean planning practices, pull planning, Last Planner System concepts, and construction scheduling practices.
• CM-BIM, Autodesk, Synchro, or comparable industry certifications.

Skills

• Advanced ability to create clear, accurate, and visually compelling 3D construction content, including logistics plans, renderings, animations, physical models, and construction-phasing visuals.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and Revizto; working proficiency in AutoCAD and/or SketchUp.
• Proficiency in one or more visualization tools such as Twinmotion, Enscape, Lumion, Unreal Engine, 3ds Max, or equivalent platforms.
• Working knowledge of 3D-printing equipment, print-preparation software, print media, model scaling, printability requirements, printer scheduling, and cost estimating.
• Ability to prepare and optimize 3D models and rendered environments for AR/VR headset use, including geometry, materials, lighting, navigation, and performance considerations.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud or comparable graphic, video-editing, and motion-graphics tools.
• Ability to create and maintain 4D schedule-linked models and animations; ability to understand the fundamentals of 5D model-to-cost or quantity workflows.
• Strong visual storytelling skills and the ability to translate complex construction information into content that is understandable to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple fast-paced pursuit requests with competing deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Collaborative working style and the ability to build credibility with field leaders, estimators, schedulers, project managers, marketing teams, and executives.
• High attention to detail, commitment to technical accuracy, and sound judgment regarding assumptions, model limitations, and appropriate use of conceptual visual content.
• Ability to work independently while escalating scope, schedule, technical, or resource risks in a timely manner.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Pursuit Visualization and Proposal Support

• Serve as a primary VDC resource for company pursuit teams, responding to visualization requests with urgency, sound judgment, and a client-focused mindset.
• Partner with pursuit leaders, estimators, preconstruction managers, operations leaders, superintendents, and marketing professionals to understand win themes, project risks, logistics constraints, proposed means and methods, and interview objectives.
• Develop high-quality, project-specific visual content, including:
  • 3D site logistics and site-utilization plans
  • Construction sequencing and phasing animations
  • Renderings, flythroughs, walkthroughs, and visual storytelling materials
  • Model-based safety, access, crane, laydown, traffic, and material-flow visualizations
  • Construction approach diagrams, graphics, and presentation content
  • Physical 3D-printed project, site, logistics, or construction-sequencing models
  • AR/VR-ready rendered environments and immersive content when appropriate to the pursuit strategy
• Translate technical construction information into clear, accurate, and persuasive visuals for owners, design partners, and internal decision-makers.
• Coordinate deliverables with proposal and interview schedules; communicate scope, assumptions, required inputs, milestones, and delivery risks early.
• Review source models, drawings, schedules, logistics information, and estimates for completeness and suitability before developing visual content.
• Maintain a reusable library of vetted visual assets, templates, workflows, model components, and lessons learned to improve quality, speed, and consistency across pursuits.
• Help define and maintain standards for model appearance, visualization quality, file management, branding coordination, review workflows, and final deliverable packaging.
• Participate in internal pursuit reviews and, when needed, client interviews or presentations as the VDC/visualization subject-matter resource.

3D Printing and Immersive-Environment Development

• Prepare, modify, and optimize 3D models for physical printing, including model cleanup, scaling, segmentation, wall-thickness review, support considerations, file conversion, and printability validation.
• Select appropriate model scale, level of detail, material, color, finish, and assembly approach based on the intended audience, use case, schedule, and budget.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance of company 3D printers in accordance with manufacturer requirements, company safety practices, and established operating procedures.
• Manage 3D-print production planning, including printer scheduling, print sequencing, material inventory, post-processing needs, and coordination with pursuit and marketing schedules.
• Order and maintain sufficient print media, consumables, replacement materials, and related supplies within established purchasing procedures and approved budgets.
• Develop scope-based estimates for 3D printing efforts, including material consumption, machine time, post-processing, assembly, shipping, and external-vendor costs when applicable.
• Coordinate with external fabrication or print vendors when internal printer capacity, desired finish, scale, or schedule requires supplemental support.
• Help develop and maintain workflows for creating optimized, rendered 3D environments for AR/VR headset use, client reviews, marketing events, and internal planning sessions.
• Prepare models and environments for real-time visualization by managing geometry, materials, lighting, textures, level of detail, navigation, performance, and user experience.
• Support the development of immersive visualization standards, including hardware setup, content review, delivery methods, quality assurance, and repeatable client-demonstration workflows.

4D and 5D Project Planning Support

• Support project teams in establishing model-based 4D and 5D planning workflows aligned with the project execution plan, schedule, estimate, and operational needs.
• Develop and maintain 4D models and animations that communicate construction sequencing, site logistics, temporary conditions, work-area turnover, and phased construction plans.
• Assist in linking model elements to approved schedule activities, cost data, quantity information, or work packages to support 5D planning, validation, and scenario analysis.
• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, schedulers, estimators, and trade partners to ensure planning visuals reflect current, constructible field strategies.
• Produce visual tools that support pull planning, look-ahead planning, constructability reviews, safety planning, client updates, and internal decision-making.
• Update 4D/5D deliverables as project conditions, schedules, scope, logistics, or phasing strategies change.
• Identify gaps, conflicts, sequencing risks, or constructability concerns revealed through model-based planning and communicate them promptly to the responsible project team members.
• Support project startup by helping define the appropriate VDC visualization, 4D, and 5D deliverables, milestones, source-data requirements, and responsibilities.

VDC Standards, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement

• Apply company VDC standards, BIM execution requirements, and quality-control practices to all work.
• Maintain organized, secure, and traceable files, model versions, assumptions, and source information within approved common data environments.
• Collaborate effectively with regional VDC staff, field technology, project teams, designers, trade partners, and external consultants.
• Train and coach project and pursuit team members on the effective use and interpretation of visualization, 4D, 5D, 3D-printing, and immersive-technology deliverables.
• Stay current on visualization, real-time rendering, BIM, schedule integration, 3D printing, and digital-construction tools; recommend practical improvements to workflows and standards.
• Travel periodically to offices, project sites, and pursuit/interview locations as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL

This role is primarily office and computer-based, working out of the Roseville HQ office, with periodic travel to company offices, project sites, client meetings, and pursuit/interview locations. The position may require flexibility to meet accelerated proposal and interview deadlines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position involves sitting for extended periods of time at employee's workstation and during meetings as well as while traveling, either by plane or car. Employee needs to be able to lift to 50 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and ability to distinguish between colors on graphs and charts.

Occasionally, employee will be required to visit construction job sites which may expose the employee to dirt, dust, uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions and extreme temperatures.