Jobs · Information Technology · Illinois

Design Technology Specialist - AI & Systems

Gensler · Chicago, IL · 6 days ago
Information Technology$110k–$130k/yrFull-time

Placed at the heart of Gensler’s People + Process + Technology ecosystem, the Design Technology Community is key to the firm’s digital transformation of creative practice, project delivery, and business operations. Our ultimate outcome is to co-create a connected technology ecosystem that enables Gensler to leverage artificial intelligence, data, automation, and emerging technologies to unlock new levels of creativity, efficiency, and innovation.

Responsibilities

  • AI Strategy & Adoption
    • Drive adoption of Microsoft Copilot, Generative AI, AI Agents, and AI-enabled workflows across design, delivery, and operational teams.
    • Conduct research and development for emerging AI, Design Technology, and digital workflow solutions.
    • Identify high-value opportunities where AI can improve productivity, knowledge sharing, project delivery, and decision-making.
    • Establish documented processes, standards, governance frameworks, and best practices for AI implementation and adoption.
    • Facilitate AI and Design Technology training programs for new and existing staff.
    • Coach and support studios, project teams, and individuals on AI-enabled workflows and emerging technologies.
  • Systems, Automation & Integration
    • Design and implement workflow automations that improve efficiency and reduce repetitive tasks.
    • Develop and support integrations between design platforms, enterprise systems, and AI services.
    • Design, manage, and maintain workflows utilizing APIs, SDKs, automation platforms, and connected data environments.
    • Support development of data pipelines that enable analytics, reporting, knowledge management, and AI solutions.
    • Collaborate with technology teams and stakeholders to create scalable, enterprise-ready solutions.
  • Knowledge Management & Data Strategy
    • Develop strategies for capturing, organizing, and leveraging institutional knowledge.
    • Support AI-powered knowledge systems that connect people, projects, standards, expertise, and best practices.
    • Collaborate with Practice Area leaders to identify critical knowledge assets and improve information accessibility.
    • Promote data quality, governance, and lifecycle management practices.
    • Support the development of enterprise search, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and knowledge management solutions.
  • Product Ownership & Innovation
    • Gather business requirements and translate stakeholder needs into actionable technical solutions.
    • Own and manage internal digital products, tools, and platforms supporting project delivery and business operations in partnership with Design Technology and Firm Wide.
    • Develop roadmaps, prioritize initiatives, and measure business outcomes.
    • Conduct user research and evaluate opportunities for continuous improvement.
    • Lead pilot programs and innovation initiatives that support firm-wide transformation objectives.
  • AEC Platform Development
    • Develop and support custom solutions leveraging AEC platform APIs and SDKs.
    • Design integrations between design authoring tools, project delivery platforms, enterprise systems, and AI services.
    • Support development of internal tools, plugins, automations, and AI-powered applications.
    • Enable secure and governed access to project, model, operational, and business data.
    • Evaluate emerging AEC technology ecosystems and establish scalable integration strategies.
  • Design Technology Leadership
    • Act as a strategic partner to project teams and practice areas.
    • Bridge the gap between Design Technology, business operations, and enterprise systems.
    • Mentor and coach staff on technology-enabled workflows and emerging technologies.
    • Champion a culture of experimentation, continuous learning, and innovation.
    • Support the firm's long-term digital transformation strategy.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent.
  • 8–12 years of experience in design technology, digital delivery, software development, digital transformation, or related practice.
  • Strong understanding of AEC project delivery workflows and the application of technology to support design, coordination, visualization, analysis, and project execution.
  • Demonstrated experience driving organizational technology adoption and change management initiatives.
  • Experience gathering business requirements and translating them into scalable technical solutions.
  • Experience developing internal tools, automations, digital products, or technology solutions that improve project delivery and operational efficiency.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey Design Technology, AI, and systems concepts to all levels of design and delivery professionals.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop learning materials, deliver effective training, and provide ongoing education and support to project teams.
  • Ability to exercise judgment and discretion and to set priorities while managing competing demands.
  • An entrepreneurial spirit who embraces change and constantly seeks opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrate a reliable, responsive, and positive work ethic with the highest degree of integrity.
  • Punctual, able to adhere to deadlines, and possess a strong work ethic.

Skills

  • Technical Expertise
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft 365, Generative AI platforms, Large Language Models (LLMs), Prompt Engineering, AI Agents, and emerging AI technologies.
    • Experience with APIs, SDKs, automation platforms, and enterprise systems integration.
    • Knowledge of data architecture, cloud services, enterprise platforms, and data pipeline development.
    • Understanding of software development principles, product lifecycle management, and systems architecture.
    • Familiarity with knowledge management platforms, enterprise search technologies, and AI-powered information systems.
  • AEC Technology Experience
    • Working knowledge of AEC software platforms including Autodesk Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper, Blender, Unity, GIS platforms, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and related design, visualization, and simulation technologies.
    • Familiarity with AEC technology ecosystems and development frameworks including:
      • Autodesk Platform Services (APS)
      • Revit API
      • Autodesk Construction Cloud APIs
      • Rhino SDK
      • Grasshopper
      • Esri ArcGIS
      • Speckle
      • Bentley iTwin
      • Digital Twin Platforms
      • Common Data Environment (CDE) solutions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience developing custom applications, plugins, or integrations for AEC platforms.
  • Experience with Python, C#, .NET, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
  • Experience consuming REST APIs and GraphQL services.
  • Experience with Azure AI Services, Copilot Studio, and enterprise AI platforms.
  • Familiarity with vector databases, knowledge graphs, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and agentic AI architectures.
  • Experience building AI agents, enterprise copilots, and knowledge management solutions.
  • Experience developing governance frameworks for AI and enterprise technology adoption.
  • Experience managing digital products, technology roadmaps, and innovation portfolios.

Pay

The base salary range is estimated between $110,000-$130,000. Gensler’s total compensation package includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
  • Wellness programs and flex spending.
  • Paid holidays and paid time off.
  • 401(k), profit sharing, and employee stock ownership.
  • Twice-annual bonus opportunities.
  • Ongoing learning, technology enablement, certifications, and emerging technology education.

About the Company

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions and hackathons, to Well-being Week, our offices reflect our teams’ diverse interests. We encourage our employees to lead a healthy and balanced life.

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