Design Associate Jobs in Apache Junction, AZ (NOW HIRING)

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects. 

The Role We Want You For

We're seeking a passionate and forward-thinking professional to help shape the future of our Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) practice and play a key role in our continued digital transformation.
As part of the VDC team, you’ll work at the intersection of design, technology, and construction—actively influencing every stage of the project lifecycle. From early concept design through construction and turnover, you’ll leverage cutting-edge tools, automation, and performance-driven processes to improve how we deliver projects at scale. Your work will directly support Clayco’s Integrated Design Build practice, enhancing innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across all disciplines.
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with architects, engineers, builders, and clients alike. You’ll be a driving force in advancing BIM adoption, implementing emerging technologies, and developing smart workflows that redefine industry standards. If you're looking to accelerate your career while shaping the built environment through technology, Clayco is the place to make that vision real.

The Specifics of the Role

BIM Strategy & Innovation

• Serve as a subject matter expert in BIM, empowering team members through knowledge sharing and mentorship.
• Champion innovation by integrating emerging technologies and adaptive tools into workflows.
• Promote design thinking by aligning technological solutions with creative and functional project goals.
• Contribute to all phases of the project lifecycle, ensuring BIM practices support quality, efficiency, and collaboration.

Training & Support

• Lead internal training programs on key platforms such as Revit, Dynamo, Infraworks, AutoCAD, Rhino, Fuzor, and others.
• Coordinate training sessions on advanced or specialized topics to elevate team capabilities.

Visualization & Simulation

• Provide technical support for visualization tools including 3DS Max, Enscape, Twinmotion, Fuzor, and Unreal Engine.
• Develop and manage rendering assets to maintain consistency and efficiency.
• Collaborate with project teams to elevate visualization outputs.
• Explore gaming engines and support digital twin development initiatives.

Sustainability & Performance Analysis

• Integrate building performance analysis into the design process to support data-driven decisions.
• Align sustainability principles with standards to optimize project outcomes.

Process Improvement & Automation

• Implement process automation and leverage distributed computing for efficiency gains.
• Streamline software evaluation, selection, and deployment to enhance productivity.
• Continuously explore and showcase new tools and methodologies for potential adoption.
• Collaborate with IT to ensure infrastructure meets the evolving needs of BIM and design teams.

Standards & Knowledge Sharing

• Enhance and maintain standards, templates, and documentation for all BIM-related applications.
• Manage ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) processes for architectural and engineering disciplines.
• Represent the organization at technology user groups and industry conferences to share insights and remain at the forefront of innovation.

Requirements

• 2 to 3+ years of experience in the AEC industry
• Bachelor's or Associate Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or Engineering
• Minimum 2+ years' experience with VDC/BIM processes
• Proficiency in Autodesk software (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks)
• Familiarity with generative design and reality capture
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Collaborative and proactive approach
• Equal appreciation for design and construction processes

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
  
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
  

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Based on company and individual performance
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.