What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior VDC Engineer position at H. J. Russell & Company?
The Senior VDC Engineer is a key technical and delivery-focused role within H.J. Russell’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) team. This position supports project teams by delivering high-quality VDC services that improve coordination, constructability, and execution throughout the construction lifecycle. The role operates in a dynamic environment where priorities and focus areas may evolve to support project needs, business growth, and advancing digital capabilities. The Senior VDC Engineer works closely with the VDC Director, project teams, trade partners, and designers to help implement VDC workflows that are practical, scalable, and aligned with construction outcomes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Simply stated, we put people first. As part of our Mission Statement, we strive to earn the loyalty of our employees through a demonstrated commitment to their development and through rewarding exemplary performance. We take the time to get to know our employees personally and together develop individualized plans for career advancement and fulfillment with Russell. Our goal is to provide career growth and development which allows employees to envision and desire a long-term career with our company.
Our culture is rooted in the Russell Fundamentals, a series of 25 characteristics that guide the behavior of our employees and include key tenets like “Do the right thing always,” “Embrace diversity,” “Show meaningful appreciation,” “Deliver results,” and “Keep things fun.” Our intentional focus on creating an outstanding workplace experience has earned our firm numerous recognitions, including being named one of USA Today’s Top Workplaces in 2024.
In addition to our exceptional culture, we offer the following suite of benefits:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Leads the delivery and ongoing evolution of VDC practices that support project coordination, constructability, and successful construction outcomes.
- Leads VDC execution on assigned projects, supporting coordination, constructability, and digital delivery efforts that enhance construction outcomes.
- Develops and maintains accurate, well-coordinated digital models and related VDC deliverables in alignment with project needs and VDC standards.
- Drives resolution of coordination and constructability issues by collaborating with project teams, designers, and trade partners.
- Partners with project management and field teams to ensure VDC outputs are usable, clear, and supportive of construction sequencing and installation.
- Applies VDC tools and methodologies to support evolving project requirements, including emerging workflows as capabilities mature.
- Supports continuous improvement by contributing feedback, lessons learned, and refinements to VDC standards and processes.
- Adapts to evolving business and project needs by supporting related initiatives that enhance project delivery, operational effectiveness, or organizational growth, as needed.
- Demonstrates adaptability in applying VDC and emerging technology workflows in a rapidly evolving construction technology environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related AEC discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 5 years of experience in the AEC industry with hands-on involvement in VDC, BIM, or digital delivery roles.
- Demonstrated experience supporting or leading VDC/BIM efforts on complex construction projects.
- Strong technical understanding of model-based coordination and constructability workflows.
- Proven ability to work effectively in evolving environments with shifting priorities.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience helping build or scale a VDC, BIM, or digital delivery team or function.
- Experience working within a general contractor or design-build environment.
- Exposure to advanced or emerging VDC workflows (e.g., schedule-informed modeling, preconstruction support, or lifecycle data concepts).
- Experience collaborating closely with field teams and trade partners.
- Interest in continuous learning and staying current with evolving construction technologies and industry practices.
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This position is primarily office-based but requires periodic field support as project needs dictate.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear, which may include climbing stairs and ladders, working in confined or elevated spaces (e.g., catwalks), and navigating uneven construction site terrain.
- The employee frequently is required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- Field activities may include reality capture, laser scanning, site walks, and construction coordination support in both indoor and outdoor environments in active construction sites.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; extreme cold; extreme heat; explosives; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, in accordance with all required safety protocols and PPE requirements.
- Work hours may periodically include early mornings, evenings, nights, or weekends to support project and client operational requirements.
Simply stated, we put people first. As part of our Mission Statement, we strive to earn the loyalty of our employees through a demonstrated commitment to their development and through rewarding exemplary performance. We take the time to get to know our employees personally and together develop individualized plans for career advancement and fulfillment with Russell. Our goal is to provide career growth and development which allows employees to envision and desire a long-term career with our company.
Our culture is rooted in the Russell Fundamentals, a series of 25 characteristics that guide the behavior of our employees and include key tenets like “Do the right thing always,” “Embrace diversity,” “Show meaningful appreciation,” “Deliver results,” and “Keep things fun.” Our intentional focus on creating an outstanding workplace experience has earned our firm numerous recognitions, including being named one of USA Today’s Top Workplaces in 2024.
In addition to our exceptional culture, we offer the following suite of benefits:
- Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-Sponsored Life & AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- 401(k) with Employer Matching Contribution
- Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance & Other Voluntary Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program