What Does a VDC Engineer Do?
Virtual design and construction (VDC) engineers manage the planning, visualization, and computer modeling of building projects. They use software such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create digital models that can be used to analyze the design of a building from all angles and simulate the construction process. Additionally, VDC engineers leverage analytics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
VDC Engineers work closely with BIM modelers, architects, and clients to create a cohesive construction plan. Success as a VDC engineer requires outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, along with strong technical expertise and artistic ability.
Looking to Hire a VDC Engineer?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
National Average Salary
VDC engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a VDC Engineer is:
$88,958
VDC Engineer Job Descriptions
When it comes to recruiting a VDC engineer, having the right job description can make a big difference. Here are some real world job descriptions you can use as templates for your next opening.
Example 1
In any building project, a large team of professionals is required. One of the essential employees is a virtual design and construction (VDC) engineer. We are looking for an exceptional VDC engineer who can manage the planning and computer modeling of building projects. As a VDC engineer, you will need to be able to effectively work with designers, modelers, and architects to make sure information is up-to-date and accurate across departments as the project moves forward.
We are looking for someone who can generate construction drawings using CADD and AutoCAD software and who can work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines. You will need to be someone with high attention to detail who can identify any issues with structural and architectural documents that might not be appropriate according to local code requirements. If you have these skills, can multitask, and enjoy working as a team, this might be a great fit for you.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Use design and modeling software to create 3-D plans for projects
- Collaborate with BIM modelers, architects, and clients
- Determine the proper elements and scale for buildings
- Gather and analyze data on costs, materials, and labor
Education and experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program preferred, ideally in an engineering or construction-related field
- Master’s degree and certifications preferred
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of BIM modeling and Autodesk Revit software
- Time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to understand technical drawings and plans
- Advanced math and computer skills
- Creativity and artistic ability
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- Engineering experience
- High attention to detail
- Structural and architectural design experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
Example 2
Qualifications
- Understand building construction and/or architecture
- Have on the job or class experience with BIM software programs and technology
- Thrive in a team environment both contributing to larger projects and producing independent work
- Have an innately curious, forward-thinking personality to be push innovative ideas in all aspects of daily tasks
Typical daily tasks include creating modeled visualizations for site logistics, safety concerns, building sequencing, scheduling, and VR experiences.
Education and experience
- Bachelor degree with preference given to Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management related degrees or Associate degree in a VDC/BIM technical concentration with 2-4 years of experiency
- VDC/BIM tool knowledge & proficiency
Software skills required
- General Computing Skills
- SketchUp
- CAD
- Revit
Software skills preferred
- Coding
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Assemble
- Synchro
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- 3ds Max
- Lumion
Example 3
Bring your implementation, architectural, and construction management mastery to work for an industry leader.
Duties
- Work on the project management of VDC/BIM projects across the VDC spectrum
- Serve as the interface to clients and cultivate client relationships. Present work to the client. Conduct and/or actively participate in meetings with the client
- Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. Enhance VIATechnik’s goal of continuous improvement within our company, for our clients, and for the industry
- Coordinate and lead interesting digital model creation efforts globally for large GC coordination projects
- Contribute to our culture of professional development and knowledge sharing by participating in and leading training efforts
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or similar
- Interest in or up to 3 years of experience providing implementation, training, and support in BIM and VDC
- Excellent organizational skills
- Knowledge of primary building systems – foundations, primary building structure and walls, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, fire protection, specialty systems, conveying systems and interior finishes, and the sequence of assembly of each
- A knack for managing multiple simultaneous projects requiring frequent communication, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
- Capability to read and interpret construction contracts
- Availability to work hybrid out of one of our offices
Preferred qualifications
- A background working for a general contractor, especially in a VDC capacity
- Experience in combining and coordinating BIM updates, running clash detection on revised components and communicating results to internal and external stakeholders
- Understanding of leading online meetings and training sessions across remote project teams using platforms such as Asana
- Ability to create and manage complex commercial and industrial design projects within Revit, Navisworks, BIM360, AutoCAD, and other supporting programs
- Familiarity with managing BIM and VDC across the project lifecycle including operations and facilities management
- A track record of effectively working with and/or managing teams remotely
- Aptitude for working effectively in an extremely fast-paced, ambiguous environment
- Proactive and flexible attitude, willingness to take an “all hands on deck” approach
Example 4
The VDC Engineer’s primary responsibility is to develop 3D models used for proposal graphics and animations needed to construct large bridges, tunnels, highway interchanges, power plants, and other infrastructure systems.
Role responsibilities
- Effectively communicate with project teams, construction contractors, and others as applicable and necessary
- Effectively utilize computer design and drafting software, and 3D Modeling/BIM software to produce construction drawings, and construction coordination modeling
- Collaborate with project teams to analyze constructability, build construction sequence animations, and help to create 4D/5D and 6D models for some of the largest civil and infrastructure projects across the United States
- Support all design disciplines (architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering)
- Provide timely services that meet the needs of clients and the overall project schedule requirements
Qualifications
- Ability to independently calculate quantities
- Ability to independently generate 3D models
- Have a strong working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Knowledge of general construction, Roadway, Paving, Bridges, Drainage, etc.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to perform quickly and effectively under pressure and deadlines
- Demonstrate a high standard of professionalism, client focus/customer service, and ownership/responsibility
- Demonstrates proficiency of MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Functions effectively as part of a team
- Dependability
- Ability to understand and follow directions
- Must be well organized
- Ability to multitask, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Ability to quickly learn and run new software and updated programs
- 2-5 years of experience with 3/D Modeling/ BIM software
- Bachelors degree in Engineering or Architecture preferred, but not required
Candidate Certification to Look For
VDC Certificate Program
Available through Viateknik at Stanford’s Center for Professional Development, this program is great for candidates interested in improving their knowledge of virtual design and construction. With access to the online courseware for one year, candidates will be able to learn from case studies as well as real-life experiences. If they sign up for this program, they can expect pre-program coursework, a 3-day workshop, and a 2-day Stanford experience.