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Senior BIM Specialist - Structural

Skidmore Owings & Merrill · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Jul 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you built a template, content library or standard that a whole team adopted.

What they are checking: Whether they have improved how others work, which a senior BIM role is really about.

How do you train engineers who see BIM as a drafting chore rather than part of their work?

What they are checking: Whether they can win over reluctant users instead of only supporting willing ones.

What would you do

An engineer keeps working outside the model standards and it's breaking things for others. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can enforce standards with tact when the person outranks them technically.

A model file is corrupted the week of a major issue. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they have backup and recovery habits and stay calm during a production emergency.

Which new tools in structural BIM are you watching, and how would you decide whether to bring one into the firm?

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate new technology carefully rather than chasing every new release.

About the work

How do you set up a structural Revit model on a large project so it stays reliable as the team and the building grow?

What they are checking: Whether they can design a model framework that scales, not just produce drawings in one.

How do you keep the structural model in sync with analysis models like ETABS or SAP2000?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the analysis-to-documentation link and where data gets lost between them.

What's your experience with Dynamo, Grasshopper or scripting to automate repetitive structural modeling tasks?

What they are checking: Whether they can save the team real hours through automation instead of manual effort.

How do you run clash detection with architecture and MEP, and how do you make sure the clashes actually get resolved?

What they are checking: Whether they drive coordination to closure rather than just generating clash reports.

How do you model complex geometry like transfer structures or irregular tall-building frames?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the unusual structures this kind of firm is known for designing.

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The full job description

As published by Skidmore Owings & Merrill.

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means • Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. • Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. • Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. • Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. • Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. • Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work. Position Responsibilities • Develops and maintains the project BMP (BIM Management Plan), including identifying goals and objectives for the utilization of BIM, in collaboration with Project Engineer. • Collaborates with the Project Digital Design Coordinator in developing BMP for each project. • Creates, develops, and manages the BIM model and drawings for structural engineering components of projects. • Coordinates BIM model management with other disciplines • Monitors the BIM models for quality and content throughout the project delivery process and at specific project delivery milestones. • Monitors and tracks team compliance with BIM standards and guidelines. • Works with structural engineers and BIM technologists to develop structural engineering BIM and drawing deliverables. • Sets up or oversees processes to distribute drawings, models or other project deliverables. • Leads the implementation of BIM technology and research & development. • Provides CAD drawing (or other legacy drawing platforms) support as required. • Coordinates and contributes to developing and implementing firmwide standards relating to BIM workflow and management and drawing graphic standards. • Develops best-practices for managing data and data flow in Revit model and schedules (as well as between external data sources and Revit). • Develops and advances innovative ideas to support the work process. • Proactively handles a reasonable workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments and manages own time effectively. • Keeps informed of industry standards, trends and developments related to Revit / BIM modeling and documentation practices. Disseminates this knowledge to peers. • Implements and tests new ways of working and improving product and process. Leadership Responsibilities • Directly trains and mentors assigned team members as appropriate. • Coordinates firm-wide technologies, standards and guidelines with fellow BIM Specialists in other offices on a consistent and regular basis. • Oversees BIM software training for staff and monitors staff BIM experience levels. • Identifies and evaluates productivity gains to be made utilizing third party software. • Organizes and leads weekly Project Digital Design Coordinator meetings. • Participates in firm-wide Digital Design Leadership conferences. • Contributes to internal SOM community and occasional external activities. • Participants in engaging in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm. Minimum Qualifications • Associate Degree or two years of college training or equivalent. • Six (6) or more years of professional experience in Revit to document structural information for a variety of building projects. • Demonstrates attention to detail and consistency in model-building, data-organization, and drawing set-up with a graphical style that is clear, consistent and artful. • Demonstrated ability to create and coordinate complex BIM / Revit structural building models and assemble drawing deliverable packages at all levels of detail and project stages • Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a project level. • Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas. • Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate means. • Thorough understanding of structural engineering concepts and terms. • Thorough knowledge of structural building systems and details (e.g., reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber). • Demonstrates the highest level of abilities and knowledge in Revit Structure. • Expertise in one or more of the following: Tekla Structures, Navisworks, Rhino, Grasshopper, CATIA, appropriate scripting languages. • Fluency in the use of Dynamo scripting inside of Revit. • Experience with project planning and tracking. • Knowledge of the operation of information technology systems • Proactively seeks out opportunities for professional growth. Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM. Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $90,000 to $110,000. For more about SOM: www.som.com Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.

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