Associate Consultant, New Design Services

VDA; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VDA seeks an Associate Consultant to support the design and implementation of vertical transportation systems. You will work with clients and internal stakeholders to identify challenges, propose innovative solutions, and help ensure successful project delivery from concept through construction.

This role emphasizes technical analysis, project management, and clear communication, with opportunities to grow into leadership or technical positions within a dynamic consulting environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive with strong coordination abilities.
• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams and external clients.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Midwest is expected.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary support partner on client engagements and project teams.
• Manage proposal submissions, including RFPs and design competition responses.
• Support clients across all design phases: Concept, Schematic, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration.
• Track project milestones, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Conduct technical research, data analysis, and contribute to client-facing reports and presentations.
• Attend and participate in internal and client meetings, offering insight and feedback.
• Maintain project documentation and contribute to overall team efficiency and organization.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Cross-functional teamwork

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

MS Project

Job description

About the Role

Join VDA as an Associate Consultant and take the next step in your professional journey within the vertical transportation industry. This client-facing, multidisciplinary role blends technical expertise, project coordination, and problem-solving to support the design and implementation of elevators, escalators, and other conveyance systems.As a key contributor to our New Design Services team, you will work closely with clients, and internal stakeholders to identify challenges, propose innovative solutions, and help ensure successful project delivery. You'll play a critical role in maintaining operational excellence across projects-from initial concept through construction completion.This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is detail-oriented, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is eager to grow their expertise in consulting, communication, and project management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• 5+ years of experience in a similar or related role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Project)
• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams and external clients
• Willingness to travel throughout the Midwest

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in sales, project management, consulting, or engineering design services
• Familiarity with construction and design coordination software (e.g., Trimble, Procore, Adobe Construction Cloud, Bluebeam)
• Working knowledge of ASME A17.1, International Building Codes, and Vertical Transportation Equipment
• Understanding of construction methodology related to vertical transportation

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a primary support partner on client engagements and project teams
• Manage proposal submissions, including RFPs and design competition responses
• Support clients across all design phases: Concept, Schematic, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration
• Track project milestones, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables
• Conduct technical research, data analysis, and contribute to client-facing reports and presentations
• Attend and participate in internal and client meetings, offering insight and feedback
• Maintain project documentation and contribute to overall team efficiency and organization

Why Join VDA?

• Collaborative Culture: Work in an inclusive, supportive environment that values your contributions.
• Growth Opportunities: Gain hands-on industry experience and grow into leadership or technical roles.
• Impactful Work: Help shape safer, more efficient vertical transportation systems in buildings across the U.S. and abroad.
• Expanding Horizons: Be part of a company in growth mode, including acquisitions and global expansion.