Lead Computational Designer

CDM Smith; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 106,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Burnaby is seeking a Lead Computational Designer to drive digital transformation in design automation and computational design strategies. You will lead projects on BIM and CAD technologies, mentor team members, and engage in R&D. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of experience with AEC design technologies. This full-time role offers competitive pay and requires no travel.

Qualifications

• 8 years of related experience required.
• Expert knowledge in AEC design automation.
• Proficiency in visual scripting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee projects on BIM & computation.
• Develop and implement advanced computational solutions.
• Mentor junior team members.

Skills

Innovative thinking

Excellent written and oral communication

Problem-solving abilities

Detail-oriented

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Dynamo

Grasshopper

Python

C#

Autodesk Revit

Job description

Why CDM Smith?

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you and play an active part in shaping your career journey. Your co‑workers are invested in your success, encouraging you to do your very best and providing the tools and resources to do so. The company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, we provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment that fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Lead Computational Designer to join our Digital Engineering Solutions team. The person will be a key leader within the Design Technology group, driving the firm’s digital transformation in design automation, computational design strategies, and BIM technologies by providing strategic guidance, technological vision, and solution development. This role focuses on visual scripting to apply computational strategies across our architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines, specializing in BIM, CAD, and digital twin technology. The ideal candidate has demonstrated excellence in computational design capabilities, is highly experienced with AEC design technologies, and excels at framing problems, shaping and creating solutions, and championing implementation. As a senior member of the team, the person will also engage in research and development, provide strategic oversight to the AEC practices, and incubate innovative ideas across the company.

• Lead and oversee projects on the cutting edge of BIM & computation, solving design and process challenges using BIM applications and computational design modeling plug‑ins such as Autodesk Revit/Civil3D and Dynamo, Rhino and Grasshopper, Bentley applications and Generative Components, and other associated digital tools and code languages such as Python/C#.
• Develop and implement advanced computational solutions to complex architecture, engineering, and environmental science problems via visual programming.
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership to the team and across the organization.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid‑level team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team across a global practice, building and maintaining excellent interpersonal relationships.
• Lead and drive initiatives and efforts with your BIM, CAD, and computational design expertise.
• Stay at the forefront of the latest developments and advancements, including new technologies, best practices, and software applications impacting digital design.
• Develop and maintain documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for design technology hardware/software in use across the business.
• Present to both internal and external audiences, representing the company at industry events and conferences.
• Perform other miscellaneous tasks associated with being a senior member of the Digital Engineering Solutions team as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Inquisitive, with a desire to ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of business issues; passionate about helping AEC business lines drive success in design technology and automation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to communicate with technical and non‑technical audiences, listen, build rapport, and establish credibility as a strategic partner with business units.
• Innovative and able to apply critical thinking to generate new solutions that create value and improve processes.
• Detail‑oriented, with the ability to lead and execute highly complex or specialized projects.
• Leverages expert‑level analytical thinking to proactively identify, assess, and solve sophisticated digital design challenges across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent understanding of business metrics and the ability to align company goals and objectives with computational design strategies and initiatives.
• Demonstrates strong awareness and knowledge of data governance principles, digital design integrity and data management protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 8 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required; the frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties and workload.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert knowledge and proven ability in the area of AEC design automation/computational design.
• Extensive experience with visual scripting tools such as Dynamo, Grasshopper, and Generative Components.
• Proficient in Python and C#, with experience creating custom tools and integrating with Autodesk Platform Services (APS) and other APIs.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices, GitHub, Azure, and/or other development infrastructure, along with knowledge of project management and agile development processes.

Amount of Travel Required

0%

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle records when applicable for certain positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of background checks for candidates outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but will never precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant’s criminal history. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history if required. Employment does not automatically disqualify a candidate. During employment individuals may be required to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record and drug testing.

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resumes submitted to any employee outside of the CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Pay Range Minimum

$106,350

Pay Range Maximum

$175,469

Business Unit

COR

Group

COR

Assignment Category

Fulltime-Regular

Employment Type

Local

Visa Sponsorship Available

No – applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of hire. This position is not offered sponsorship or support for immigration application.

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