Computational Designer - Grasshopper

Actalent; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick)

Job summary

Actalent in Dearborn, MI is seeking a Computational Designer / Digital Sculptor to advance digital models for future mobility. The role blends traditional sculpting with computational design to deliver parametric models and generative solutions across concept to development.

You will collaborate across design, visualization, and engineering teams, building scalable workflows, libraries, and automation tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 3+ years in digital design, computational design or related field.
• Proficient in Grasshopper and parametric workflows.
• Experience generating complex surface geometry for products or vehicles.
• Ability to create visual programming workflows to automate modeling tasks.
• Strong knowledge of Class-A surfacing and surface continuity.

Responsibilities

• Develop parametric and generative design workflows using computational design tools.
• Create advanced surface geometry for exterior and interior vehicle applications.
• Collaborate with automotive designers to translate sketches into digital models.
• Build custom design definitions and tools to automate repetitive tasks.
• Generate multiple design concepts and iterations exploring a wide range of solutions.
• Support concept vehicle programs with scalable digital models and workflows.

Skills

Grasshopper

Parametric modeling

Digital sculpting

Class-A surfacing

Python / C# scripting

Generative design

Automation workflows

Collaboration across teams

Portfolio

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field

3+ years of relevant professional experience

Tools

Autodesk Alias

Unreal Engine

Blender

Houdini

Python

C#

Job description

Job Title: Computational Designer / Digital Sculptor

Job Description

This role focuses on creating next-generation digital models and advanced surfaces for future mobility, automotive, and advanced concept programs. The position combines traditional digital sculpting and surfacing techniques with computational design methodologies to deliver innovative forms, parametric models, and generative design solutions. You will collaborate closely with designers, digital sculptors, visualization teams, and engineering partners to translate conceptual ideas into production-feasible digital models, supporting projects from early concept through advanced development.

Responsibilities

• Develop parametric and generative design workflows using computational design tools and visual programming environments.

• Create advanced surface geometry, patterns, and design features for exterior and interior vehicle applications.

• Collaborate with automotive and transportation designers to translate sketches, storyboards, and conceptual ideas into high-quality digital models.

• Build custom computational design definitions and tools to automate repetitive modeling tasks and improve efficiency.

• Generate multiple design concepts and iterations through computational and generative design techniques to explore a wide range of creative solutions.

• Support advanced concept vehicle programs and future mobility initiatives by delivering robust digital models and scalable workflows.

• Develop scalable workflows for texture generation, grille development, lighting patterns, interior trim features, and architectural surface treatments.

• Partner with digital modelers and digital sculptors to integrate computational geometry into existing production design and surfacing workflows.

• Create, organize, and maintain reusable parametric design libraries that can be leveraged across programs and teams.

• Investigate and evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-assisted design, generative design, additive manufacturing, and advanced digital fabrication methods, and recommend how they can enhance studio workflows.

• Present design concepts, parametric systems, and technical solutions to studio leadership and cross-functional partners in a clear and compelling manner.

• Ensure surface continuity, high-quality geometry, and adherence to digital modeling best practices throughout the design and development process.

• Collaborate with visualization teams to support advanced visualization processes and help prepare models for real-time rendering and presentation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Computational Design, Architecture, Digital Design, or a related discipline OR at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in digital design, computational design, digital sculpting, or advanced surfacing.

• Advanced proficiency Grasshopper

• Strong understanding of parametric modeling concepts and the ability to build robust, flexible parametric systems.

• Demonstrated experience generating complex surface geometry and design-driven forms for products or vehicles.

• Ability to develop visual programming workflows and problem-solving algorithms to automate and optimize modeling tasks.

• Strong understanding of surface continuity, Class-A quality considerations, and digital modeling best practices.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across design, visualization, and engineering teams.

• Solid portfolio showcasing 3D modeling, digital sculpting, and product or transportation design work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Autodesk Alias or similar advanced surfacing software.

• Experience working in an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM), transportation design studio, or advanced concept environment.

• Knowledge of Python, C#, or scripting within computational design platforms to extend and customize tools.

• Hands-on experience with generative design methodologies and workflows.

• Understanding of Class-A surfacing principles and their application to exterior and interior vehicle design.

• Experience with real-time and offline visualization tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Houdini, or other visualization software.

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing and digital fabrication processes, including how they inform design constraints and opportunities.

• Experience leveraging AI-assisted design tools to enhance ideation, iteration, and optimization.

• Background in automotive design studios, transportation design, digital sculpting, computational design, product design, advanced mobility design, or generative design organizations.

• Ability to balance creative exploration with technical rigor, combining a designers mindset with a computational problem-solving approach.

Work Environment

You will work in a collaborative studio environment that brings together automotive designers, digital sculptors, computational designers, visualization specialists, and engineering partners. The role centers on digital workflows, using advanced computational design, parametric modeling, and visualization tools to support future mobility and advanced concept programs. You can expect to work with state-of-the-art software for 3D modeling, surfacing, visual programming, and real-time visualization, as well as tools that support generative design, AI-assisted workflows, and digital fabrication. The environment encourages experimentation with new technologies, cross-functional collaboration, and iterative concept development. Dress code is typically aligned with a professional studio setting, allowing for comfortable attire suitable for creative and technical work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $55.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.