Senior Computational Designer

CDM Smith; Bellevue (WA); Remote; USD 89,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital engineering firm is seeking a Senior Computational Designer to optimize design automation and enhance engineering processes. This role requires a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in computational design, with skills in Python and C#. The ideal candidate will lead advanced automation initiatives and mentor junior designers while working on innovative projects.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• 6 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• 4+ years of experience with computational design in the AEC/Engineering Industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs and deploys advanced automation scripts to optimize production efficiency.
• Creates custom algorithms to solve project-specific challenges.
• Explores new tools and conducts research on computational design methods.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Advanced critical thinking

Proficient in Python

Proficient in C#

Expert in AEC design automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Dynamo

Grasshopper

Autodesk Platform Services

Job description

Overview

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Computational Designer to join our Digital Engineering Solutions team. This individual 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 individual develops and implements computational design workflows to enhance engineering and architectural processes. Utilizes scripting and automation to optimize design efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Integrates emerging technologies and refines digital workflows to address complex design challenges. Establishes computational design standards, ensures seamless interoperability between design software, and provides technical guidance to junior designers. Monitors advancements in computational design, collaborates with cross-functional teams to improve design methodologies, and contributes to the continuous evolution of the organization’s digital capabilities. Work is performed independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Designs and deploys advanced automation scripts and custom node workflows across platforms to optimize production efficiency and reduce human error. Ensures consistency and performance across deployed tools and collaborates with teams to integrate automation into core design workflows. Identifies automation opportunities within design processes and contributes to prototyping efforts.
• Creates custom algorithms to solve project-specific challenges, enhancing design precision, performance, and automation. Collaborates with project teams to translate conceptual ideas into parametric logic. Works closely with the lead and manager to align algorithmic solutions with project goals, integrating scripts into broader workflows and supporting documentation, QA/QC, and scalability.
• Explores new tools, plugins, and workflows by conducting focused research on emerging computational design methods. Independently investigates innovative design technologies, including scripting frameworks, visual programming tools, and machine learning applications relevant to design automation.
• Creates and maintains comprehensive documentation for design automation tools, standards, best practices, and workflows across the business. Ensures that all processes are clearly outlined and kept up to date, enabling teams to consistently follow best practices. Collaborates with stakeholders to gather insights and document improvements in automation technology, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational efficiency.
• Presents computational design concepts and custom tools to internal audiences. Promotes custom solutions to internal designers to encourage utilizing the solutions.
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to intermediate computational designers on advanced digital workflows, tools, and problem-solving strategies.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 6 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, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of experience with computational design in the AEC/Engineering Industry highly preferred.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/en/Video/Meet-CDM-Smith)

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. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which 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 Site Location

United States - Nationwide

Additional Details

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 resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Amount of Travel Required: 0%

Assignment Category: Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Possesses excellent attention to detail.
• Applies advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve complex design automation and data workflow challenges.
• Possesses solid knowledge and understanding of business metrics and the ability to align company goals and objectives with computational design strategies and initiatives.
• Solid understanding of data governance principles, digital design integrity and data management protocols.
• Consistent ability to work effectively across all levels in a highly dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates a proactive approach to innovation by identifying and applying emerging technologies to improve design efficiency and quality.
• Proficient in Python and C#, with experience using these languages to create custom tools and integrate with Autodesk Platform Services (APS) and other APIs is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices, GitHub, Azure, and/or other development infrastructure, along with knowledge of project management and agile development processes are considered assets.
• Expert knowledge and proven ability in the area of AEC design automation/computational design.
• Extensive experience with visual scripting tools like Dynamo, Grasshopper, and Generative Component.

Background Check andDrug Testing Information:

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check 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. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Pay Range Minimum: $89,336

Pay Range Maximum: $147,389

Additional Compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options: Fully Remote or Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Additional Pay Range Information: The pay range for this position is listed above. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this position based on the geographic location assigned to the position. Please note that pay ranges vary based on geographic location. In addition to geographic location, the company considers several other factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, the candidate’s work experience, education/training and key skills.

Massachusetts Applicants: 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.