Lead Digital Fabrication Architect

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Fully remote work arrangement

Groundbreaking architectural projects

Access to cutting-edge fabricationTech

Collaborative innovation environment

Professional development in emerging`,

Pioneering architectural advancements

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Digital Fabrication Architect for a fully remote contract role. You will oversee digital fabrication, develop parametric designs, and translate complex geometries into buildable components for advanced manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has a master's in Architecture with a focus on digital fabrication and 6+ years of experience, expert Grasshopper/Dynamo skills, and proficiency in Rhino, AutoCAD, and Fusion 360.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture or related field with focus on digital fabrication or computational design.
• Minimum of 6 years in digital fabrication within an architectural context.
• Expert proficiency in parametric modeling software (Grasshopper, Dynamo).
• Experience with 3D modeling and CAD (Rhino, AutoCAD, Fusion 360).

Responsibilities

• Lead design development using parametric and computational design tools.
• Develop fabrication models and digital prototypes for CNC, 3D printing, robotic assembly.
• Collaborate with design teams to integrate fabrication constraints.
• Oversee file prep for fabrication and liaise with partners.
• Research and evaluate new digital fabrication technologies and materials.
• Develop and optimize fabrication workflows for efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot fabrication-related design issues and propose solutions.
• Mentor junior designers and technicians in digital fabrication.

Skills

Parametric modeling

Computational design

Remote collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Master's degree in Architecture or related field with focus on digital fabrication or computational design

Tools

Grasshopper

Dynamo

Rhino

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

Job description

About the Role

Our client is an innovative design and fabrication studio renowned for pushing the boundaries of architectural form through digital manufacturing. We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Digital Fabrication Architect to join our dynamic team. This is a fully remote, contract position perfect for an individual passionate about the intersection of design, computation, and advanced manufacturing. You will be responsible for overseeing the digital fabrication process, developing parametric designs, and translating complex geometries into buildable components. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of digital tools and a proven ability to bridge the gap between concept and realization through innovative fabrication techniques. We are seeking a remote-first leader to drive cutting-edge projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design development using parametric and computational design tools.
• Develop detailed fabrication models and digital prototypes for advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC milling, 3D printing, robotic assembly).
• Collaborate with design teams to integrate digital fabrication constraints into the design process.
• Oversee the preparation of files for fabrication and liaise with manufacturing partners.
• Research and evaluate new digital fabrication technologies and materials.
• Develop and optimize fabrication workflows for efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot fabrication-related design issues and find creative solutions.
• Mentor junior designers and technicians in digital fabrication techniques.
• Contribute to the conceptual development of projects leveraging fabrication possibilities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related field with a focus on digital fabrication or computational design.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in digital fabrication within an architectural context.
• Expert proficiency in parametric modeling software (e.g., Grasshopper, Dynamo).
• Experience with 3D modeling and CAD software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, Fusion 360).
• Knowledge of various digital fabrication techniques and their applications.
• Understanding of material properties and their behavior in fabrication processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work remotely and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills with fabrication specialists.
• Portfolio showcasing innovative digital fabrication projects.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate and project-based compensation.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking, experimental architectural projects.
• Access to cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies.
• Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation.
• Professional development in emerging fabrication fields.
• Contribution to pioneering architectural advancements.
• Flexible working hours.