Lead Computational Designer Job at CDM Smith in Fairfax

Lead Computational Designer

CDM Smith is seeking a Lead 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 group specifically utilizes visual scripting to apply computational strategies to the design process across our architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines, and specializes in BIM, CAD, and digital twin technology from a design technology perspective. This position is for a person who has demonstrated excellence in computational design capabilities, is highly experienced with AEC design technologies, and excels at framing problems, shaping & creating solutions, and championing implementation. As a senior member of the Digital Engineering Solutions team, this person will also engage in research and development and provide strategic oversight to the AEC practices at CDM Smith, engaging in new product research, testing, and the incubation of innovative ideas that arise from around the company.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record in the field of computational design technology, with a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity leading to tangible results.

Responsibilities

• Leading and overseeing 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#.
• Developing and implementing advanced computational solutions to complex architecture, engineering, and environmental science problems via visual programming.
• Providing strategic direction and technical leadership to the team and across the organization.
• Mentoring and developing junior and mid‑level team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Collaborating as part of a multidisciplinary team across a global practice, building and maintaining excellent interpersonal relationships.
• Leading and driving initiatives and efforts, with your BIM, CAD, and computational design expertise.
• Staying at the forefront of the latest developments and advancements, including new and emerging technologies & best practices and new tools & software applications impacting digital design – and how they could impact CDM Smith.
• Developing and maintaining documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for design technology hardware/software in use across the business.
• Presenting to both internal and external audiences, representing the company at industry events and conferences.
• Performing other miscellaneous tasks associated with being a senior member of the Digital Engineering Solutions team as required.

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, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert knowledge and proven ability in the area of AEC design automation/computational design highly preferred.
• Extensive experience with visual scripting tools like Dynamo, Grasshopper, and Generative Components.
• 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.

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 their success in using design technology and design automation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate well with people from both technical and non‑technical backgrounds. Ability to listen, build rapport, and credibility as a strategic and diplomatic partner with our business units.
• Innovative and able to apply critical thinking skills to generate new solutions/ideas 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.

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!

Job Site Location

United States - Nationwide

Travel

5%

Work Location Options

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

Pay Range

Minimum: $89,336

Maximum: $147,389

Additional Compensation

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

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.