Lead Computational Designer - Vancouver - CDM Smith

Description

Lead Computational Designer – Digital Engineering Solutions

CDM Smith is seeking a Lead Computational Designer to join our Digital Engineering Solutions team. This senior member will drive the firm's digital transformation in design automation, computational design strategies, and BIM technologies, providing strategic guidance, technological vision, and solution development across our architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee projects on the cutting edge of BIM and computation, solving design and process challenges using Autodesk Revit, Civil3D, Dynamo, Rhino, Grasshopper, Bentley applications and Generative Components, and other associated digital tools and code languages such as Python and 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 that leverage BIM, CAD, and computational design expertise.
• Stay at the forefront of the latest developments and advancements, including new technologies, best practices and tools impacting digital design, and assess how they could impact CDM Smith.
• Develop and maintain documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for design technology hardware and 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 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 and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

8 years of related experience or equivalent education and experience.

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.
• 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 and other APIs.
• Proficiency in DevOps practices, GitHub, Azure, and/or other development infrastructure, along with knowledge of project management and agile development processes.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, and credit checks, as well as motor vehicle records when applicable for certain positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment, 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 it is a requirement, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of the investigation.

Additional background checks, including drug testing, may be required during employment.

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
• Industry: Civil Engineering
• Amount of travel required: 0%
• Pay range: $106,350 – $175,469
• Visa sponsorship: Not available – applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CDM Smith is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.