Computational Designer | Mission Critical

at HKS, Inc in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Overview:

We are seeking a Computational Designer with strong software development skills and deep knowledge of architectural workflows to lead the integration of advanced computational methods into the design and delivery of mission critical and data center projects. This hybrid role bridges design technology, custom tool development, and project-specific innovation. It requires not only fluency in parametric design and automation but also a strong understanding of the technical rigor, systems coordination, and performance-driven goals of the mission critical typology.

Responsibilities:
Lead the development and implementation of computational design strategies across mission critical/data center projects, from concept through delivery.
Create custom digital tools, scripts, and parametric workflows to optimize spatial planning, systems integration, resiliency modeling, and MEP coordination.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and delivery teams to embed performance and automation into project workflows, particularly for high-volume, speed-to-market, or prototypical deployments.
Contribute to architectural concept design, especially where geometry, environmental systems, or data-driven insights inform spatial or systems decisions.
Develop data visualization tools and dashboards that help stakeholders understand operational, energy, and systems performance scenarios.
Maintain fluency in software such as Revit, Rhino + Grasshopper, Dynamo, Python, and C#, while also advancing cloud-based and web-integrated tools when appropriate (e.g., through APIs, JSON, .NET or Flask/Django).
Translate design intent into computational logic that supports fabrication, documentation, and quality control.
Mentor junior designers and technologists, fostering a culture of innovation and iterative testing across project teams.
Carries out computational design methodologies including advanced environmental simulation workflows and generative design solutions
Develops computational design tools and libraries for spatial analytics and generative design
Works within team to develop advanced workflows for the control of 3D geometry, techniques for design modeling, techniques for digital fabrication and techniques for simulation and analysis
Assists project teams as needed in all stages of design, documentation, and fabrication
Develops and applies computational design work plan and implementation strategy
Develops new toolsets for modeling techniques, software platform interoperability and environmental simulation/analysis
Modifies or creates implementation documents, applying standard architectural techniques and procedures and according to written and verbal specifications with general supervision
Produces graphic presentations, 3D renderings and implementation documents
Assists in preparing schedules and reviewing implementation documents and samples as needed
Compiles data and performs design computations in collaboration with project team
Collaborates on design and technical resolution and coordination for a defined portion of a project
Works with senior designer(s) and project team(s) on conceptual designs, presentations, design development and production to deliver projects on time and within budget
Assists in preparing client presentations and presents project design intent
Performs product research; assists project designers with material selection and system research
Communicates with other disciplines, vendors and contractors to incorporate information into design, project requirements... For full info follow application link.

HKS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, advancement, compensation, and termination. HKS’ policies, including its Affirmative Action Programs, are designed to not only ensure legal compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination and retaliation laws, but to carry out the principles of equal employment opportunities in all job categories. Deliberate and conscious effort is made to make employment decisions that are consistent with these equal employment opportunity principles. HKS will recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status or disability; and ensure that all employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements. Employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination for filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance evaluation or hearing, opposing and/or exercising any other right made unlawful by Executive Order 11246, Sections 503 and 38 USC 4212, as amended, or their implementing regulations, or any other Federal, State or local laws requiring equal opportunity.