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Computational Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tt

Computational Designer

Chicago, IL

$70K - $85K/yr

Your Role As a Computational Designer & Visualization Specialist in our Chicago office, you will work at the intersection of structural engineering, computational design, and digital storytelling.

Oxman

Computational Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$115K - $143K/yr

Role Overview OXMAN is seeking a Computational Designer to join the EDEN design team and develop procedural design workflows that integrate ecological intelligence into architecture, landscape, and ...

Nike

Lead, Footwear Computational Design

Beaverton, OR · On-site

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH We are seeking a Lead Computational Designer to join the Footwear Digital Design Studio within Nike's Innovation Team. The Digital Design Studio, part of the Advanced Digital ...

Bayer

$139K - $209K/yr

Principal Scientist, Computational Designer (Biologics & Peptides) We are seeking a Computational Designer to advance our biologics and peptide discovery programs through data-driven molecular design ...

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How much do computational designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for computational designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computational designer?

A Computational Designer uses algorithms, parametric modeling, and coding to generate and optimize design solutions. They work at the intersection of design, engineering, and technology, leveraging tools like Python, Grasshopper, or Dynamo to automate processes and create complex geometries. This role is common in architecture, product design, and digital fabrication, where efficiency and innovation are key.

How much do computational designers make in the US?

Computational designers in the US typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in programming, parametric design, and software like Rhino, Grasshopper, or Dynamo tend to command higher salaries.

What are the main challenges a computational designer might face in their day-to-day work?

Computational Designers often face the challenge of translating conceptual design ideas into workable digital models that can be efficiently fabricated or integrated into real-world projects. They may need to constantly update their skills to keep up with evolving software and emerging technologies in the field. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints, such as material limitations or project budgets, can also be demanding. However, these challenges are also what make the role dynamic and provide opportunities for continual learning and innovation.

Is computational design an in demand career?

Computational designers are increasingly in demand across architecture, engineering, and product design industries due to their skills in programming, parametric modeling, and digital fabrication. The role often requires proficiency in tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, or Dynamo, and job growth is driven by the adoption of automation and data-driven design processes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a computational designer?

A successful Computational Designer typically holds a degree in architecture, engineering, or design with strong proficiency in computational modeling, algorithmic thinking, and digital fabrication. Expertise with tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Autodesk Revit, and proficiency in scripting languages like Python or C# are highly valued, as are certifications in relevant software. Strong collaboration skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are vital soft skills. These qualities enable Computational Designers to effectively tackle complex design challenges, innovate processes, and contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary teams.

More about Computational Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Computational Designer jobs? Cities with the most Computational Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Computational Designer jobs? The most popular types of Computational Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Computational Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Computational Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Computational Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Computational Designer jobs are:
Computational Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computational Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Computational Designer

Tt

Chicago, IL

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges. An independent organization of creative thinkers and innovative doers collaborating from offices worldwide, our mission is to bring our clients' ideas to life and, in the process, lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. We provide support and opportunities to our employees to achieve their full potential and cultivate a rewarding career.

Your Role

As a Computational Designer & Visualization Specialist in our Chicago office, you will work at the intersection of structural engineering, computational design, and digital storytelling. You'll help translate complex structural systems into clear, compelling visual narratives that support design, communication, and project delivery.

Working closely with engineers, designers, and VDC teams, you'll contribute to parametric workflows, visualization strategies, and next-generation digital delivery methods. Your work will span diagrams, parametric models, animations, and real-time content-bridging technical engineering concepts with engaging visual communication.

This role is ideal for someone with a background in architecture, digital design, or computational workflows who is excited to apply creative and technical skills in a highly collaborative, engineering-focused environment.

What You'll Do

  • Support computational design, VDC, and digital modeling workflows across structural engineering projects

  • Develop and manage parametric models and workflows using Rhino and Grasshopper

  • Create diagrams, graphics, animations, and video content for internal and client-facing deliverables

  • Translate complex structural systems and construction sequences into clear visual narratives

  • Contribute to workflow development, scripting, and automation to improve modeling and visualization processes

  • Build interoperable models that connect across analysis, BIM, and visualization platforms

  • Support 4D visualization and construction sequencing workflows using timeline-driven approaches

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance digital project delivery and communication strategies

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computational Design, Digital Design, or a related field

  • 0-3 years of experience in the AEC or digital design industry

  • Strong interest in computational design, visualization, and emerging digital workflows

  • Advanced proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper with experience building parametric workflows

  • Experience contributing to VDC, computational design, or digital modeling initiatives

  • Strong visual communication and graphic design skills, with an emphasis on clarity and storytelling

  • Experience producing animations, renderings, or digital visualizations

  • Strong collaboration, organization, and communication skills

  • Preferred: Experience with tools and workflows such as Revit; Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects); real-time visualization platforms (e.g., Enscape, Twinmotion, D5, Unreal Engine); and scripting or automation (Python, C#, or similar)

  • A portfolio showcasing relevant computational design, visualization, graphic communication, animation, or related digital work is required with the application submission.

Compensation

The rate for this position generally is$70,000-$85,000annually.This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to the Illinois State Pay Transparency Law. It is based on what a successful Illinois State applicant might be paid and assumes that the successful candidate will be in Illinois State or perform the position from Illinois State. Similar positions located outside of Illinois State will not necessarily receive the same compensation.Actual pay rates may vary from the range, as permitted byIllinoisEqual Pay Transparency Law. Compensation offers will be based on various factors, including operational needs, individual education, qualifications and experience, work location and comparison to employee already in the role, as well as other considerations permitted by law. A potential new employee's pay history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits

Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability and other voluntary benefits

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Childcare

  • Paid Time Off, Family Leave for New Parents, Volunteer Time

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Commuter Transit (where available)

  • 401k retirement savings with Company matching on employee contributions and/or qualified student loan repayments

  • Fitness Reimbursement

  • And other various wellness, diversity/inclusion and employee resource programs and initiatives

Pursuant to the SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Thornton Tomasetti is proud to be an equal employment workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Thornton Tomasetti are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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