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Senior Computational Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Computational Designer Senior

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

Lead project-specific computational scopes from concept through documentation, aligning automation efforts with design goals, schedule, and BIM execution plans. * Architect end-to-end workflows that ...

HDR

Computational Designer Senior

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

Lead project-specific computational scopes from concept through documentation, aligning automation efforts with design goals, schedule, and BIM execution plans. * Architect end-to-end workflows that ...

Panthalassa

Senior Computational Engineer

Portland, OR

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Job As a Senior Computational Engineer, you will lead and improve the use of high ... Own the CFD-based performance validation process for optimized marine system designs, including ...

Panthalassa

Senior Computational Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Job As a Senior Computational Engineer, you will lead and improve the use of high ... Own the CFD-based performance validation process for optimized marine system designs, including ...

Panthalassa

Senior Computational Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Job As a Senior Computational Engineer, you will lead and improve the use of high ... Own the CFD-based performance validation process for optimized marine system designs, including ...

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Senior Computational Designer information

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$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior computational designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior computational designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Computational Designer vs Computational Designer?

AspectSenior Computational DesignerComputational Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Architecture, Design, or related field; experience in computational toolsBachelor's or Master's in Architecture, Design, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, architecture studios, engineering companiesDesign firms, architecture studios, engineering companies
ResponsibilitiesLeading complex computational projects, mentoring juniors, advanced scriptingSupporting design processes with computational tools, developing scripts

While both roles involve computational design skills, Senior Computational Designers typically handle more complex projects, lead teams, and have more experience. Computational Designers focus on supporting design tasks and developing scripts under supervision. The senior role requires greater expertise and leadership, but both work within similar environments and industries.

What is a Senior Computational Designer?

A Senior Computational Designer is a professional who uses advanced computational tools, algorithms, and programming to solve design challenges, often in fields like architecture, engineering, or product design. They create digital models, automate design processes, and develop custom software solutions to enhance creativity and efficiency. In addition to technical proficiency, they often lead projects, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams. Their work helps organizations push the boundaries of design innovation and optimize workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Computational Designers when integrating new digital tools into existing design workflows?

Senior Computational Designers often encounter challenges when integrating new digital tools, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy software, training team members with varying skill levels, and maintaining design quality and consistency throughout the transition. Additionally, balancing creativity with technical constraints can require strong communication and collaboration with both designers and engineers. Proactively addressing these challenges by fostering open dialogue, providing training, and piloting tools before full implementation can help ensure a smooth workflow integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Computational Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Computational Designer, you need advanced proficiency in computational design principles, parametric modeling, and a relevant degree in architecture, engineering, or design. Expertise with tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, Python scripting, and BIM software, along with certifications in these platforms, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective collaboration skills set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative, efficient solutions and leading multidisciplinary teams in complex design projects.
More about Senior Computational Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Computational Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior 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 Senior Computational Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Computational Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Computational Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Computational Designer jobs are:
Senior Computational Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Computational Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Computational Designer Senior

Computational Designer Senior

HDR

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$102K - $110K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 375 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 

 Responsibilities

  • Lead project-specific computational scopes from concept through documentation, aligning automation efforts with design goals, schedule, and BIM execution plans.
  • Architect end-to-end workflows that combine geometry generation, data capture, and visualization to support decision-making.
  • Independently develop and evaluate alternative concepts using parametric workflows; summarize tradeoffs (cost/quantity, performance, constructability) for decision-makers.
  • Prepare clear diagrams, dashboards, and interactive visuals for client presentations, internal critiques, and agency reviews to communicate options and impacts.
  • Partner with Project Managers and Design Leaders to identify where computation will create the most value and propose solutions.
  • Promote scalable reuse of validated tools across studios via standard practices and knowledge transfer.
  • Participate in client work sessions or interviews to demonstrate technical capabilities.
  • Perform other duties as needed.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional degree (M.Arch) or a closely related master's in architecture, design, or computing.
  • Experience integrating analysis engines (Ladybug/Honeybee, energy or daylight tools), geometry APIs, or cloud/compute services.
  • Experience presenting internally or externally on design technology topics.
  • Familiarity with web-based delivery of tools (e.g., ShapeDiver, Speckle apps, custom dashboards).
  • Experience in complex building types (healthcare, science/tech, higher ed) where parametric planning adds value.
 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in architecture/computational design, with a portfolio of built or real project applications.
  • High proficiency in Rhino/Grasshopper and Revit/Dynamo, including custom component creation, data trees, and parametric best practices.
  • Scripting capability in Python or C# to extend visual programming tools or automate repetitive modeling tasks.
  • Strong understanding of the architectural design process (SD through CD) and how to insert computational tools without disrupting delivery.
  • Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and BIM managers.
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex tools to non-technical users.
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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