Digital Practice Specialist II, Computational Design

OverviewPerforms advanced technical implementation to support, optimize, and troubleshoot digital design workflows for project teams and studios. Diagnoses complex models, workflows, and interoperability issues to improve efficiency and ensure consistent application of firmwide digital standards, templates, and processes. Contributes to piloting, evaluating, and refining new tools and digital solutions.In this computational design-focused role, develop an automation-oriented mindset by identifying smarter, more efficient approaches to project tasks and exploring advanced workflows for 3D modeling, digital fabrication, and performance analysis. Collaborates with project teams and Digital Practice Leadership to enhance interoperability between platforms and elevate how digital tools support design and delivery. Demonstrates continuous learning and contributes to evolving standards and best practices, building a foundation for growth into more advanced technical and solutions-focused roles.ResponsibilitiesProjectServes as a primary technical support resource for multiple project teams or an entire studio, providing advanced troubleshooting, guidance, and workflow optimizationLeads model setup, structure, maintenance, and quality reviews for teams, resolving complex issues related to performance, data integrity, interoperability, and coordination workflowsSupports and monitors compliance with project BIM Execution Plans, digital standards, content requirements, and project information workflowsFacilitates coordination workflows such as clash detection, federated model assembly, data exchanges, and cross-disciplinary collaborationAssists teams in implementing automation tools, scripts, templates, and digital solutionsDiagnoses and resolves interoperability challenges between design technologies, computational design, visualization, analysis, and project management platformsSupports advanced tasks such as model audits, data validation, geometry cleanup, scripting adjustments, and template troubleshootingPartners with Digital Practice Leaders to implement firmwide standards and solutions at the project levelIdentifies recurring challenges, tool issues, or workflow gaps to Digital Practice Leadership and provides insights to refine or develop innovative solutionsEngages in project and studio meetings as the digital support representative, assessing project needs and proactively identifying opportunities to enhance workflowsDevelops and documents project-specific workflows and solutions, contribute to practice guides, and tutorials, and share lessons learned to improve firmwide standardsAssists with onboarding new team members to digital workflows and tools, and provides informal training on digital tools and best practices as neededApplies automation-oriented problem-solving approaches to reduce manual effort and improve workflow efficiency before relying on repetitive or brute-force methodsCollaborates with team members to explore and implement advanced digital workflows that improve control of 3D geometry, design modeling practices, and support digital fabrication, simulation, and analysisAssists in the development, testing, and refining new toolsets and modeling techniques that improve interoperability between software platforms and support environmental simulation and performance analysisSupports the use of computational design, scripting tools, and parametric modeling techniques as part of project delivery under the guidance of senior digital practice staffProvides feedback and ideas to Digital Practice leadership on opportunities to enhance modeling techniques, workflow efficiency, and integration across digital toolsCultureSupports the firm's values of quality, innovation, learning, and growth through proactive, service-oriented technical supportActs as a mentor to team members by providing guidance, feedback, QA/QC, and direction on modeling and delivery methodologiesHelp maintain a culture of technical excellence and digital curiosity within the studio or project teamPromote sustainable, responsible digital practices that reduce rework, improve performance, and support design intentFinancialUnderstand the impact of technical efficiency on project budgets and schedules.Work efficiently and prioritize tasks to meet expected utilization targetsAssist in identifying opportunities for efficiencies through improved digital workflows or process adjustmentsQualificationsEducation and ExperienceAccredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or related field; advanced degree preferredTypically 3-5+ years of experience in the AEC industry, with direct exposure to digital workflowsLicenses and CertificationsLicensure or certification in chosen field preferredTechnical Skills & CompetenciesProven expertise in design technology, computational design, data analytics, and other emerging digital technologies relevant to architecture and designFamiliarity with data management, visualization, and collaboration platforms (e.g., Power BI, Speckle, Forge, Unreal Engine)Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferredStrong understanding of building systems, technical documentation, and construction processesExperience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and manages change in a complex, global organization.Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to remain professional when navigating challengesExcellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiencesDemonstrates a strong commitment to excellence, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality resultsAbility to coordinate and manage multiple projects while supporting a distributed teamAbility to diagnose technical issues and apply solutions quickly in a fast-paced project environment.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of supporting multiple projects simultaneouslyA learning mindset with curiosity and a desire to grow into deeper technical rolesTravel may be requiredHKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/VeteranJ-18808-Ljbffr