Computational Designer (DfMA)
Location: Technology & Innovation
Architypes is supporting Laing O'Rourke in the search for a Computational Designer (DfMA) to join their Technology & Innovation team.
About Laing O’Rourke
Laing O’Rourke is a globally recognised engineering enterprise committed to innovation and technical excellence across design, manufacturing and construction. Our mission is to lead the industry through advanced product platforms, digital engineering and industrialised construction methods that improve quality, safety and sustainability.
The Technology & Innovation (T&I) Group sits at the centre of the Laing O’Rourke group of companies and is a key driver of the transformation of construction. T&I is a highly ambitious, multidisciplinary team bringing together engineering, manufacturing, digital, product development and systems thinking to create the next generation of construction products and delivery models.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Computational Designer (DfMA) to join the Technology & Innovation team.
This role focuses on developing parametric design tools, automation workflows and configurable product systems that enable Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) at scale. You will work across engineering, manufacturing and digital teams to translate product and construction logic into robust computational workflows.
In this role, you will:
- Develop parametric and rule-based design systems.
- Support product platform development through automation and configuration.
- Enable BIM-to-manufacturing workflows.
- Help transform project-based design into scalable platform-based delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Parametric & computational design
- Develop parametric design workflows using tools such as Grasshopper, Dynamo or similar.
- Translate engineering and product rules into computational design logic.
- Create configurable product models that support repeatability and scalability.
- Develop generative and rule-based approaches to DfMA design.
DfMA & productisation
- Support development of industrialised construction products and systems.
- Embed DfMA principles into design workflows and product platforms.
- Work with engineers and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimised for fabrication, logistics and assembly.
- Support conversion of traditional project designs into product-based solutions.
BIM & digital workflows
- Work within BIM environments to integrate computational design outputs.
- Develop automation scripts and tools to improve design efficiency and consistency.
- Support development of the digital thread from concept through manufacture to installation.
Manufacturing integration
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand production constraints and opportunities.
- Support creation of BIM-to-CAM workflows and digital manufacturing outputs.
- Optimise material usage, repeatability and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation & collaboration
- Work in multidisciplinary teams across engineering, digital and manufacturing.
- Contribute to the development of new product platforms and workflows.
- Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the business.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Strong experience in computational or parametric design.
- Experience with tools such as Grasshopper, Dynamo or similar.
- Scripting/programming skills (Python, C#, JavaScript or similar).
- Experience working in BIM environments.
- Understanding of DfMA and industrialised construction principles.
- Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking mindset.
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Computational Design or related discipline.
Desirable
- Experience in construction, engineering or manufacturing environments.
- Experience with BIM-to-CAM or digital fabrication workflows.
- Experience developing configurators or automation tools.
- Knowledge of modular, precast or off-site construction.
About us
We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and building projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to supporting candidates with long-term health conditions or disabilities. If you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview under our ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme. Please inform us of any adjustments you may require during the recruitment process or in the workplace.