Computational Designer (Early Career)
Location: Kansas City, MO
Who We Are:
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world’s most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
What We Offer:
Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + On-Site Gym (Dallas/KC) + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For:
We’re seeking an early-career Computational Designer to join our Global Digital team.
This role sits at the intersection of design and technology. You will support project teams in solving complex design challenges while contributing to the development of computational tools, workflows, and systems used across Populous. You will work on real projects; exploring geometry, rationalizing design intent, and improving delivery, while also building reusable tools that enhance how we design at scale.
This is an ideal role for someone with strong foundational skill in computational design who is looking to grow into a more advanced and impactful position. We’re looking for someone who is curious, structed in their thinking, and motivated to grow in computational design. You don’t need to know everything. You should; however, demonstrate strong fundamentals and a clear interest in building and applying design systems.
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
– Collaborate with design teams to apply computational methods to real projects challenges.
– Develop and support tools and workflows for geometry generation, optimization, and automation.
– Assist in rationalizing complex forms into buildable systems.
– Contribute to reusable scripts, tools, and processes used across multiple projects.
– Support interoperability between design platforms (e.g. Rhino, Revit).
– Document and share tools and workflows with teams across global studios.
– Participate in internal discussions, workshops, and knowledge sharing.
– Stay engaged with emerging tools, technologies, and approaches in computational design.
Requirements For Success:
– Demonstrated passion for computational design and a strong desire to learn and grow within the field.
– Solid understanding of computational thinking and the application of computational design methodologies.
– Working knowledge of architectural building systems.
– Ability to work iteratively across a variety of project typologies and design platforms, while supporting multiple projects simultaneously.
– Strong graphic, visualization, and representation skills to effectively communicate design ideas.
– Excellent relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
– Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
– Highly self-motivated, with the ability to conduct design studies with minimal supervision.
Essential Qualifications:
Required:
– Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or a related field (master’s in computational design or similar is a plus).
– 0–3 years of professional experience, or strong academic portfolio demonstrating computational design capability.
– Proficiency in Rhino and Grasshopper.
– Understanding of computational design principles and parametric thinking.
– Ability to communicate design ideas clearly through models, diagrams, and visuals.
– Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
– Ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Preferred:
– Experience with Python or C#
– Familiarity with Revit and/or Rhino.Inside.
– Exposure to geometry rationalization, panelization, or optimization workflows.
– Interest in data-driven design, automation, or emerging technologies.
What You’ll Gain:
– Experience working on high-profile, complex projects across sports, entertainment, and civic sectors.
– Opportunity to contribute to real tools and systems, not just one-off scripts.
– Exposure to a global network of computational and design specialists.
– A clear pathway to grow into a more advanced computational or design technology role.
– Exposure to emerging areas such as AI, data, and advanced digital workflows.
Additional Details:
– Travel may be required.
Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C
Find us here – https://populous.com/careers
Instagram: @WeArePopulous
X: @Populous
To apply for this job please visit populous.com.
