Digital Practice Specialist II, Computational Design

HKS•Dallas, TX

About The Position

Overview: Performs 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.

Requirements

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or related field; advanced degree preferred
Typically 3-5+ years of experience in the AEC industry, with direct exposure to digital workflows
Proven expertise in design technology, computational design, data analytics, and other emerging digital technologies relevant to architecture and design
Familiarity with data management, visualization, and collaboration platforms (e.g., Power BI, Speckle, Forge, Unreal Engine)
Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferred
Strong understanding of building systems, technical documentation, and construction processes
Experience 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 challenges
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
Demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence, consistently delivering accurate, high-quality results
Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects while supporting a distributed team
Ability to diagnose technical issues and apply solutions quickly in a fast-paced project environment.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of supporting multiple projects simultaneously
A learning mindset with curiosity and a desire to grow into deeper technical roles
Travel may be required

Nice To Haves

Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred
Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferred

Responsibilities

Serves as a primary technical support resource for multiple project teams or an entire studio, providing advanced troubleshooting, guidance, and workflow optimization
Leads model setup, structure, maintenance, and quality reviews for teams, resolving complex issues related to performance, data integrity, interoperability, and coordination workflows
Supports and monitors compliance with project BIM Execution Plans, digital standards, content requirements, and project information workflows
Facilitates coordination workflows such as clash detection, federated model assembly, data exchanges, and cross-disciplinary collaboration
Assists teams in implementing automation tools, scripts, templates, and digital solutions
Diagnoses and resolves interoperability challenges between design technologies, computational design, visualization, analysis, and project management platforms
Supports advanced tasks such as model audits, data validation, geometry cleanup, scripting adjustments, and template troubleshooting
Partners with Digital Practice Leaders to implement firmwide standards and solutions at the project level
Identifies recurring challenges, tool issues, or workflow gaps to Digital Practice Leadership and provides insights to refine or develop innovative solutions
Engages in project and studio meetings as the digital support representative, assessing project needs and proactively identifying opportunities to enhance workflows
Develops and documents project-specific workflows and solutions, contribute to practice guides, and tutorials, and share lessons learned to improve firmwide standards
Assists with onboarding new team members to digital workflows and tools, and provides informal training on digital tools and best practices as needed
Applies automation-oriented problem-solving approaches to reduce manual effort and improve workflow efficiency before relying on repetitive or brute-force methods
Collaborates 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 analysis
Assists in the development, testing, and refining new toolsets and modeling techniques that improve interoperability between software platforms and support environmental simulation and performance analysis
Supports the use of computational design, scripting tools, and parametric modeling techniques as part of project delivery under the guidance of senior digital practice staff
Provides feedback and ideas to Digital Practice leadership on opportunities to enhance modeling techniques, workflow efficiency, and integration across digital tools
Supports the firm’s values of quality, innovation, learning, and growth through proactive, service-oriented technical support
Acts as a mentor to team members by providing guidance, feedback, QA/QC, and direction on modeling and delivery methodologies
Help maintain a culture of technical excellence and digital curiosity within the studio or project team
Promote sustainable, responsible digital practices that reduce rework, improve performance, and support design intent
Understand the impact of technical efficiency on project budgets and schedules. Work efficiently and prioritize tasks to meet expected utilization targets
Assist in identifying opportunities for efficiencies through improved digital workflows or process adjustments