Computational Design Engineer

OXMAN

OXMAN is a hybrid Design and R&D company that fuses design, technology, and biology to invent multi-scale products and environments. The fusion of disciplines within our work opens previously impossible opportunities within each domain—allowing design to inspire science and science to inspire design.

At OXMAN, we question dominant modes of design that have divorced us from Nature by prioritizing humanity above all else (human-centric design). Although it is design that has caused this rift, we believe that design also offers the greatest opportunity to heal it.

We propose a Nature-centric approach that delivers design solutions by, for, and with the natural world, while advancing humanity. In this pursuit, we reject all forms of segregation and instead call for a radical synergy between human-made and Nature-grown environments.

This approach demands that we design across scales for systems-level impact. We consider every designed construct a whole system of heterogeneous and complex interrelations—not isolated objects—that are intrinsically connected to their environments. In doing so, we open ourselves up to moving beyond mere maintenance toward the advancement of Nature.

Summary

OXMAN is seeking a Computational Design Engineer/ Computer Scientist to join an all-star interdisciplinary team of deep thinkers and brilliant makers, leveraging math and computation as a language for mediation between human-made and Nature-grown environments. This person embodies both technical and aesthetic rigor in developing and applying computational methods toward the realization of novel design paradigms by building design tools for new methods of manufacturing as well as application software that interfaces with industrial and custom digital fabrication tools. In this role, they will conduct research in computational geometry, computational fabrication, computational intelligence, and/or computational dynamics and apply this research to design. They will develop striking embodiments, processes, and strategies to engage with complex environments and behavior spaces, not only through representation and prediction but also through optimization, exploration, and learning. Taking a generative and generalizable approach to design and process-driven making, the Computational Design Engineer will contribute to a range of projects at OXMAN, spanning client-specific design work and platform technology development. This way of thinking and making enables them to facilitate mediation and dialog, opening opportunities for non-obvious interactions and combined systems that unite physical, digital, and biological elements.

Core responsibilities

• Develop computational design processes in software applications and  optimization tools with the focus on interfacing with industrial machinery and custom developed prototypes
• Simulation: for machine motion and material prediction
• Conception: Create prototypes, models, and pre-visualizations of computational design embodiments and methods to guide design processes and decision-making within the team
• Research: Conduct research to enable and support projects through computational design technologies. Research is integrated to specific projects or facilitates the development of computational design processes used across projects
• Implementation: Realize design concepts by using computational methods to design embodiments and, further, implement novel computational design processes that generate embodiments (e.g., 3D models, fabrication descriptions, machine interfaces, software, scripts)
• Visualization: Develop 3D renderings and illustrations to inform and express research and design concepts to the team, clients, and the public
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and designers
• Communicate ideas, work, and progress clearly, including by engaging in team meetings, presentations, and other creative communication outlets

Qualifications & competencies

• Minimum 4 years of experience in software development with a focus on geometry and design
• Strong knowledge on interfacing methods for machinery, robotics, slicer, non-planar 3D printing
• Portfolio/website demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking and stellar taste in design
• Mastery of digital design tools such as SideFX Houdini, Rhino or Grasshopper
• Research experience in computational geometry, computational fabrication, computational intelligence, computational dynamics, or related fields
• Mastery in programming (Python and/or C++23) and proven proficiency in libraries of the application domains mentioned above (for example libigl, fenics, pytorch etc.)
• Proficiency in real-time tools such as Touch Designer, Unreal Engine, or Unity is a plus
• Proficiency in university-level linear algebra and multivariable calculus
• Strong understanding of artistic fundamentals of composition, form, and color
• Strong commitment to the team; maintains positive working relationships with diverse people, including internal team and external partners
• Embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct
• Open to work across disciplines and learn new skills and tools

OXMAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.

NYC Salary Range: $75,000-$225,000

Salary is based on a number of factors including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Our compensation package also includes variable compensation in the form of year-end bonuses, benefits, immigration assistance, and equity participation.