Director, Computational Design Research

ICON is looking for a Director of Computational Design Research. This role is based at ICON’s Austin, TX campus and will report to the VP of Strategic R&D on ICON’s Technology team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This role will be charged with adding generative design to many aspects of the ICON product line, for robotics terrestrially and in space, as well as cutting edge architecture.
• Building and managing a small team of generative design engineers, as well as being accountable as a subject matter expert and an individual contributor while building a team around the skillset.
• Push the limits of what is possible in generative design, genetic algorithms, and other emerging computational approaches to structural and mechanical design problems.
• Choose the technical direction of the team to satisfy internal stakeholder requirements.
• Report team progress at weekly, quarterly, and yearly cadence to the VP of Strategic R&D.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in Computer Science, computational geometry, AI / genetic algorithms.

• 4+ years of experience with generative design and computationally generated models for structural elements for machinery and building architecture.

• Experience with topology optimization strategies in a commercial environment.
• This role is specific to physical geometry rather than more traditional AI / machine learning or reinforcement learning roles.
• Experience visualizing and analyzing computationally generated models that serve a specific purpose, such as structural elements or architectural design elements.

PREFERED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Masters degree, pHd, or substantial experience in computational geometry, generative design, genetic algorithms.

• 6+ years of experience in generative design as it relates to product or architecture development on real-world market-ready projects.
• Experience with python AI / Genetic algorithms, Grasshopper, nTopology, and other frameworks.