Computational Designer MEP

Description

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with more than 90 years’ experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities, and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Computational Designer with a strong background in bridges, structures, facades, and MEP systems. The ideal candidate will leverage computational and parametric design techniques to develop advanced structural, facade, and building services solutions, contributing to both the aesthetic and functional performance of our projects.

This role will work across multidisciplinary teams, supporting integrated design outcomes through automation, data-driven workflows, and advanced modelling across structural and MEP disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of computational design processes for structural, facade, and MEP systems.
• Collaborate closely with architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, digital engineering teams, and other stakeholders to create optimized, coordinated, and innovative design solutions.
• Utilize advanced computational tools and software (e.g. Rhino, Grasshopper, Dynamo, Python) to automate, integrate, and enhance structural and MEP design workflows.
• Develop parametric and generative models to support design exploration, coordination, and performance optimization across disciplines.
• Support MEP system optimisation, including routing, spatial coordination, performance-driven layouts, and integration with architectural and structural models.
• Analyse and interpret complex datasets (geometric, environmental, performance, and system data) to inform design decisions and improve project outcomes.
• Prepare and review detailed design documentation, including drawings, BIM models, scripts, and specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior team members in computational design, automation, and digital best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies in computational design, digital engineering, structural engineering, and MEP design.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of BIM, computational, and digital engineering standards within the organization.
• Support the development of reusable tools, scripts, and workflows to grow Zutari’s global computational design capability.
  
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in computational design within the built environment, with exposure to structures, facades, and MEP systems.
• Proven experience working in multidisciplinary design environments.
  
  
  

• Strong proficiency in computational design software, including:
• Rhino, Grasshopper, Dynamo
• C#
• Python scripting
• Rhino.Inside.Revit
• Grasshopper and Revit API
  
• Expert-level experience with Revit BIM, including structural and MEP models.
• Familiarity with TEKLA Structures.
• Experience with structural analysis software such as Strand7, SAP2000, ETABS, StatiCa.
• Experience with MEP modelling, coordination, and automation, including:
• Parametric MEP layouts and routing
• System coordination and clash avoidance
• Integration of MEP systems within architectural and structural models
  
• Experience with 3D modelling and visualization tools (e.g. Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp).
• Strong understanding of bridge, structural, facade, and MEP engineering principles and industry best practices.
  
  

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work with complex geometries and datasets.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions on time and within budget.
• Ability to develop automation tools and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Ability to lead the development of engineering solutions on technically challenging projects.
• Portfolio showcasing relevant computational design projects, including structural, facade, and/or MEP applications.