Laing O'Rourke
AI & DfMA Computational Designer
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Technology & Innovation Introduction
Transforming Construction with Design, Detailing, and product Innovation whilst building advanced manufacturing facilities to support MMC.
What if your engineering ideas could help shape the future of construction?
Join Laing O'Rourke's Technology & Innovation Team and work at the forefront of construction innovation. You'll help develop and validate new products, advanced materials, and modern construction solutions for some of the world's most complex infrastructure programmes.
This is not a traditional design role. Working alongside experts in engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, and research, you'll take innovative concepts from early-stage development through testing and validation to real-world application.
From advancing Steel-Plate composite construction to bespoke automated manufacturing facilities supporting the future of clean energy, you'll help create the technologies and solutions that will define the next generation of energy infrastructure.
Role Overview
As an AI & Computational Design Researcher in our Product Development team, you'll explore how artificial intelligence, computational design, and parametric methods could support more effective, sustainable, and collaborative approaches to Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
Working with colleagues across design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and digital technology, you'll identify opportunities, test ideas, and develop practical solutions that improve how construction products are designed, configured, manufactured, and delivered.
You do not need to be an AI specialist. We're looking for someone with experience in DfMA and computational or digital design, an interest in emerging technology, and a willingness to learn through experimentation. You'll have the opportunity to share your perspective, develop new knowledge, and help shape the future application of AI within industrialised construction.
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What You'll Be Doing
- Work with colleagues to identify useful and responsible applications of AI across product design, development, manufacturing, and construction.
- Research emerging AI technologies and help assess where they could add practical value within DfMA and computational design.
- Explore existing design and product development processes with the people who use them, identifying opportunities for thoughtful AI-enabled improvements.
- Develop and test early prototypes using available tools, models, and platforms, with support from specialist teams where needed.
- Explore applications across parametric modelling, design optimisation, BIM, product configuration, digital manufacturing, and construction delivery.
- Investigate how AI could help capture, structure, and reuse product, design, and construction knowledge.
- Collaborate with engineering, digital, manufacturing, and AI specialists to develop, test, and learn from new ideas.
- Capture and share learning from experiments, helping to build an inclusive and practical AI and DfMA roadmap for Product Development.
- Demonstrate potential applications on live projects and contribute to recommendations for future development.
What we're looking for
We recognise that relevant experience can be gained in different ways. If your experience does not match every point below, but you believe you could contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.
Essential Criteria
- Experience in DfMA, product development, computational design, or industrialised construction.
- Experience of BIM and digital design processes.
- An understanding of computational design, design automation, or parametric modelling.
- An understanding of how construction products are designed, manufactured, and assembled.
- An interest in AI and emerging digital technologies, with a willingness to continue learning.
- A collaborative and practical approach to problem-solving and systems thinking.
- The ability to identify opportunities, test ideas, and communicate learning clearly.
- A degree in Architecture, Engineering, Product Design, Computational Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
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Desirable criteria
The following experience would be helpful, but you do not need to meet every point:
- Experience with Grasshopper, Dynamo, Python, Revit, or similar tools.
- Experience exploring large language models, AI agents, or generative AI technologies.
- Knowledge of BIM-to-CAM or digital manufacturing workflows.
- Experience with modular, precast, MEP, off-site, or other industrialised construction systems.
- Experience developing prototypes, configurators, parametric models, or design automation tools.
- Experience testing new digital approaches within live design, product development, or construction projects.
About Laing O'Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is an international engineering and construction business known for pushing boundaries in digital engineering, modern methods of construction, and sustainable delivery. With more than 150 years of heritage, we are committed to creating environments in which diverse teams can excel and thrive.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme. If you meet the essential criteria and would like to be considered through our Offer an Interview scheme, please let us know. We're also happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
If you require an alternative format of this advert or need support during the application, please contact: resourcingteam@laingorourke.com
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