Technical Expert - International Markets - Prefabricated Timber Buildings

About the role

We are looking for you: A Technical Expert with experience in Timber Building Design who wishes to join our Product Evolution team. The Product Evolution team is a multi-disciplinary design-focused unit tasked with developing the next generation of Sustainable Prefabricated Buildings designed for Rapid, Automated Manufacture and Assembly. You will be working alongside experienced Architects, Engineers and Business Development specialists. You will be equally capable and happy to work independently or as part of a close-knit team.  

GROPYUS seeks to bring a state-of-the-art prefabricated timber Building System solution to International Marketplaces, establish a digitally driven robotic manufacturing facility in multiple locations to service different regions of the World. GROPYUS recognizes the inherent technical difficulty associated with delivering a product that can be successful in different international regions. 

You as a solution:  We are looking for a colleague with a wide-ranging understanding of technical regulations relating to timber building design; specifically mid-rise mixed-use/residential buildings (conscious that in the future we intend to pivot to other building typologies). While we are focusing on multiple geographies, experience/knowledge in relation to North American regulations are explicitly valuable. 

As an expert in the field, you will provide technical expertise to enable the benchmarking of the GROPYUS Building System Product as part of the due diligence process of entering foreign markets. This work will be highly influential in gaining credibility with potential investors active in these markets. 

The role requires both impeccable English language skills (ideally supplemented with other languages in relevant markets) and extensive technical knowledge of prefabricated-timber construction. 

Ideally you will also understand the basics of setting up a company and the fundamentals of the formulation of business cases in foreign territories and the technical difficulties of achieving product insertion when cutting across international codes and standards boundaries.  

It is anticipated that adjustment of our current product lines will be required. Therefore, we seek to employ an experienced individual that has a comprehensive understanding of mass timber or timber framed construction design practice. Ideally the applicant will have experience/ exposure to all, or many disciplines related to such buildings e.g. Structural engineering, fire resistance and fire suppression systems, sustainability assessments, Building Physics. Previous exposure to regulatory code compliance for prefabricated building solutions would also be hugely advantageous.  

While candidates with all these skillsets are considered ideal it is recognized that an individual with all of these attributes is unlikely to be a qualified expert in all disciplines nor simultaneously across multiple jurisdictions.  
 
Therefore, an expert (Architect, Engineer, Project Manager, Surveyor or other specialist) who has been broadly exposed to these disciplines and has an extensive network of professional and industry contacts that can be leveraged to provide expert advice on these aspects would be considered an ideal candidate.  

A goal of this role is to unify the knowledge we gain from a network of local experts/consultants  (active in different regional markets) to help the wider GROPYUS team understand how to evolve our existing product line into a compliant, attractive, affordable market-ready product. 

While this role would be focused on product design / engineering you will work with other team members who will focus on diverse activities such as project pipeline establishment, customer engagement, factory location scouting and Supply Chain feasibility assessments.  

In order to build fruitful relationships in the regions of interest, attract investments and realize building projects abroad you will assist in some technical tasks, including: 

• Explaining our product on a detailed technical level, including performing technical sales to potential international investors 

• Evaluating potential technical product adjustments based on local building codes. 

• Coordinating the efforts of various local technical experts/consultants that are required to conduct a Product Benchmarking Study. 

• Assessing the technical feasibility, steering and planning the development of international pilot projects, acting as an internal technical sparring partner for decentralized construction partners & experts 

In this role, you will: 

• work as part of a close-knit compact team with diverse market entry goals. 

• be involved in the assessment of adaptation of a European design to suit International Timber Residential and Multi-Use Building requirements. 
    

About you

• Most likely completed University level (or equivalent) studies (Bachelors, Masters, PHD etc.)  and have at least 10 years of experience post-graduation in an Architectural/Engineering practice or Timber Manufacturing or Construction Company. 

• Portfolio of experience in the design of timber buildings  

• Candidates having access to a broad network of building design professionals across one or more international regions would be considered highly beneficial. 

• While not necessary for the role it would be unusual if you do not hold (or have held) a professional accreditation through a recognized AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) Professional Institution.  

• Working knowledge of some (but not necessarily all) relevant standards such as the Eurocode, DIN, ÖNorm, SIA , ASCE, AWC, IBC, SDPWS, AS, BS EN, TD UK etc. would be expected. 

• While not necessary for the role experience in procedures and standards for Product Development e.g. European Technical Assessment (ETA), UL, UKAS, NATA would be seen as beneficial. 

• Fluency in both written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for the position. Candidates with good written and oral communication skills in other languages would be considered beneficial. 

• Experience in using the Microsoft Office Suite 

What we offer 

• An unlimited contract with 28 vacation days. 
• Flexible, hybrid work: You can work from home or come into the office on the schedule that works best for you. Feel like traveling and working from another location? No problem. Tune into meetings and work from abroad for up to 40 days per year. In addition, flex hours allow you to prioritize important moments in your day. 
• Attractive perks and benefits: We offer a company pension scheme, language courses (English/German), and employee discounts with selected sustainable brands. Furthermore, our external partners in mental health support you in strengthening your mental health through anonymous private/group sessions.  
• Virtual Shares Program: Participate in the success of GROPYUS through our Virtual Share Program. 
• Ownership: You can truly make your mark with your work and contributions – on  all our organizational levels. Find your solutions, drive and test them. 
• The chance to be part of something big: Our mission is to rethink an entire industry. Join us in reinventing construction and fostering sustainable, affordable living.  
• A diverse and enriching work environment: Become a valued member of a wonderfully diverse team of individuals from over 50 countries. At GROPYUS we value inclusion above all, ensuring that everyone feels they belong – no matter their background. In this way, our differences become strengths that help us grow as a team.