Principal Research & Design Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research projects focused on using AI to improve workshop operations, fabrication workflows, and design-to-make systems
• Identify high-impact operational problems across the Technology Center, including machine scheduling, utilization, training, maintenance, safety, documentation, and project execution
• Design, prototype, and validate AI-enabled tools, workflows, dashboards, agents, data pipelines, and decision-support systems for physical workshop environments
• Develop and evaluate AI and machine learning approaches, including generative AI, computer vision, optimization, predictive analytics, natural language interfaces, and edge AI where appropriate
• Collaborate closely with Workshop Specialists, Research and Design Engineers, Autodesk Researchers, residents, product teams, and external partners to translate operational needs into well-scoped research experiments
• Conduct hands-on experimentation in the Technology Center using fabrication equipment and workshop infrastructure, including CNC machines, robotics, additive manufacturing systems, and related tools
• Build robust, testable prototypes that can be deployed and evaluated in real-world operational contexts, not only demonstrated in controlled settings
• Analyze results and communicate findings clearly through visualizations, written reports, presentations, demonstrations, and working prototypes

Requirements

• Significant professional experience applying AI, machine learning, data science, automation, or computational systems to practical, real-world problems
• Strong programming skills and experience working with data pipelines, APIs, databases, machine learning frameworks, or cloud-based AI services
• Experience designing experiments, building prototypes, and evaluating technical systems in ambiguous or emerging problem spaces
• Ability to translate complex operational challenges into research questions, technical requirements, and implemented prototypes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical work to researchers, engineers, workshop staff, leadership, and non-technical collaborators
• Willingness to work on-site in a hands-on Technology Center environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics, Data Science, Manufacturing, Architecture, Industrial Design, Operations Research, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
• Hands-on experience using, supporting, or programming CNC equipment, including CNC mills, routers, lathes, waterjets, or related subtractive manufacturing tools
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM workflows, manufacturing software, machine setup, tooling, feeds and speeds, workholding, or fabrication planning
• Experience with Autodesk products such as Fusion, Inventor, AutoCAD, Revit, Forma, or related design and manufacturing tools
• Experience with robotics, additive manufacturing, industrial automation, machine monitoring, PLCs, IoT systems, or sensor-based instrumentation
• Experience with computer vision, predictive maintenance, scheduling optimization, process monitoring, quality inspection, or human-machine interfaces
• Experience deploying AI or ML models in physical environments, including edge devices, embedded systems, cameras, sensors, or workshop/factory infrastructure
• Familiarity with protocols and systems such as MQTT, OPC-UA, ROS, serial communication, machine telemetry, or industrial data platforms
• Prior experience in manufacturing, operations, architecture, engineering, construction, industrialized construction, robotics, or advanced making environments

Skills

• Strong experience applying AI, machine learning, data systems, or computational methods to real-world operational problems
• Strong programming skills and experience working with data pipelines, APIs, databases, machine learning frameworks, or cloud-based AI services
• Experience designing experiments, building prototypes, and evaluating technical systems in ambiguous or emerging problem spaces
• Ability to translate complex operational challenges into research questions, technical requirements, and implemented prototypes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical work to researchers, engineers, workshop staff, leadership, and non-technical collaborators
• Willingness to work on-site in a hands-on Technology Center environment

Benefits

Salary transparency
Autodesk offers a competitive compensation package, including a starting base salary between $144,000 and $258,940. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and geographic location, and may exceed this range.
In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity
At Autodesk, we're committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Belonging
We believe that belonging is at the heart of our culture. We aim to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, feel supported, and contribute their unique perspectives. Learn more about our commitment to belonging here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belonging