Sr. Principal Construction Research Scientist

Position Overview

The work we do at Autodesk touches nearly every person on the planet. By creating software tools for making buildings, machines, and even the latest movies, we influence and empower some of the most creative people in the world to solve problems that matter. As Construction Research Scientist in the Construction Research Industry Futures team, you will be doing fundamental and applied research that will help our customers imagine, design, and make a better world.

As a member of the Industry Futures team, you will be working side-by-side with world-class researchers and engineers to build new AI driven construction workflows that will help our customers imagine, design, and make a better world. The Industry Futures team is active in the wider research community and has developed active collaboration with academia and industry leaders in the field of construction.

We are seeking a subject matter expert in construction digital twins and AI model development to lead the creation of real-time, multimodal digital twin solutions. This role focuses on integrating diverse data sources including BIM, schedules, reality capture, and field data into cohesive, AI-driven models that enhance project visibility and decision-making.

Key responsibilities include developing standardized data schemas, ensuring data connectivity across systems, and building scalable pipelines to support accurate, real-time insights. This position requires expertise in data integration, AI analytics, and digital transformation in the built environment.

Based in Toronto with flexibility for remote or hybrid work, this role supports Autodesk’s hybrid-first approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead exploration of emerging technologies and experiences to transform how construction stakeholders access and act on real-time insights

• Drive research and prototyping of novel approaches to delivering construction intelligence, tailored to the unique demands of site operations

• Evaluate the impact of new tools and methods on field productivity and decision-making through rigorous analysis and iterative refinement

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including researchers, engineers, and external partners to develop, test, and scale innovative digital twin solutions

• Guide the development and deployment of machine learning models that power real-time, multimodal construction insights

• Ensure high-quality, maintainable code through robust documentation, testing, and software development best practices

• Communicate key findings and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership, enabling data-informed strategic decisions

• Very advanced expert roles that provide advice relevant to their subject matter expertise to senior leaders

• Jobs at this level reflect sophisticated subject matter expertise and consultative capabilities

• Development of novel, highly innovative solutions is often required

• Recognized as experts within a discipline, and also apply working knowledge of the theories and concepts in other related disciplines

• Lead the resolution of complex problems within own discipline, often with the need to integrate cross-functional processes and outcomes

• Anticipate business challenges that could have significant impact on Autodesk's operational and financial success, and proactively develop solutions to address them

• Provide input to functional strategies related to own discipline

• Influence leaders within own function to adopt solutions, establish priorities, and allocate resources

• May lead teams or projects with broad visibility

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Construction, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field

• 10+ years of experience in Digital construction including 5+ of experience in the specificity of Construction Site Digital Twin or similar research

• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts applied to Digital Twin, with extensive hands-on experience in training and fine-tuning models using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow

• Proficiency with Generative AI tools such as GPT, DALL-E, Gemini, and a solid understanding of underlying Machine Learning pipelines

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills

• Creative, flexible, and adept at working with new technology

• Extensive experience in coding (C++, Python)

• Strong experience with cloud services & architectures (AWS, Azure, etc.)

• Excellent written communication skills to document code, architectures, and experiments

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the design, manufacturing, AEC, or media & entertainment industries

• Experience with Autodesk or similar products (REVIT, ACC, etc.)

The Ideal Candidate

• A proactive leader with the initiative to identify solutions and drive problem resolution with minimal supervision

• A curious and creative problem-solver who is passionate about learning and developing new technologies, while inspiring and guiding their team

• An excellent communicator who can effectively collaborate across global locations and foster strong teamwork

• Skilled at working in newly forming ambiguous areas, demonstrating adaptability and the ability to lead and mentor others through learning and innovation

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About Autodesk
Welcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.

We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – our Culture Code is at the core of everything we do. Our values and ways of working help our people thrive and realize their potential, which leads to even better outcomes for our customers.

When you’re an Autodesker, you can be your whole, authentic self and do meaningful work that helps build a better future for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!

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