Distinguished Engineer

Position Overview

We are building the foundation of a new Live technology layer for the Autodesk Platform. This layer will enable real-time collaboration, streaming data, and next-generation simulation across our products — transforming how design decisions are made. As our Distinguished Developer, you will set the technical direction for this effort. You’ll architect and guide the most complex systems that power Live, ensuring they scale reliably, integrate deeply with the Autodesk platform, and unlock new ways for people and AI to work together. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role. You’ll partner with our general manager, senior design and engineering leaders, and product teams across Autodesk. You’ll be expected to think several steps ahead — solving foundational technical challenges while enabling rapid progress for the team and our partners.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical architecture of the Live technology layer, spanning real-time collaboration, streaming data, and realistic simulation

• Make foundational choices around scalability, reliability, and extensibility that set the direction for Autodesk’s next decade of platform growth

• Partner with product and design leads to translate vision into technical strategy, balancing long-term architecture with near-term delivery

• Mentor senior developers, setting a high technical bar and fostering a culture of excellence

• Lead by doing — contribute to prototyping, core infrastructure development, and system-level problem solving

• Represent the team’s technology vision to Autodesk’s executive leadership, key partner teams, and industry stakeholders

• Champion our principles: Live by Default, Reality-Connected, Human-AI Partnership, and Experience First

Minimum Qualifications

• 15+ years of engineering experience with a track record of leading at the Distinguished Developer/Chief Architect level or equivalent

• Deep expertise in large-scale distributed systems, real-time data streaming, or high-performance simulation systems

• Demonstrated ability to define and deliver technical architecture that supports multiple products or business units

• Strong ability to balance visionary architecture with pragmatic delivery

• Excellent collaboration skills with senior design, product, and executive leaders

• Based in the Pacific Time Zone (or able to work core hours)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with real-time collaboration infrastructure (voice, presence, conversation systems)

• Background in 3D simulation, XR, or physics-based engines

• Proven ability to influence executive-level decision making with clear technical storytelling

• Strong track record of mentoring and elevating senior developers

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 – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.

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

Benefits

From health and financial benefits to time away and everyday wellness, we give Autodeskers the best, so they can do their best work. Learn more about our benefits in the U.S. by visiting https://benefits.autodesk.com/

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Autodesk, we're building a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to imagine, design, and make a better world. Autodesk is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We also consider for employment all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

Diversity & Belonging

We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belonging

Are you an existing contractor or consultant with Autodesk?

Please search for open jobs and apply internally (not on this external site).