Distinguished Engineer (PST US / Canada, Remote)

Autodesk; Toronto; Remote; CAD 264,000 - 428,000; Full time

Job summary

A software development company in Toronto is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to lead the technical direction for a new Live technology layer. You will architect systems that enable real-time collaboration and guide complex projects while mentoring senior engineers. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of experience in engineering and excels in balancing visionary architecture with practical solutions, making this a high-impact leadership role.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Health and financial benefits

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• 15+ years of engineering experience with a track record of leadership.
• Deep expertise in technical architecture support for multiple products.
• Strong ability to balance visionary architecture with practical delivery.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical architecture for the Live technology layer.
• Make foundational choices around scalability and reliability.
• Mentor senior engineers, fostering a culture of excellence.

Skills

Leadership at Distinguished Engineer/Chief Architect

Expertise in large-scale distributed systems

Real-time data streaming

High-performance simulation systems

Collaboration skills

Job description

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 Engineer , 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 engineers, 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 Engineer / 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 engineers

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 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

Salary transparency

Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. For U.S.-based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $188,400 and $304,700. 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