Senior Principal Construction Research Scientist:

Autodesk; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in software development is seeking a Senior Principal Construction Research Scientist to join their Industry Futures team in Toronto. This role involves fundamental and applied research in AI-driven construction workflows, focusing on digital twins and data integration. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and extensive experience in digital construction, AI, and machine learning, contributing to innovative solutions that enhance project visibility and decision-making.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in digital construction.
• 5+ years in Construction Site Digital Twin research.
• Proficiency with Generative AI tools like GPT and DALL-E.

Responsibilities

• Lead exploration of emerging technologies for real-time insights.
• Drive research and prototyping of construction intelligence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop digital twin solutions.

Skills

AI/ML concepts

Data integration

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Coding (C++, Python)

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

AWS

Azure

Job description

Senior Principal Construction Research Scientist:

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 developped 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

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

Learn More

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!

Salary transparency

Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. In addition to base salaries, we also have a significant emphasis on discretionary annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock or long-term incentive cash grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Job Requisition ID #

25WD88563

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 developped 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

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

Learn More

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!

Salary transparency

Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. In addition to base salaries, we also have a significant emphasis on discretionary annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock or long-term incentive cash grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Diversity & Belonging
We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging and an equitable workplace 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).

About the company

Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries.

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