Principal Research Scientist Construction

Autodesk; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software company based in Toronto is seeking a Construction Research Scientist to work on AI-driven digital twin solutions. Candidates will research emerging technologies to enhance project visibility and decision-making. The ideal applicant will hold a PhD and have experience in data integration and analytics. This position supports a hybrid work model and offers a competitive compensation package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonuses

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Construction, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of work experience.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Extensive experience in coding (C++, Python).
• Strong experience with cloud services & architectures.

Responsibilities

• Explore emerging technologies to transform how construction stakeholders access real-time insights.
• Engage in research and prototyping of novel approaches for construction intelligence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative digital twin solutions.
• Guide the development and deployment of machine learning models for real-time insights.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Creativity

Flexibility with new technology

Coding in C++

Coding in Python

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Cloud services (AWS, Azure)

Job description

Job Requisition ID #

25WD92768

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 play a key role in 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, this role supports Autodesk’s hybrid‑first approach.

Responsibilities

• Play a key role in the exploration of emerging technologies and experiences to transform how construction stakeholders access and act on real‑time insights
• Engage in 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
• 3‑5 yrs of work experience
• 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.)
• Experience in Digital construction including specific experience of Construction Site Digital Twin or similar research
• Deep understanding of AI/ML concepts applied to Digital Twins.
• Experience investigating agentic workflows, and a solid understanding of Machine Learning pipelines

The Ideal Candidate

• 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

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!

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, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

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

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