Senior Principal Engineer (PST US / Canada, Remote)

Autodesk; Canada; Remote; CAD 160,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design software company seeks a Senior Principal Engineer to develop foundational technology for real-time collaboration. In this high-responsibility role, you'll drive core systems, work closely with top leaders in the field, and shape innovative design decisions. Applicants should have over 12 years of engineering experience and substantial expertise in distributed data streaming or simulation frameworks.

Benefits

Health and financial benefits

Time away and everyday wellness

Annual cash bonuses

Qualifications

• 12+ years of engineering experience with a track record of delivering core systems or platform solutions.
• Deep expertise in at least one relevant area: real-time collaboration systems, distributed data streaming, or simulation/physics engines.
• Strong hands-on technical skills — able to move from architectural thinking to writing production code.
• Proven ability to work independently in a small, senior team with broad scope.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and development of one of the core pillars: Live Collaboration, Live Data, or Realistic Simulation.
• Write high-quality code and technical designs that set the bar for engineering excellence on the team.
• Work closely with the Distinguished Engineer to ensure pillar-level implementation aligns with overall technical architecture.
• Prototype, test, and iterate quickly — balancing experimentation with long-term scalability.

Skills

Real-time collaboration systems

Distributed data streaming

Simulation/physics engines

Technical mentorship

Architectural thinking

Job description

Overview

Job Requisition ID # 25WD91461

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 a Senior Principal Engineer, you will own and drive one of the core pillars of this vision — Live Collaboration, Live Data, or Realistic Simulation. You’ll work hands-on to build the systems that bring Live to life, solving tough technical challenges while partnering with design and engineering leaders to ensure our architecture is robust, scalable, and ready to support customers across industries.

This is a senior, high-responsibility role. You’ll partner with our Distinguished Engineer, Experience Design Architect, and product leaders across Autodesk, while delivering direct technical contributions that make Live real.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and development of one of the core pillars: Live Collaboration, Live Data, or Realistic Simulation
• Write high-quality code and technical designs that set the bar for engineering excellence on the team
• Partner with the Distinguished Engineer to ensure pillar-level implementation aligns with overall technical architecture
• Collaborate closely with the Experience Design Architect to turn workflows into technical reality
• Prototype, test, and iterate quickly — balancing experimentation with long-term scalability
• Provide technical mentorship to peers and help build a culture of quality and innovation
• Champion our principles: Live by Default, Reality-Connected, Human-AI Partnership, and Experience First

Minimum Qualifications

• 12+ years of engineering experience with a track record of delivering core systems or platform solutions
• Deep expertise in at least one relevant area: real-time collaboration systems, distributed data streaming, or simulation/physics engines
• Strong hands-on technical skills — able to move from architectural thinking to writing production code
• Proven ability to work independently in a small, senior team with broad scope
• Excellent collaboration skills with senior design and engineering partners
• Based in the Pacific Time Zone (or able to work core hours)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-user collaboration infrastructure (voice, presence, conversation)
• Background in 3D visualization, XR, or simulation frameworks
• Familiarity with Autodesk workflows in AEC or manufacturing
• Strong technical storytelling skills — able to explain complex systems simply

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 – 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 the benefits site at https://benefits.autodesk.com/

Salary transparency

Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. For U.S.-based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $160,800 and $260,150. 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

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

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