PhD Researcher, Predictive Agentic Systems for Building Design

Autodesk, Inc; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Transparency

Flexible Workplace (office/remote/hyb)

Autodesk Research exposure

Job summary

Autodesk Research is seeking a Research Intern to explore novel AI/ML approaches for design and construction. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to build prototypes and evaluate agentic workflows that help humans and AI agents reason about design decisions in AEC contexts.

The role emphasizes world models, JEPA-style ideas, and multi-agent coordination, with exposure to design tools like Revit or Forma. 16-week internship with a flexible workplace approach, May–Sept 2027.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in CS, ML, Computational Design, Architecture, Civil/Structural Engineering or related field.
• Experience in AI/ML, AI agents, world models, RL or related computational field.
• Strong programming skills, preferably Python and modern ML frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Research agentic workflows for AEC design and construction.
• Develop methods using world models, multi-agent systems, and fast decision models.
• Work with design data, BIM/geometry, and performance results.
• Document and communicate findings through papers, presentations, and demonstrations.

Skills

Python

ML frameworks

AI/ML research

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Revit

Forma

Job description

Job ID26WD101631Job Requisition ID #26WD101631Position OverviewAs a Research Intern at Autodesk Research, you will explore and apply novel technologies and techniques to empower our customers in designing and building a better, safer, and more sustainable world. We are a team of researchers, engineers, and industry domain experts working on projects that range from learning-based design systems, computer vision, graphics, robotics, human-computer interaction, sustainability, simulation, manufacturing, architectural design and construction.Working with a multidisciplinary research team across AI, AEC and design, you'll develop and evaluate agentic workflows that help people and AI agents understand the consequences of design and construction decisions, answering \"what happens if I change this?\" quickly and reliably. Possible research directions may include training world models, such as Joint-Embedding Predictive Architectures (JEPA), that predict the outcomes of design actions; coordinating multi-agent systems and agent swarms that explore, critique and refine many design alternatives at once; and combining agents with fast, structured decision models that make reliable judgments in real time.You'll build research prototypes, develop evaluation methods and benchmarks, and explore how this research could inform future Autodesk design workflows.ResponsibilitiesResearch agentic workflows for AEC design and construction.Develop methods using world models, multi-agent systems, and/or fast decision models.Work with design, simulation, and building data, including geometry, BIM, and performance results.Design experiments and benchmarks to evaluate AI predictions and decisions against simulation and expert judgment.Build and evaluate research prototypes integrated with design tools.Document and communicate findings through papers, presentations, and demonstrations.Minimum QualificationsCurrently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Design, Architecture, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a related field, with a completion date in 2028 or later.Research experience in AI/ML, AI agents, world models, reinforcement learning, or a related computational field.Strong programming skills, ideally with Python and modern ML frameworks.Experience designing computational experiments and working with complex datasets.Strong collaboration and communication skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience in one or more of the following: world models, JEPA, or model-based reinforcement learning; multi-agent systems or agent orchestration; tool-using LLM agents or MCP; self-supervised learning for 3D geometry or graphs; building performance simulation or surrogate models; AEC industry practice or computational design; or Autodesk tools such as Revit or Forma.About the Research Intern Program (US)The 2027 Research Internship Program is a 16-week paid program running from May 24 to Sept 10, 2027. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects, learn from industry leaders, and take part in tech talks and development opportunities. Internships align with Autodesk’s Flexible Workplace approach, supporting office, remote, and hybrid work based on business and team needs.Learn MoreAbout AutodeskWelcome 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 TransparencySalary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience, educational level, and geographic location, and can exceed this range.For U.S.-based roles, we expect a starting annualized intern base salary to be between:$47,840 and $95,680 (undergraduate students)$72,800 and $118,500 (Masters/MBA students)$118,560 and $162,240 (PhD students)Equal Employment OpportunityAt 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.BelongingWe take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belongingIn-Person Onboarding and Identity VerificationThis role may require in-person onboarding and/or in-person ID verification.