CNC Senior Research & Design Engineer

Autodesk•San Francisco, CA

17d•Onsite

About The Position

Autodesk Technology Centers collaborate with industry, academia, and startups to explore, test, and validate innovative ideas shaping the future of design and manufacturing. Our mission is to inform Autodesk’s product and business strategy while creating inspiring stories for our community. The San Francisco Technology Center at Pier 9 is a 35,000-sq-ft waterfront workshop and office space supporting advanced research under the guidance of our Chief Technology Officer. Our facility houses workshops for CNC machining, fabrication, additive manufacturing, robotics, and electronics, and hosts a global community of residents working on next-generation manufacturing challenges. It is one of four Autodesk Technology Centers located in San Francisco, Toronto, Boston, and Birmingham, UK. Position Overview Our Workshop Team includes five Research & Design Engineers who lead CNC, additive, robotics, motion capture, and general shop operations. The Senior Research & Design Engineer in CNC is a key contributor, reporting to the Technology Center San Francisco Manager and partnering closely with Autodesk Research and fellow engineers to support projects across the space. This role works directly with users to demonstrate the capabilities of our hardware and software ecosystem. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth (g-code fluency, tool library management, multi-axis machining, CAD/CAM expertise) and hands-on experience training operators, troubleshooting, and performing machine repairs. We’re looking for someone curious, grounded, and generous with their knowledge—someone excited to push the limits of our equipment and help others do the same. Location : Autodesk Technology Center San Francisco

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
Background in multi-axis machining, CAD/CAM software, and machine troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair
Expertise in operating a CNC mill and CNC Lathe
Minimum 3 years’ experience in a R&D manufacturing or academic research environment
Expertise with a wide range of digital design/fabrication (CAD/CAM) tools from Autodesk and others
Experience in successfully working with new/inexperienced shop users
Experience in conducting trainings for novice to expert machine users
Working knowledge of most equipment listed, including the ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair
At least 5 years of experience working in a professional fabrication shop, dealing with a variety of production processes and materials
Substantial expertise operating the machines you will be teaching to users
Positive and strong communication abilities
Ability to be adaptable and flexible in an ever-changing environment
Ability to support and advance a safe working environment
Curiosity and interest in learning about new technologies and methods of fabrication and manufacturing
Clear and direct communication skills, providing users with a solid understanding of our workshop expectations, as well as safe machine operation
Clear and direct communication skills among the workshop staff to problem solve, support the team, and bring new inspirations into the workshop
Personality, enthusiasm, and a creative drive
Strong organizational skills and consistent accountability
Excellent teaching capabilities and patience with new learners
Ability to continually improve curriculum and resources for machine learners
Interest in learning what you don’t know, asking questions, building an empowering workshop space, and contributing to an amazing Research & Design Engineer Team

Nice To Haves

Experience with Autodesk Fusion
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Inspection and Metrology
Experience with Generative Design and Machine Learning tools
Hybrid machining experience
Electronics experience
Mechatronics experience
Manual machining and metal work/fabrication experience (mill, lathe, welding, finishing, post-processing)

Responsibilities

Research Project Contribution & User Facilitation (60 percent)
Contribute as an embedded team member on internal Research projects, applying advanced CNC expertise to exploratory workflows, prototypes, and experimental manufacturing processes
Collaborate with Autodesk Research partners to design, program, and execute complex machining strategies that advance project goals and expand the capabilities of our hardware ecosystem
Help develop and refine digital-to-physical workflows, toolpaths, materials strategies, and machine behaviors that inform broader research insights
Support residents, internal teams, and visiting collaborators by guiding them through machine operation, CAM programming, job planning, and material selection
Troubleshoot user and research projects from design through machining, enabling safe, ambitious, high-quality outcomes
Contribute to evolving skill-development pathways that help users gain confidence and progress toward more complex CNC workflows
Manage clear communication and prioritization around CNC machine access and scheduling
Conceive self-directed technical explorations that demonstrate the full potential of the Technology Center’s CNC capabilities and feed into broader research understanding
Collect and interpret machine data to drive actionable insights using Digital Twin and MT Connect platforms
CNC Shop Management (20 percent)
Oversee day-to-day operations of the CNC shop, including basic maintenance, machine operation, post-processor and software updates, and resource development for users
Support the CNC Instructor Lead by providing backup instruction on advanced CNC equipment (Haas mill/lathe, Datron, Haas router, etc.) as needed
Demonstrate best-practice machine operation, CAM strategies, and a clear pedagogical approach that promotes safe, confident learning
Mentor CNC instructors in technical skills, communication, community engagement, and professional development
Provide engineering expertise and consultation on high-complexity machining efforts
Machine & Tooling Maintenance (20 percent)
Manage advanced tooling systems: tool libraries, databases, loading, labeling, repair, setup, and accounting
Maintain supplies, tooling replacements, and ongoing machine upgrades
Refine post-processors, write and edit G-code, update tooling libraries, develop solid models, and troubleshoot CAM software
Track the maintenance calendar and schedule service visits with technicians
Coordinate with EH&S, vendors, manufacturers, and service providers to maintain machine health, upgrades, and relationships
Work with EH&S to properly handle hazardous materials such as coolant swaps and waterjet garnet removal
Perform routine shop care including mopping, rust prevention, and maintaining clear, safe workspaces

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 https://benefits.autodesk.com/
Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package.
In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

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