Research Manager

Autodesk • Boston, MA

31d • $149,600 - $242,000

About The Position

Autodesk Research is seeking a Research Manager to lead pioneering work at the intersection of manufacturing, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. Based at the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, this role will play a key part in shaping the future of manufacturing where digital twins, artificial intelligence, and advanced automation come together to redefine how things are made. The Boston Technology Center is evolving into a world-class environment for experimentation and a space where ideas and technologies that may not yet exist in industry are explored, tested, and refined. The Research Manager will guide research teams, manage multidisciplinary collaborations, and lead experiments that generate insights, intellectual property, and impact for Autodesk and its customers. If you are inspired by how people design and make anything, and you thrive at the boundary of research and industry, this role offers the opportunity to shape what comes next.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, or a related field (PhD preferred but not required)
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading research or technical teams in a manufacturing, R&D, or applied research environment
• Proven ability to work across disciplines and to guide projects from concept through experimentation to implementation
• Strong understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, digital twins, AI, and their role in factory or production environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence technical direction and strategic priorities
• A track record of hands-on experimentation and working with emerging technologies

Nice To Haves

• Experience in or familiarity with national research organizations or applied R&D labs
• Experience developing IP or contributing to technology transfer from research into industrial or commercial contexts
• Strategic thinker with a curiosity for exploring uncharted territory and shaping the future of how products are made

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research efforts in the Manufacturing Industry Futures group, focusing on applied research that advances manufacturing processes and technologies
• Supervise a small, growing team of researchers and contribute directly to research and experimentation activities
• Collaborate closely with the Boston Technology Center staff, Autodesk Research teams worldwide, and industry and academic partners
• Shape research directions and define projects aligned with Autodesk’s strategic vision for the future of manufacturing
• Drive hands-on experimentation, prototyping, and testing of emerging technologies, including AI, robotics, simulation, and digital twin applications in manufacturing contexts
• Manage cross-functional projects within a matrixed organization, ensuring alignment, communication, and impact
• Contribute to the creation of intellectual property, innovative tools, and scalable technologies that advance Autodesk’s platform and customer capabilities
• Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and experimental rigor within the team and across the wider Autodesk Research community

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/

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees