CNC Senior Research & Design Engineer

Job Requisition ID #25WD93527About Autodesk Technology Centers
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 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 processesCollaborate with Autodesk Research partners to design, program, and execute complex machining strategies that advance project goals and expand the capabilities of our hardware ecosystemHelp develop and refine digital-to-physical workflows, toolpaths, materials strategies, and machine behaviors that inform broader research insightsSupport residents, internal teams, and visiting collaborators by guiding them through machine operation, CAM programming, job planning, and material selectionTroubleshoot user and research projects from design through machining, enabling safe, ambitious, high-quality outcomesContribute to evolving skill-development pathways that help users gain confidence and progress toward more complex CNC workflowsManage clear communication and prioritization around CNC machine access and schedulingConceive self-directed technical explorations that demonstrate the full potential of the Technology Center’s CNC capabilities and feed into broader research understandingCollect and interpret machine data to drive actionable insights using Digital Twin and MT Connect platformsCNC 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 usersSupport the CNC Instructor Lead by providing backup instruction on advanced CNC equipment (Haas mill/lathe, Datron, Haas router, etc.) as neededDemonstrate best-practice machine operation, CAM strategies, and a clear pedagogical approach that promotes safe, confident learningMentor CNC instructors in technical skills, communication, community engagement, and professional developmentProvide engineering expertise and consultation on high-complexity machining effortsMachine & Tooling Maintenance (20 percent)Manage advanced tooling systems: tool libraries, databases, loading, labeling, repair, setup, and accountingMaintain supplies, tooling replacements, and ongoing machine upgradesRefine post-processors, write and edit G-code, update tooling libraries, develop solid models, and troubleshoot CAM softwareTrack the maintenance calendar and schedule service visits with techniciansCoordinate with EH&S, vendors, manufacturers, and service providers to maintain machine health, upgrades, and relationshipsWork with EH&S to properly handle hazardous materials such as coolant swaps and waterjet garnet removalPerform routine shop care including mopping, rust prevention, and maintaining clear, safe workspacesOur CNC Shop Includes: Mazak VC-500A/5X AM HWD 5-axis mill  Haas VF-2SSYT 3-axis mill Haas ST-20Y turning center Datron M8 3-axis millDatron Neo 3-axis mill Flow Nanojet Waterjet Minimum Qualifications  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 repairExpertise 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 materialsSubstantial expertise operating the machines you will be teaching to usersPreferred QualificationsExperience with Autodesk FusionDesign for Manufacturing (DFM) Inspection and Metrology Experience with Generative Design and Machine Learning toolsHybrid machining experienceElectronics experienceMechatronics experienceManual machining and metal work/fabrication experience (mill, lathe, welding, finishing, post-processing)The Ideal CandidatePositive and strong communication abilities Ability to be adaptable and flexible in an ever-changing environmentAbility 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 operationClear and direct communication skills among the workshop staff to problem solve, support the team, and bring new inspirations into the workshopPersonality, enthusiasm, and a creative driveStrong organizational skills and consistent accountabilityExcellent teaching capabilities and patience with new learnersAbility to continually improve curriculum and resources for machine learnersInterest in learning what you don’t know, asking questions, building an empowering workshop space, and contributing to an amazing Research & Design Engineer TeamLearn 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!BenefitsFrom 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 transparencySalary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. For U.S.-based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $85,400 and $147,400. 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 & BelongingWe take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belongingAre you an existing contractor or consultant with Autodesk? Please search for open jobs and apply internally (not on this external site).