Job Requisition ID #26WD99517Position OverviewAutodesk Research is hiring a Senior Research Program Manager to lead a portfolio of forward-looking construction research programs. You will sit at the intersection of research strategy, construction domain expertise, AI-enabled workflows, and cross-functional program execution — helping teams move from ambiguous opportunity areas to structured plans, measurable progress, and strategic impact.Autodesk Research explores advances that may shape products and customer workflows five to ten years out, investigating how intelligent, agentic, and AI-driven systems can transform how ideas move from concept to reality. This is not a traditional Technical Program Manager role. Research Program Managers here are horizontally focused connectors: they organize programs, manage ambiguity, coordinate stakeholders, and link research work to Autodesk outcomes.ResponsibilitiesLead program management for construction research initiativeManage a program spanning multiple related projects, experiments, prototypes, and partnerships across complex, extended timelines.Build and maintain integrated program plans across workstreams, defining scope, objectives, milestones, dependencies, and ownersAlign the portfolio with Research priorities, Autodesk’s long-term construction vision, available capacity, and strategic outcomesHelp teams prioritize when opportunities compete for attention, staffing, or fundingCoordinate across researchers, engineers, designers, product teams, external partners, and leadershipManage the research lifecycleHelp teams move through opportunity framing, discovery, experimentation, validation, and transition — keeping work visible and actionable without forcing it into a rigid delivery model.Establish lightweight governance for planning, reviews, decisions, and risk trackingEnsure research artifacts, learnings, demos, and decision records are findable and reusableSupport transition planning when research is ready to inform product strategy, incubation, or future investmentPartner with other Research Program Managers to improve shared practices, tools, and operating rhythmsBring construction domain fluencyYou don’t need to be the deepest expert in the room, but you must understand construction well enough to ask informed questions, confidently engage with partners and connect research to real industry needs. Relevant areas:Project delivery phases: preconstruction, planning, estimating, scheduling, procurement, field execution, and handoverBIM/VDC workflows, model coordination, construction documentation, site data, and connected data environmentsReality capture, digital twins, construction analytics, and AI-enabled decision supportAutodesk Construction Cloud, Revit, Navisworks, Forma, Tandem, or adjacent AEC platformsCoordinate AI and emerging technology researchSupport programs exploring how AI, generative AI, intelligent agents, simulation, and connected workflows can transform construction.Help researchers structure AI-enabled workstreams with clear milestones, experiments, and evaluation plansCoordinate research integrating BIM, schedules, reality capture, field data, and other construction information sourcesTranslate emerging technical work into clear narratives, decision briefs, and next-step recommendationsUse AI tools in your own practice to improve planning, synthesis, documentation, and follow-throughDrive accountability and communicate clearlyCreate enough structure to help people do their best work — without slowing research down.Maintain dashboards, milestone trackers, decision logs, risk registers, and stakeholder updatesIdentify blockers, ambiguous ownership, unresolved decisions, and priority conflictsFacilitate planning sessions, research reviews, workshops, and decision forumsPrepare crisp executive summaries, narratives, and briefing materials for senior leadersManage resources and external engagementsTrack program budgets, planned expenditures, and resource needs in partnership with leadership and financeSupport annual and quarterly planning, goal-setting, and resource prioritizationCoordinate external collaborations, customer engagements, and academic or industry partnershipsMinimum Qualifications8+ years in program management, project management, research operations, construction technology, or a related fieldExperience managing complex, multi-workstream programs with diverse stakeholders, dependencies, and deliverablesWorking knowledge of construction workflows: preconstruction, BIM/VDC, scheduling, field execution, or construction data managementDemonstrated ability to build structure in ambiguous, newly forming areas.Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including executive-ready summaries and dashboardsStrong facilitation and influencing skills across multidisciplinary teamsProficiency with tools such as Jira, Confluence, Miro, Slack, or equivalentsAbility to work effectively across global teams and time zonesPreferred QualificationsExperience in construction technology, AEC, digital twins, BIM/VDC, reality capture, or AI-enabled construction workflowsFamiliarity with Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revit, Navisworks, Forma, Tandem, or related platformsBackground in applied research, innovation programs, incubation, or early-stage product explorationFamiliarity with AI/ML, generative AI, intelligent agents, or data-driven product developmentExperience coordinating programs involving data integration, connected workflows, or scalable data pipelinesExperience managing research collaborations, customer advisory engagements, or academic/industry partnershipsDegree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, HCI, Business, or related field; equivalent experience welcomeThe Ideal CandidateYou create clarity without pretending the future is already known. You thrive managing ambitious, ambiguous work while keeping teams accountable, informed, and aligned.Research-minded: You understand that research is iterative and uncertain, but still requires accountability and decision disciplineConstruction-fluent: You connect research activity to industry problems, customer needs, and Autodesk opportunity areasStructurally rigorous: You turn broad goals into milestones, workstreams, decision points, owners, and measurable progressCross-functional: You build trust with researchers, engineers, designers, product teams, executives, customers, and domain expertsAI-curious: You actively use AI tools to improve your own program management, synthesis, and communicationStrategic thinker: Ability to define and communicate a forward-looking vision, anticipate shifts in the construction and technology landscape, and align research priorities with long-term business objectivesWhat Success Looks Like (6–12 Months)A clear, trusted operating rhythm for the construction research programAn integrated view of priorities, workstreams, milestones, risks, and decisionsStrong relationships with researchers, engineers, product stakeholders, and Research leadershipImproved visibility and accountability without reducing research velocityClearer connection between construction research and Autodesk strategic outcomesBetter documentation and reuse of research artifacts, insights, and decisionsActive, demonstrable use of AI tools to improve program operationsLearn 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. For Canada based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $111,400 and $163,350. 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.BelongingWe take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belongingAre you an existing contractor or consultant with Autodesk? Please search for open jobs and apply internally (not on this external site).
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