About this role
Job Requisition ID #
Position Overview
The Simulation, Optimization, and Systems (SOS) Group at Autodesk Research is seeking a dedicated and skilled research intern for the Summer 2026. This position is based in our Toronto office, located in the MaRS Discovery District. The role involves i) making our in-house finite element (FE) solver fully differentiable, ii) extending the existing shape parameterization for single components to assemblies with several interconnected components, and iii) developing a gradient-based optimization scheme for optimizing mechanical assemblies.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the technical expertise of the SOS Group
Conduct original research in shape sensitivity for structural applications, optimization of mechanical assemblies, and shape parameterizations
Derive sensitivity equations for various structural performance functions and implement them in our in-house FE solver
Review and comprehend academic papers in the shape optimization domain
Expand our in-house FE toolbox to enable full differentiability
Benchmark, test, and enhance the capabilities of the FE toolbox
Document the work carried out, either for academic publication or internal communication
Minimum Qualifications
Currently pursuing a PhD degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering sciences, or a related discipline
Excellent knowledge about the adjoint method and gradient-based optimization algorithms for constrained optimization problems
Demonstrated experience and excellent knowledge of Python and/or C++ and scientific libraries
Proven experience in developing shape optimization algorithms
Familiarity with i) variational methods for solving partial differential equations, ii) free form deformation for shape parameterization, and/or iii) reduced basis methods for reducer-order modeling is a huge plus
Proven experience in documenting scientific findings
About the Canada Intern Program
The 2026 Canada program runs for 16 weeks (May 4 – August 21). All internships are paid. As an intern, you will contribute to meaningful projects, be mentored by industry leaders, and participate in tech talks and other activities designed to support your personal and professional development. Our internships align with Autodesk’s Flexible Workplace approach, which is designed to meet the needs of our business while providing flexibility in support of office, remote and hybrid work preferences.
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About Autodesk
Welcome 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 transparency
Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience, educational level, and geographic location.
Diversity & Belonging
We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belonging
Other facts
About Autodesk
Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made.
Our technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. We empower innovators everywhere to solve challenges, big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products and more mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software helps our customers design and make a better world for all.
Over 100 million people use Autodesk software, like AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, 3ds Max, Fusion 360, SketchBook, and more, to unlock their creativity and solve important design, business, and environmental challenges. Our software runs on both personal computers and mobile devices. It taps the infinite computing power of the cloud to help teams around the world collaborate, design, simulate, and fabricate their ideas in 3D.
We provide exceptional compensation and benefit packages, and we’d love for you to join us. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, gender, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. To see our culture in action, check out #AutodeskLife.
We are headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and have over 10,000 employees worldwide.
What you'll do
- The intern will contribute to the technical expertise of the SOS Group and conduct original research in shape sensitivity and optimization of mechanical assemblies. Responsibilities also include deriving sensitivity equations and expanding the FE toolbox.
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