[Remote] Principal Applied AI/ML Engineer

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Autodesk is a leader in software solutions that transform how things are made and designed. They are seeking a Principal Applied AI/ML Engineer to lead the design and delivery of AI systems for their Forma Construction Cloud, requiring a hands-on technical leader to drive complex technical problems and define strategic direction across various domains.ResponsibilitiesLead the architecture, design, and evolution of production-grade applied AI systems, including LLM, ML, retrieval, agentic, and automation-based capabilitiesOwn the most complex technical problems across the stack, from model behavior and system design through infrastructure, reliability, quality, and operational scaleSet technical direction for how AI solutions are built, integrated, evaluated, secured, monitored, and improved over timeDrive platform and systems decisions across AWS environments, including performance, resilience, observability, security, and cost optimizationShape the design and optimization of data systems, including relational and graph databases, data access patterns, schema strategy, and query performanceLead infrastructure thinking for distributed and cross-regional services where availability, latency, failover, or scale require stronger architectural rigorEstablish stronger engineering quality practices, including validation frameworks, automated testing, release discipline, QA strategy, and incident response maturityTranslate ambiguous business or product opportunities into technical strategy, execution plans, and measurable outcomesPartner across engineering, product, data science, analytics, and business stakeholders to align priorities and drive decisions without requiring formal authorityProvide technical leadership across a team of roughly 20 people by mentoring engineers, reviewing designs, clarifying tradeoffs, and raising the bar for executionCreate structure in ambiguous environments by defining milestones, surfacing risks, tracking dependencies, and ensuring follow-through across distributed teamsSkillsDeep experience building and scaling production software systems with meaningful AI/ML componentsPython mastery and fluent with latest AI/ML research and implementations/patternsProven success leading architecture and delivery for complex, cross-functional technical initiativesStrong hands-on engineering ability in backend systems, APIs, services, data pipelines, and production operationsSignificant experience with AWS administration and optimization, including cloud architecture, observability, security, reliability, and cost/performance tradeoffsStrong understanding of database systems design and optimization, especially relational systems, with graph database experience strongly preferredAbility to work effectively as a technical generalist across adjacent areas including DevOps, infrastructure engineering, quality/QA, and delivery planningExcellent judgment in ambiguous situations, including the ability to simplify, prioritize, and make sound tradeoff decisionsOutstanding written communication, including architecture docs, technical strategy memos, design reviews, decision records, and async execution updatesOutstanding verbal communication, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholdersDemonstrated success collaborating across geographies, functions, and time zonesBenefitsAnnual cash bonusesCommissions for sales rolesStock grantsA comprehensive benefits packageCompany OverviewAutodesk develops 3D design software for use in the architecture, engineering, construction, and media industries. It was founded in 1982, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.autodesk.com.Company H1B SponsorshipAutodesk has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 34 in 2026, 233 in 2025, 243 in 2024, 269 in 2023, 359 in 2022, 298 in 2021, 260 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.