PhD Intern - AI Researcher for CAD (B-Rep) Generation

Position Overview

The intern will join our team of scientists at the Autodesk AI Lab, working at the intersection of generative AI and computer-aided design (CAD). They will help investigate how large language and vision models (V/LLMs) can be adapted to understand and generate CAD objects and assemblies represented in boundary-representation (B-Rep) formats, with an emphasis on producing parametric, editable, and manufacturable designs. Reporting to a Senior Principal AI Scientist, the intern will work on finetuning LLMs for very long-context sequences and exploring techniques such as external memory, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and tool calling. A key focus will be enabling models to produce high-quality outputs that rely on accurate internal "references," and cross-linked identifiers within CAD structures.

Responsibilities

• Finetune LLMs such as Qwen 3, gpt-oss to generate CAD shapes

• Develop techniques based on RAG and external memory to handle long contexts of over 30,000 tokens that may contain CAD models that have been previously generated or exist in catalogues

• Evaluate model outputs using standard metrics for CAD shapes including validity of the B-Reps, and prompt following

• Document research findings, present internally to stakeholders and publish if new discoveries are made

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field

• Strong understanding and hands-on experience with deep learning and LLMs, particularly, experience in finetuning large frontier models, tool calling, and RAG

• Strong Python coding skills and collaborative development using Git

• Familiarity with 3D topological data structures such as the half-edge data structure meshes and B-Reps, geometry processing, and CAD frameworks such as OpenCascade is a strong advantage

About the Canada Intern Program

The 2026 Canada Internship program runs for 16 weeks (May 4th – August 21st). 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.

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 is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience, educational level, and geographic location.

Belonging
We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belonging

In-Person Onboarding and Identity Verification

This role may require in-person onboarding and/or in-person ID verification.