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.
Learn More
About Autodesk
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