Distinguished Software Architect (Head of Water Architecture)

Job Requisition ID #26WD98148Position OverviewAutodesk Water is reimagining how water infrastructure is planned, designed, and operated. We are evolving a portfolio of trusted desktop and cloud products

• including InfoWorks ICM, InfoDrainage, Info360 Asset, and our hydraulic simulation engines
• into a connected, platform-native system of intelligence that helps utilities and engineering firms move from modeling water systems to operating them with confidence.

We are looking for a Distinguished Software Architect to set the technical vision and target architecture for the Autodesk Water product portfolio. This is a senior individual contributor role with broad influence: you will be the lead architectural voice across every Water product, partnering directly with the development leads of our product teams and with architects across AEC and the Autodesk Platform. You will own the architectural strategy that takes us from today's mix of desktop and cloud applications to a coherent, AI-enabled, decision-grade system spanning simulation, asset intelligence, and operations. You will be a member of the Water Leadership Team, working directly with Product Management, Engineering, and UX leaders, and representing Water architecture across Autodesk's broader platform and AI initiatives.

ResponsibilitiesTechnical Vision & StrategySet and communicate a compelling technical vision for the Water portfolio that spans desktop evolution, cloud-native services, hybrid desktop-cloud workflows, data strategy, and the application of AI

• with pragmatic, incremental plans to get thereTake direct accountability for portfolio-level architectural decisions, and drive decision-making in partnership with product development leads, engineering leadership, and stakeholdersApply architectural and systems thinking to influence product strategy, planning, and execution across simulation, asset intelligence, and operational workflowsIdentify Water's opportunities to reuse and contribute to Autodesk platform capabilities•Forma and Forma Data Management, AI Accelerator, CloudOS, regional infrastructure, identity, and observabilityDrive the design of secure, reliable, performant systems that respect customer data and meet operational goals appropriate to mission-critical water infrastructureArchitectural Design & StandardsDefine and evolve the components, relationships, and governing principles that shape Water's architecture across cloud, desktop, and hybrid environmentsEstablish strong interface and data modeling design across hydraulic simulation, asset records, geospatial data, and operational telemetry•applying coupling and cohesion to make a portfolio of products feel like one systemGovern interoperability with Autodesk Civil 3D and other AEC products, ensuring shared object models and bidirectional design-to-modeling workflows hold up at scaleEstablish and enforce standards and practices for software design; define views, diagrams, and other formalisms used to articulate and review designs.

Lead architecture reviews and forums to promote best practices, align on architecture decisions, and ensure non-functional qualities (performance, reliability, security, privacy) hold up across the portfolioMaintain and apply expert-level, current knowledge of architectural patterns, distributed systems, and emerging technologies, including AI/ML and hybrid desktop-cloud computingInfluence, Collaboration & Strategic Problem SolvingPartner closely with the development leads across each Water product team, providing architectural direction without direct authority

• building the trust and clarity that makes alignment durableCollaborate with software architects across AEC, the Autodesk Platform, and other divisions to ensure cohesive system-level design that supports cross-product workflowsWork with Product Management, UX, and Engineering leaders to translate complex problems
• hydraulic modeling fidelity, ingestion of legacy and partner data, operational scale
• into pragmatic architectural directionDemonstrate sound technical judgment by soliciting feedback from stakeholders, weighing trade-offs, and anticipating long-term impactLead or participate in Autodesk-wide technical working groups; build durable peer relationships across the Chief Architect organization and divisional architecture teamsCommunication & Knowledge SharingCommunicate effectively and proactively on technical topics to varied audiences•from engineering teams to executive leadership and customersTake complex ideas and convey them concisely, using diagrams and written narratives that hold up under scrutinyFoster a culture of architectural rigor and knowledge sharing across the Water development teams and broader Autodesk technical communityMentor senior engineers and emerging architects across the Water organization.

Play a leading role in Autodesk technical conferences and forums, with the option to publish or present externallyTravel approximately four times per year to meet with globally distributed teams, attend internal conferences and forums, and engage with customersMinimum Qualifications15+ years of experience as a software engineer / architect, including hands-on development5+ years in a senior architecture role in a SaaS business pursuing a platform strategyA track record of delivering desktop and cloud software at scale, spanning products and industriesDemonstrated ability to organize and drive the design and execution of systems larger than a single team

• through influence rather than direct authoritySelf-directed, with an ability to identify points of leverage, set strategy, and work efficiently amid ambiguity in complex, global, matrixed environmentsBS or MS in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experienceSought out by other teams, leaders, and customers for architectural expertiseRecognized for innovative work, such as via patents, publications, or conference presentationsExcellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, across global technical and non-technical audiencesDemonstrated success working across cultures and time zonesPreferred QualificationsAn advanced degree in Computer Science or related fieldExperience transforming enterprise-level desktop applications to cloud and hybrid desktop-cloud architecturesDeep understanding of modern software design patterns, cloud best practices, DevOps and DevSecOps, and the AWS Well-Architected FrameworkExperience designing systems for global deployment with regionalization, data residency, and compliance considerationsHands-on experience applying AI/ML in product workflows, particularly where domain knowledge and trust matterIndustry expert in and contributor to software architecture practiceExperience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry; familiarity with water, infrastructure, geospatial, or simulation domains is a plusFamiliarity with concept-based software designCommitment to DEI and SustainabilityAutodesk is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and better outcomes for our customers and communities. This role contributes directly to our sustainability goals by enabling technologies that support resilient, environmentally responsible water infrastructure for cities and utilities around the world.

Learn MoreAbout AutodeskWelcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software

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//benefits.autodesk.com/Salary transparencySalary is one part of Autodesk's competitive compensation package. For U.S

• based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $171,000 and $306,130.

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.

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