Bob La
When I joined Autodesk as a Research Engineer Intern, the brief was to explore whether machine learning could serve as a viable surrogate for high-fidelity injection molding simulations. The goal was a proof-of-concept, but I saw a much bigger opportunity.
Coming from a transportation modeling and machine learning background, I had no formal experience in physics-based simulation. My work up until then had focused on modeling large-scale human behavior systems, not plastic flow. But my managers saw potential; they trusted me to bring my ML expertise into an entirely new field, and more importantly, gave me the freedom to scope my own project and aim high – a real “sky is the limit” feeling.
From day one, I’ve been encouraged to experiment, take ownership, and make mistakes – because that’s how real research happens. I’ve been building a physics-informed graph neural network (GNN) that frames injection molding as a spatial-temporal graph. I designed data pipelines to handle complex 3D mesh inputs, and I’ve been iterating on architectures that try to capture the subtle physical interactions in flow dynamics.
Trust and innovation
Throughout my internship, I’ve felt a strong sense of trust from my managers. Even though I’m working in a completely new domain, they’ve believed in my ability to bring a fresh perspective. What stood out was how they supported not just the technical side of the project, but also the uncertainty that comes with real research: experimenting, making mistakes, adjusting. My teammates have been incredibly generous with their domain expertise, and their openness has made it easy to ask questions, test ideas, and learn quickly.
While my project is still in progress, what stands out to me is the unusual blend of ambition and patience. My goal is not just to show a promising result but to build a solution that could one day scale to production, and Autodesk fully supports that ambition. Each week, I take small steps – some successful, some not – and at every point, I’m met with encouragement, technical insight, and the space to keep learning.
This experience has shown me that impactful innovation doesn’t require perfection upfront; it requires curiosity, structure, and a team that believes in what you’re trying to build, even before it’s finished.
Autodesk combines deep technical legacy with a culture that genuinely embraces experimentation and interdisciplinary thinking. It’s rare to find a tech company that encourages you to go beyond your lane, think creatively, and explore the edges of what’s possible. That openness to bold ideas and diverse perspectives is what positions Autodesk as a true leader in shaping the future of tech.
Exploring new horizons
My advice for anyone considering an internship at Autodesk? Be courageous, and be honest about what you know and don’t know (after all, it is a big field where changes happen daily). If I had been too narrow-minded about “fitting the role,” I might’ve missed this incredible opportunity. While I may have come from a different field, I was curious and ready to learn, and Autodesk welcomed that. So, my advice is: don’t self-filter. Bring your whole self, ask real questions, and treat the internship as a space to grow, not perform. The support is here; you just need to step forward and trust your potential.
This internship solidified my goal to work at the intersection of research and real-world application: bridging deep technical expertise with systems that impact people and workflows. Working with a team outside my original field showed me how much innovation happens when disciplines overlap. I now see my future not as fixed in one area, but shaped by the ability to transfer knowledge creatively, adapt quickly, and uncover new potentials in places I hadn’t imagined before.
Autodesk combines deep technical legacy with a culture that genuinely embraces experimentation and interdisciplinary thinking. It’s rare to find a tech company that encourages you to go beyond your lane, think creatively, and explore the edges of what’s possible. That openness to bold ideas and diverse perspectives is what positions Autodesk as a true leader in shaping the future of tech.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and thoughtful team. It doesn’t feel like a 9-to-5 job; it feels like a place to genuinely grow. Autodesk has given me a rare opportunity to contribute and lead something from the ground up in a completely new domain. That trust has fueled my growth more than any finished model could.
Learn about Autodesk internships and early career opportunities here.