A marvelous place to work - but beware the politicos! - Senior Manager Autodesk Employee Review

4.0
20 Jun 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Super smart people, world-changing technology. Autodesk have managed to raise the lowly engineer to the level of Geek Superhero - in fact, they were just named one of the Universum Top 100 Ideal Employers for engineering students. In the right role, one can change the future. Autodesk is a powerful enabler in many spaces, and smart, young people can truly excel in this company. Autodesk transformed drafting and design back in the 1980's, and they continue to lead the world in engineering technology, design, visualization and future techologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, green buildings and engineering simulation). Great benefits and above-scale pay. Super corporate stewardship for many sustainable efforts - Autodesk gives back to the world. In the right team, you'll have fun while changing the world. The average Autodesker is more than just smart - he or she is probably a fun-loving prankster / comedian, too. Seriously, the work atmosphere is intense but when this they take a break from their task lists, the majority of functional teams have a great time together. This alone can make work at Autodesk very, very worthwhile.

Cons

OMG, this place can be a political HELL. For each team that is run by a competent, forward-thinking leader, there are at least two that are managed as feudal fiefdoms. Simplification is generally not the rule here - systems and processes can be stifling in their complexity. If you're smart and ready to step on others to move up... you've come to the right place! On the other hand, if you're brilliant but not willing to slice a peer's throat to get a shot at a promotion... well, be prepared for a long, well-paid life of general frustration. Yes, it's clearly that bad. Don't come here looking for a career. The chances of moving up are 1 in 1000.

Explore other reviews about Autodesk

5.0
1 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good WLB Low Turnover Rates Interesting Projects/Work Full Benefits + 401k

Cons

Medium Pay, Not Amazing Stock Packages

2.0
12 Jun 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The individual contributors, your peers you work with day in and day out are fantastic people! At the IC level, for the most part, it feels like everyone is in the fight together. The work/life balance is good depending on which business unit/team you're aligned with. The benefits are pretty solid, especially the 6 week sabbatical.

Cons

Autodesk moves at the pace of a snail, very slow to take action on anything. Selling is very difficult with all the undocumented approvals, processes, red tape and very few people are willing to actually help! Leadership doesn't care about the people their decisions impact. Feedback is rarely listened to and acted upon. Pay is terrible compared to competitors in this space. Autodesk has embraced a ton of change over the last few years with new marketing, sales and IT leadership and it shows. They are not shy in showing their desire to be the next Oracle at the expense of their people. They are constantly changing tools, processes, people, roles, you name it so you feel like you're under water constantly. Lipstick on a pig.

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