Echoes of the glory days. - Software Engineer Autodesk Employee Review

4.0
Feb 22, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Autodesk Media & Entertainment (formely Discreet Logic) is a relaxed work environment. The building itself is a renovated boat factory, giving it a very industrial-chic design. Fluo-colored chairs decorate the lobby, where you also find several high definition TVs on rolling pods. You will find the latest game consoles and games to relax during lunch hours or the always popular weekly cocktail on Friday afternoon. Beer, wines, chips and theatre-style popcorn are all available free of charge to wrap up the week. Major software releases are also celebrated with parties. You will find very passionate people at Autodesk. Proud of their work and the reputation of their product suite.

Cons

Autodesk has recently become this software monster, swallowing smaller companies at an alarming rate. To the point that it now faces competition within its own product line (Maya vs 3D Studio Max). The acquisition of Discreet Logic is still not fully popular among the Montreal employees. Some relinquish the "glory days". This can leave newcomers wondering if they missed the boat. Recent compressions worldwide have also affected the morals in the company. Autodesk has a tradition of hiring lots of interns every single term, but the opportunities for employment beyond internships are slim at best. Furthermore, if an opportunity arises, there are string attached like a limited duration and few benefits.

Explore other reviews about Autodesk

5.0
Jun 1, 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
Jun 12, 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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