If you think being an Applications Engineer (AE) in the Autodesk AEC world is just sitting behind a desk and clicking “Update,” you’ve never been in the driver’s seat.

In reality, this job is a lap with an Indy 500 driver—it’s fast, the corners are tight, and you have to trust your equipment implicitly. Some days, it feels more like jumping off a cliff in a squirrel suit. You’re soaring through the unknown, navigating the winds of new software releases and complex client workflows, relying on your skills to ensure a smooth landing.

But to fly that high, you first have to know what the ground feels like.

The Foundation: Boots, Dirt, and Architecture

Before I ever stepped foot into architecture school, I spent my days in construction. I wasn’t just looking at drawings; I was seeing how those drawings translated to the real world—the sweat, the logic, and the literal nuts and bolts of a project.

That “hands-on” background became the bedrock of my career. It’s what allows me to look at a digital model and see more than just lines—I see the structure and the sequence.

However, my path (2003) took a specific turn thanks to an instructor and friend, John Gessner. Through his guidance, I realized that my passion for the industry could be channeled into the life of an Applications Engineer. I shifted my focus from becoming an Architect to becoming the person who empowers them. Looking back, that transition wasn’t just a change in plans—it was a way to broaden my horizons in a way I never thought possible.

More Than Just Software: The Seiler Advantage

One of the reasons I’ve called Seiler Design Solutions (SDS) home for nearly 11 years is because we aren’t siloed into a single corner of the industry. Being an AE here means you are part of a much larger engine. Because of the various arms of the Seiler family, you get to cross-pollinate with technology that most people only see in magazines.

Working here offers a “deep well of knowledge” that spans the entire technological spectrum:

Precision Hardware: You aren’t just teaching software; you’re working with Trimble products, integrating high-end hardware with the digital workflow.

Reality Capture: From Drones to SLAM scanners and the sophisticated software that processes that data, you’re at the forefront of digital twin technology.

The Stars and Beyond: Where else can you work for a company that also deals in Planetariums, Medical, and Geospatial excellence?

The Power of “Family”

I didn’t get to this point by accident. When I chose to join Seiler over a decade ago, they took a chance on me, and in return, I found more than just a workplace—I found a family.

There is something transformative about working in an environment that wants to see you flourish. When you’re backed by a team that views you as family, those “cliff jumps” into new technology aren’t as scary because you know who’s got your back.

Your Dreams, (Virtual) Reality

If you’re looking for a career that challenges your limits and rewards your curiosity, the path of an Applications Engineer is unparalleled. It’s a chance to build a legacy of knowledge while helping others build the physical world.

Ready to take the jump? We are looking for more individuals to join our crew and start their own lap at the Brickyard.

🏁 View the Open Positions: Applications Engineer careers at Seiler

📧 Have questions about the “Squirrel Suit” life? If you’re wondering if you’ve got the right stuff for the jump, reach out to me directly at [email protected].

Don’t just watch from the stands—come see how your decision today could make your dreams a virtual reality. (Yes, that was corny. No, I’m still not taking it back!)