AEC Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AEC Prototyping Engineer

Company: Graitec

Location: Paris, France; Rennes, France; Krakow, Poland; București, Romania

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Innovation & Technology (AEC Software)

Date Posted: August 03, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector by rapidly prototyping new software solutions and workflows.

• Leverage cutting-edge technologies, including AI, Python, and APIs, to transform engineering concepts into functional proof-of-concepts (POCs).

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Product, Customer Success, and clients to validate market fit and gather feedback for iterative improvements.

• Bridge the gap between innovative ideas and scalable product capabilities, ensuring successful handover to product development teams.

• Focus on practical application of technology to solve real-world engineering challenges, rather than purely theoretical AI development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within an "Innovation Team" and focuses on "rapid prototyping" and "customer-facing innovation." The emphasis is on translating engineering problems into tangible, testable solutions, indicating a strong blend of technical engineering knowledge and software development skills, particularly in an AEC context. The mention of AI is framed as an "accelerator" for prototyping, suggesting practical application rather than core AI research. The target experience level of 2-5 years implies a need for practical application and problem-solving skills rather than extensive leadership or strategic development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate complex AEC use cases (architecture, structural analysis, civil engineering, design automation, project data management) into functional, rapid prototypes and working workflows.

• Develop testable workflows utilizing appropriate tools and technologies, including Python scripting, APIs, low-code/no-code platforms, and existing Graitec product capabilities.

• Employ AI-assisted development techniques, such as prompt-based workflows, AI-assisted coding, product assistants, and RAG-enabled knowledge access, to accelerate experimentation and prototype development.

• Define clear problem statements, testable assumptions, and practical POC scopes from ambiguous or exploratory ideas.

• Demonstrate prototypes effectively to internal stakeholders (R&D, Product, Support, Customer Success) and selected customers, clearly articulating business use cases and value propositions.

• Gather qualitative user feedback, observe user behavior, and identify areas where prototypes succeed or fail to meet user needs.

• Iterate rapidly on prototypes based on collected feedback, improving solutions through short development cycles.

• Facilitate the conversion of validated insights into actionable backlog items, product opportunities, or strategic go/no-go recommendations for the Product team.

• Explore emerging technologies relevant to AEC challenges, prioritizing tools and solutions based on problem definition, user needs, feasibility, and business impact.

• Collaborate with R&D and IT to ensure prototypes can be developed into secure, maintainable, scalable, and performant product features.

• Produce concise documentation detailing engineering problems, prototype scope, tested assumptions, feedback, limitations, and recommended next steps for productization.

• Support internal enablement initiatives by sharing lessons learned, prototype demonstrations, and reusable patterns with relevant teams.

• Assist in the incubation phase for promising ideas, contributing to their transition from prototype to product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dynamic role focused on rapid iteration, customer feedback integration, and a pragmatic approach to technology adoption. The emphasis on "moving quickly between topics and product areas" while maintaining "AEC market value" suggests a need for broad technical understanding and adaptability within the AEC software domain. The "handover" aspect implies a crucial collaboration point with core R&D and Product teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience delivering projects within an Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) environment.

• Proven experience in rapid prototyping, hackathons, innovation projects, internal tool development, student projects, or customer-facing demonstrations.

• Experience working with Product, R&D, or customer-facing teams within an agile development environment. Required Skills:

• Strong digital capabilities and a hands-on interest in software development, automation, and artificial intelligence.

• High technical adaptability and learning agility, with the ability to quickly understand and experiment with unfamiliar technologies.

• Proficiency in Python scripting and experience working with APIs.

• Hands-on experience with CAD/BIM workflows, structural analysis, design automation, or AEC project data management.

• Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype solutions using AI-assisted development, Python, APIs, low-code/no-code platforms, and existing product capabilities.

• Comfort in presenting proof-of-concepts (POCs), gathering user feedback, and translating insights into solution improvements.

• Ability to translate ambiguous concepts into clear, testable workflows and iterate rapidly based on feedback and results.

• Good communication skills for effective interaction with customers and internal teams.

• Fluent in English. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI concepts such as Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI assistants, tool use, prompting techniques, or agentic workflows.

• Interest in and understanding of real-world enterprise constraints, including security, maintainability, performance, traceability, and scalability.

• Experience with data formats relevant to AEC.

• Experience with low-code/no-code tooling for rapid application development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a unique blend of engineering domain expertise (AEC), practical software development skills (Python, APIs), and a forward-thinking mindset towards emerging technologies like AI. The "high technical adaptability and learning agility" is a critical requirement, suggesting the company values individuals who can self-teach and apply new tools quickly. The experience level is clearly defined, aiming for professionals who have moved beyond entry-level tasks but are not yet senior strategists.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two distinct projects demonstrating rapid prototyping capabilities, ideally with a focus on AEC use cases or workflow automation.

• Include examples of code repositories (e.g., GitHub) or demonstrable links to functional prototypes or POCs.

• Highlight projects where you translated a problem statement into a working solution, clearly articulating the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

• Provide evidence of customer validation or user feedback integration within a project lifecycle, showcasing your iterative development process.

• Demonstrate experience with tools and technologies relevant to the role, such as Python, APIs, AI tools, or specific AEC software integrations. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've documented engineering problems, prototype scope, and tested assumptions.

• Demonstrations of how you've captured and translated user feedback into actionable improvements.

• Documentation of handover processes for prototypes or concepts to R&D or product teams.

• Case studies detailing the exploration and application of new technologies (e.g., AI) to solve specific engineering challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a prototyping role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application and a "hands-on prototyping mindset." Candidates should curate projects that highlight their ability to move quickly from idea to a demonstrable prototype, incorporate feedback, and articulate technical concepts clearly, especially within the AEC domain. The focus is on the process of innovation and iteration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided locations (Paris, Rennes, Krakow, București) and the mid-level experience requirement (2-5 years), the estimated annual salary range is as follows:

  • Paris, France: €50,000 - €70,000
  • Rennes, France: €45,000 - €65,000
  • Krakow, Poland: PLN 120,000 - PLN 180,000 (approximately €27,000 - €41,000)
  • București, Romania: RON 100,000 - RON 150,000 (approximately €20,000 - €30,000)

• These ranges are estimates and will vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the company's compensation structure. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including access to new technologies and training.

• Participation in an innovative and dynamic work environment with a focus on digital transformation.

• Collaboration with a global team of experts in the AEC and BIM software industry.

• Potential for career growth within Graitec's Solution Division or broader organization.

• Company commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, aligned with UN Women's Empowerment Principles.

• Access to cutting-edge software and technology for prototyping and development. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexible arrangements depending on team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on regional cost of living and typical compensation for mid-level engineering/prototyping roles in the specified European cities. The benefits emphasize professional growth, innovation exposure, and alignment with company values, which are attractive to candidates in technology and R&D roles. The mention of UN Women's Empowerment Principles suggests a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) Software Solutions. Graitec is a significant player in driving the digital transformation of this industry.

Company Size: Over 800 experts across 30+ offices in 12 countries, supporting over 270,000 users worldwide. This indicates a robust, global organization with a strong market presence.

Founded: Over 30 years ago, with a history of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, having tripled revenue in the last five years. This suggests a company that is both established and experiencing rapid growth.

Team Structure:

• The hiring team is part of the GRAITEC Solution Division, described as a "vibrant, multicultural environment" with expertise in software design, architecture, and engineering technologies.

• Teams collaborate globally, fostering continuous learning, creativity, and technical excellence.

• The role involves cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Product, Support, Customer Success, Services, and external customers.

• The organizational structure supports initiative, professional growth, and the implementation of innovative ideas. Methodology:

• Graitec's core values for working are Growth, Agility, Innovation, and Responsibility.

• Their behavioral values are Ambition, Engagement, One Graitec, and Positive Energy.

• The company emphasizes moving fast, thinking big, collaborating across teams and borders, embracing diversity, and challenging themselves to innovate daily.

• They are a global Autodesk Platinum Partner, indicating strong industry partnerships and a commitment to quality.

Company Website: graitec.com / graitec-group.com/graitec-a-global-player

📝 Enhancement Note: Graitec positions itself as a fast-growing, innovative leader in the AEC software space, driven by a clear mission to accelerate digital transformation. The company culture is characterized by agility, ambition, and a global, collaborative approach. This environment is ideal for individuals who thrive on innovation, continuous learning, and making a tangible impact on an industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "AEC Prototyping Engineer" role within an "Innovation Team," positioned as a mid-level position (2-5 years of experience). It's a hands-on, customer-facing role focused on rapid experimentation and validation, rather than a senior strategic or purely R&D role.

Reporting Structure: The role is part of the GRAITEC Solution Division. While not explicitly stated, it's likely the Prototyping Engineer reports to an Innovation Lead or a Manager within the Solution Division, with close collaboration with Product Managers and R&D leads.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant for driving future product development and innovation. By validating new concepts and workflows with customers and internal teams, the engineer directly influences the product roadmap, identifies new market opportunities, and ensures that Graitec's solutions remain at the forefront of AEC digital transformation. Successful prototypes can lead to new product features, modules, or even entirely new offerings, directly impacting revenue growth and customer value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific AEC technologies, AI applications for engineering, or rapid prototyping methodologies.

• Product Incubation: Transition from prototyping to contributing to the early-stage development and productization of successful concepts.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Grow into roles that manage innovation pipelines, lead customer validation efforts, or bridge communication between R&D and market needs.

• Domain Expertise: Become a recognized expert in specific areas of AEC software and digital workflows.

• Global Mobility: Opportunity to work across Graitec's international offices, contributing to diverse projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role moves from hands-on prototyping and validation towards potentially influencing product strategy and leading innovation initiatives. The emphasis on "customer validation" and "handover to R&D" suggests a clear path for successful prototypes to evolve into commercial products, offering tangible career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a collaborative office environment within one of Graitec's listed locations (Paris, Rennes, Krakow, or București). This setting facilitates direct interaction with colleagues, immediate feedback on prototypes, and access to office resources.

Office Location(s):

• Paris, France (20, rue de Provence, 75009)

• Rennes, France

• Krakow, Poland

• București, Romania

Candidates will likely be placed in one of these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "vibrant," "multicultural," and fostering "continuous learning, creativity, and technical excellence."

• Expect a collaborative workspace where engineers can easily interact with R&D, Product, Support, and Customer Success teams.

• Access to necessary software, hardware, and potentially specialized prototyping tools will be available.

• The focus on innovation means an environment that encourages experimentation and sharing of ideas. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week). While on-site, the company's emphasis on "Agility" may allow for some flexibility in daily schedules, particularly around core collaboration hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is key for rapid prototyping, enabling immediate feedback loops and collaborative problem-solving. The diverse office locations offer potential for international exposure within a single company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• HR Screening: An initial "get to know you" discussion to assess cultural fit, basic qualifications, and interest in the role and Graitec. Be prepared to articulate your motivation for joining an innovation team and your understanding of the AEC industry.

• Technical Assessment Interview: This will likely involve a deep dive into your technical skills and problem-solving approach.

  • Potential Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project from your portfolio, focusing on a challenging problem you solved, your prototyping methodology, and the outcome.
  • Collaborative Exercise: This could involve a short, live coding exercise, a problem-solving scenario related to AEC workflows, or a discussion on how you would approach a hypothetical prototyping challenge.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A role-specific discussion with the hiring manager to assess your experience, understanding of the AEC market, and how you fit within the innovation team's objectives. Be ready to discuss your approach to customer validation and iterating on prototypes.

• Final Interview: A conversation with the Business Unit Leader to evaluate strategic alignment, overall potential, and cultural fit at a higher organizational level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your rapid prototyping skills, AEC relevance (if possible), and your ability to work with

Python, APIs, or AI tools.

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The problem statement/user need.
  • Your approach and the technologies/tools used.
  • Key challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The outcome, including any customer feedback or validation received.
  • Lessons learned and potential next steps.

• Demonstrate Iteration: If possible, show how a prototype evolved based on feedback. This is critical for a prototyping role.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including code structure, API integrations, and the rationale behind your technology choices.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio clearly and concisely, respecting the time allocated for the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• AEC Workflow Familiarity: Brush up on common AEC workflows, design challenges, and digital transformation trends in the industry.

• Python & API Proficiency: Practice coding in Python, especially for scripting, data manipulation, and API integration tasks.

• AI Tool Exploration: Familiarize yourself with common AI tools and concepts (LLMs, RAG, prompt engineering) and how they can be practically applied to automate or enhance engineering tasks.

• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable components suitable for rapid prototyping.

• Communication: Prepare to articulate technical concepts and project outcomes clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage, indicating a thorough evaluation. The emphasis on a technical assessment and portfolio review highlights the practical, hands-on nature of the role. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their skills and thought process rather than just discuss them.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Python is explicitly mentioned as a core tool for scripting, automation, and prototyping.

• APIs: Experience with integrating and utilizing APIs is essential for connecting different systems and functionalities.

• Prototyping Platforms: Familiarity with low-code/no-code platforms may be beneficial for accelerating development.

• AI/ML Tools: Exposure to AI concepts and tools, including LLMs, RAG, AI assistants, prompt engineering, and AI-assisted development frameworks.

• AEC Software: Proficiency with CAD/BIM software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and structural analysis tools is expected for understanding use cases.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role involves gathering feedback and documenting results, which implies a need for basic data analysis and clear reporting on prototype performance and validation. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how prototypes can integrate with existing customer data or workflows, potentially interacting with CRM systems or automation platforms, would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily skewed towards modern software development practices, with a strong emphasis on Python and APIs. The integration of AI tools is a key differentiator, positioning Graitec at the forefront of innovation in AEC software. Candidates should highlight any experience with tools that facilitate rapid development and experimentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Growth: Continuous learning and development, both personally and for the company's offerings. This role encourages exploring new technologies and contributing to growth through innovation.

• Agility: Ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements, iterate rapidly on prototypes, and pivot based on feedback.

• Innovation: A core driver, encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of AEC software.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of projects, from concept to handover, and ensuring that solutions meet real-world needs and enterprise constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with R&D, Product, Support, Customer Success, and Services teams to ensure alignment and successful product development.

• Customer-Centricity: Actively engaging with customers to gather feedback and validate prototypes, ensuring market relevance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights, lessons learned, and reusable patterns across teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture aligns with Graitec's overall values, emphasizing a fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative environment. The role requires individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and enjoy working in a dynamic team setting where ideas are encouraged and quickly put into practice.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Under Ambiguity: Balancing the need for speed in prototyping with the requirement for thorough validation and technical robustness.

• Translating AEC Complexity: Effectively understanding and modeling intricate AEC workflows and engineering problems for software solutions.

• Technology Exploration Balance: Identifying and applying new technologies (especially AI) pragmatically, ensuring they solve real problems rather than being a solution in search of a problem.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating technical concepts and prototype value to diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Emerging Technology Exposure: Direct engagement with AI, advanced automation, and other cutting-edge technologies relevant to AEC.

• Product Development Lifecycle Insight: Gaining a deep understanding of how innovative ideas are brought from concept to market within a global software company.

• AEC Industry Expertise: Developing a comprehensive understanding of the digital transformation landscape within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction sectors.

• Mentorship & Collaboration: Learning from experienced R&D, Product, and engineering professionals within Graitec's global network.

• Skill Augmentation: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, or pursue certifications relevant to software development, AI, and AEC technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an innovation and prototyping role, requiring a blend of technical skill, adaptability, and strong communication. The growth opportunities are directly tied to staying at the forefront of technology and industry trends within the AEC software domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to quickly prototype a solution for an engineering problem. What was your process, what tools did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, tools, and demonstrable results).

• "How would you approach translating a vague customer request for 'AI in structural analysis' into a concrete, testable prototype?" (Assess problem framing, technology selection rationale, and validation strategy).

• "Imagine you've built a prototype that customers love, but it's built on technologies that aren't scalable for mass production. How would you manage the handover to the R&D team?" (Evaluate understanding of enterprise constraints and collaboration skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Graitec and this specific role in our Innovation Team?" (Showcase research into Graitec's mission, values, and the AEC industry).

• "How do you stay updated on new technologies, particularly in AI and software development, and how do you decide which ones are worth exploring?" (Demonstrate learning agility and a pragmatic approach to technology adoption).

• "Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team and how you handle differing opinions or feedback on your work." (Assess collaboration style and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "Problem-Solution-Impact" Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, the solution you built (your prototype), and the impact or learning derived from it.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: If possible, include live demos or video walkthroughs of your prototypes. If not, use clear screenshots and diagrams.

• Quantify When Possible: Even for prototypes, try to quantify value or learnings (e.g., "reduced manual effort by X%", "validated Y key assumptions," "identified Z critical user pain points").

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Address Limitations: Be honest about the limitations of your prototypes and what you learned from them. This shows maturity and a realistic perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving, a strong understanding of the AEC domain, and the ability to leverage modern technologies, especially AI, in a pragmatic way. The portfolio presentation is a key component, so candidates must be well-prepared to showcase their work effectively.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AEC Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Graitec careers portal link: https://careers.graitec.com/jobs/2215.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that demonstrate your rapid prototyping skills, technical adaptability (especially with Python and APIs), and any experience with AEC workflows or AI applications. Focus on projects that show your ability to translate ideas into tangible POCs and incorporate feedback.

• Optimize Your Resume for Operations Roles: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "AEC," "BIM," "Python," "API," "Prototyping," "AI," "Automation," "Workflow Innovation," and "Customer Validation." Quantify achievements where possible and clearly outline your experience in engineering or software development environments.

• Prepare for Technical Assessments: Practice coding exercises in Python, especially for scripting and data manipulation tasks. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you would tackle hypothetical AEC prototyping challenges. Familiarize yourself with common AI concepts and their practical applications.

• Research Graitec and the AEC Industry: Understand Graitec's mission, products, and their role in the digital transformation of the AEC industry. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their values of Growth, Agility, Innovation, and Responsibility.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.