Research Development Associate Jobs in Laurel, MD

26WD99470

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivatedCorporate Development Associateto support the evaluation and execution of acquisitions, strategic investments, partnerships, and other growth initiatives. This role will work closely with business leaders and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, conduct financial and strategic analyses, perform due diligence, and support transaction execution.

You will have the opportunity to work on high-impact strategic initiatives that directly influence the company's growth trajectory. As a member of the Corporate Development team, you will gain exposure to executive leadership, participate in complex transactions, and help shape the future direction of the business while developing a broad set of finance, strategy, and M&A skills.

The ideal candidate has experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, consulting, strategic finance, or corporate development and is excited to help drive the company's inorganic growth strategy. This position offers significant exposure to senior leadership, strategic decision-making, and the full M&A lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate acquisition, investment, and strategic partnership opportunities through financial, strategic, and operational analysis

• Build financial models, including valuation, DCF, accretion/dilution, IRR, and scenario analyses to support investment recommendations

• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and target identification to support corporate development strategy and pipeline development

• Prepare executive presentations, investment memoranda, and business cases for senior leadership and decision-making forums

• Coordinate and support due diligence efforts across finance, legal, product, technology, security, and other functional teams

• Manage transaction workstreams, data rooms, information requests, and project timelines throughout the deal process

• Support transaction execution from initial evaluation through signing and closing

• Assist with post-close integration planning and transition activities to ensure successful realization of deal objectives

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Strategic Finance, Consulting, or a related field

• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills

• Experience developing executive-level presentations and investment recommendations

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams in a fast-paced environment

• Strong attention to detail, business judgment, and problem-solving capabilities

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting M&A transactions, strategic investments, or corporate development initiatives

• Familiarity with software, SaaS, subscription-based business models, and key operating metrics

• Experience using Capital IQ, PitchBook, FactSet, or similar market intelligence platforms

• Proficiency leveraging AI-enabled tools and workflows to enhance financial analysis, market research, target screening, due diligence, and presentation development

• Experience using generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot) to improve analytical productivity, synthesize large data sets, automate research workflows, and generate actionable business insights

• CFA or progress toward a professional designation

The Ideal Candidate

• Has strong business judgment and intellectual curiosity

• Has a proactive, ownership-oriented mindset with a bias toward action

• Has exceptional analytical rigor and attention to detail

• Has the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and influence stakeholders

• Has strong organizational and project management skills

• Has a desire to learn, grow, and contribute in a transaction-focused environment

About Autodesk

Welcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software - from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.

We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk - it's at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.

When you're an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!

Salary is one part of Autodesk's competitive compensation package. For U.S.-based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $85,300 and $152,790. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and geographic location, and may exceed this range. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.Salary is one part of Autodesk's competitive compensation package. For Canada based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $77,250 and $113,300. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and geographic location, and may exceed this range. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Autodesk, we're building a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to imagine, design, and make a better world. Autodesk is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We also consider for employment all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

Belonging

We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belonging

In-Person Onboarding and Identity Verification

This role may require in-person onboarding and/or in-person ID verification.

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