Autonomous Robotics Launch Manager

We made history and now we work to transform the future for our customers our communities and our families. Youll see your work on the road every day helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

What youll do...

This role leads a multi-plant engineering and project delivery team responsible for defining developing and deploying next-generation autonomous robotics technologies used in Fords manufacturing in-plant logistics environment. This leader oversees advanced AMR/AGV platforms embedded controls ML-based perception systems ADAS-inspired autonomy stacks and large-scale software integrations that support material delivery launches across Fords global plants.

This role requires a unique blend of strategic leadership deep software and controls technical expertise and the ability to guide complex robotics programs from early concepts through industrial deployment. The manager directs software-heavy engineering activitiessuch as perception modeling mapping/localization fleet management coding and autonomy stack refinementwhile ensuring alignment with Ford safety cybersecurity and plant operations standards.

The ideal candidate is a strong People Leader with the ability to drive clarity technical alignment and on-time delivery in a fast-paced multi-location environment. Mexico

Reporting into: SCA staff Dearborn MI USA

Leadership & Technical Direction

• Lead a high-performing team of robotics engineers software developers and launch Establish coding standards software development best practices and architecture guidelines for robotics platforms used within MP&L.
• professionals delivering AMR/automation across multiple Ford manufacturing sites.
• Provide high-level technical oversight of autonomy software ADAS-style sensor fusion pipelines software frameworks and computer vision integrations.
• Drive clarity and technical alignment between software teams controls teams IT plant operations and external vendors.

Technology Strategy & Robotics Software Development

• Shape Fords long-term strategy for AMR autonomy stacks- including sensor fusion perception mapping localization motion planning and safety systems.
• Drive standardization of Fords AMR software frameworks across plants to reduce cost improve reliability and create enterprise-wide scalability.

Software-Driven Project Execution & SOW Development

• Lead authoring and negotiation of software-focused SOWs covering autonomy behaviors fleet algorithms sensor calibration requirements MCU/SoC/MPU integration and cybersecurity standards.
• Translate business objectives and plant needs into detailed technical deliverables for internal teams and external suppliersincluding coding milestones functional safety requirements and software validation criteria.
• Oversee architecture debugging simulation digital twin validation and model-in-the-loop / software-in-the-loop testing environments prior to deployment.

Multi-Plant Launch Leadership

• Lead all software and controls readiness activities for AMR deployments during vehicle launches.
• Ensure perception models are tuned localization maps validated autonomy parameters calibrated and fleet software integration is stable prior to go-live.
• Resolve high-complexity plant issues related to software behavior routing algorithms traffic orchestration perception stack failures and network integration.

Embedded Controls & Hardware Integration

• Guide integration of SoC/MPU/MCU controllers safety PLCs fieldbuses and robotics sensors.
• Ensure motion controllers use appropriate constraint-based optimization MPC and control law tuning.

Software Validation & Simulation

• Oversee Gazebo Isaac Sim ROS simulation environments digital twin development and automated test harnesses.
• Approve model-based design artifacts and software validation reports.

Financial Operational and Stakeholder Accountability

• Manage multi-million-dollar budgets for robotics and software-driven automation projects.
• Conduct financial reviews cost optimization and ROI analyses related to autonomy and software-heavy system deployments.
• Interface with MP&L MFE IT Manufacturing Purchasing Finance Cybersecurity and external robotics suppliers.

Youll have...

• Bachelors in engineering robotics computer science software engineering or related field.
• 510 years in robotics automation or software engineering with 35 years in leadership.
• Deep understanding of AMR autonomy ADAS-style algorithms robotics controls and sensor fusion.
• Strong track record in SOW creation vendor management and full lifecycle robotics deployments.
• Ability and willingness to travel to USA Canada Mexico plants as required.
• Proficient English language skills

Even better you may have...

• Masters degree in Robotics Software Engineering Business Administration (MBA) or Technical Leadership.
• Experience architecting advanced robotics autonomy stacks or ADAS systems.
• Familiarity with Ford GVOSS GME-707 safety standards and cybersecurity requirements.
• Experience with virtual commissioning PLC safety systems and industrial networking.

You may not check every box or your experience may look a little different from what weve outlined but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe or keep you close to home Will your career be a deep dive into what you love or a series of new teams and new skills Will you be a leader a changemaker a technical expert a culture builderor all of the above No matter what you choose we offer a work life that works for you including:

• Immediate medical dental vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days paid parental leave new parent ramp-up programs subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement fertility treatments and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Years Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115500-$218100.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidates skills and experience and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits click here: sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color age sex national origin sexual orientation gender identity disability status or protected veteran the United States if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 1-. This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #LI-RC3