Autonomous Robotics Launch Manager

Description

Summary: This role leads a multi-plant engineering and project delivery team defining and deploying next-generation autonomous robotics technologies in Ford’s manufacturing logistics. Highlights: 1. Lead multi-plant robotics engineering and project delivery teams 2. Shape Ford's long-term strategy for AMR autonomy stacks 3. Oversee architecture, debugging, simulation, and digital twin validation This role leads a multi\-plant engineering and project delivery team responsible for defining, developing, and deploying next\-generation autonomous robotics technologies used in Ford’s 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 Ford’s 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 activities—such as perception modeling, mapping/localization, fleet management coding, and autonomy stack refinement—while 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. **Minimum Requirements** * Bachelors in engineering, robotics, computer science, software engineering, or related field. * 5–10 years in robotics, automation, or software engineering, with 3–5\+ 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 * **Preferred Requirements** * Master’s 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. * **DISCLAIMER**Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as we are committed with a diverse workforce, and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran and basis of disability. **Leadership \& Technical Direction** * Lead a high\-performing team of robotics engineers, software developers, and launch professionals delivering AMR/automation across multiple Ford manufacturing sites. * Establish coding standards, software development best practices, and architecture guidelines for robotics platforms used within MP\&L. * 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 Ford’s long\-term strategy for AMR autonomy stacks\- including sensor fusion, perception, mapping, localization, motion planning, and safety systems. * Drive standardization of Ford’s 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 suppliers—including 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.