Autonomous Robotics Launch Manager

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.

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.