Autonomous Robotics Launch Manager

Job ID: 67353
Location: Dearborn, Michigan
Category: PD Operations and Quality

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At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

Job Type: Full time
Work Type: Hybrid

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We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll 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 you'll 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 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. 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 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.

You'll have...

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

Even better, you may have...

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.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've 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 builder…or 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 Year’s Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's 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: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

Visa 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 status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660. 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

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Change the world with your ideas.

Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

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Support designed to go the distance.

From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

Health and Wellness

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
Financial and Retirement Programs

Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
Vehicle Discount Program

The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
Family Growth and Support

Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
Additional Programs

Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.

Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

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Autonomous Robotics Launch Manager

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Change the world with your ideas.

Support designed to go the distance.

Health and Wellness

Financial and Retirement Programs

Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Vehicle Discount Program

Family Growth and Support

Additional Programs

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