Head of Autonomy
South San Francisco, CAFull-TimeLeadOther
What You'll Do
- Define and drive both strategic and tactical decisions for autonomy software across our fleet of various machine types.
- Prioritize autonomy subsystem development in sync with product roadmaps, customer insights, and business goals.
- Work closely with Product Management, Systems Engineering, and Hardware teams to set clear technical and performance requirements.
- Oversee software features from conceptualization through prototyping, testing, validation, and deployment, ensuring strict adherence to safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.
- Balance the tradeoffs between developing fast and developing right.
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, rapid execution, and accountability.
- Advocate and implement simulation-driven, field-validated development methodologies.
- Continuously monitor and enhance subsystem performance to meet ambitious launch timelines and customer expectations.
- Manage budgets and resources effectively to support aggressive project timelines and evolving business objectives.
- Proactively identify project risks and execute effective mitigation strategies to ensure timely, on-budget delivery.
What You'll Bring
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in autonomous software development, with a proven track record in deploying real-world autonomy systems.
- At least 3 years in a technical leadership role, successfully guiding high-performance, cross-functional engineering teams.
- Deep expertise in one or more core autonomy disciplines (e.g., perception, localization, planning, navigation, controls).
- A proactive, hands-on leadership style that thrives in a startup setting, adept at wearing multiple hats and driving innovation through ambiguity.
- Strong familiarity with machine learning and safety-critical system development, preferably aligned with ground robotics functional safety standards.
- A demonstrated ability to balance long-term strategic vision with hands-on technical execution in a dynamic environment.
- Proficiency in relevant programming languages, particularly C++ and Python.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to align diverse teams and stakeholders toward a shared vision.
What Makes You a Strong Fit
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or a closely related field.
- Proven leadership in high-growth, innovative organizations—preferably in robotics, AI, or related industries—where agility and rapid decision-making were essential.
- A passion for hands-on leadership, startup agility, and rapid innovation cycles.
- Experience in automotive, agriculture, or off-road autonomy applications, with a passion for redefining how technology meets real-world challenges
