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Senior Director of Autonomous Engineering

Senior Director of Autonomous Engineering

Vida Group InternationalChicago, IL, US
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Position Overview

The Senior Director of Autonomous Engineering will lead the strategy, development, and deployment of advanced autonomy solutions across our client’s industrial machinery portfolio. This executive-level leader will oversee cross-functional engineering teams focused on perception, controls, AI / ML, robotics, connectivity, and safety systems to deliver world-class autonomous products. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen and proven leadership in scaling autonomous technology from concept to commercial deployment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership

Define and drive the company’s long-term vision and roadmap for autonomous machinery.

  • Partner with executive leadership to align autonomy initiatives with overall business strategy.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and establish industry partnerships to accelerate innovation.
  • Engineering & Product Development
  • Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams in perception, AI / ML, robotics, controls, software, and systems integration.

  • Oversee the development of autonomous features from concept through production launch, ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
  • Establish engineering best practices, system architecture standards, and validation frameworks for autonomy.
  • Operational Excellence
  • Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team of engineers and technical leaders.

  • Manage budgets, project timelines, and resource allocations to deliver projects on schedule and within cost targets.
  • Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaboration & Influence
  • Work closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, and Customer Support to ensure autonomous solutions meet customer needs and operational requirements.

  • Represent the company in industry forums, research consortia, and regulatory discussions on autonomy and safety standards.
  • Serve as a technical authority and thought leader both internally and externally.
  • Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
  • 15 years of engineering experience, including 7 years leading teams in robotics, autonomous systems, or industrial machinery.
  • Demonstrated success bringing autonomous or semi-autonomous products to market in industrial, automotive, mining, agriculture, construction, or defense sectors.
  • Deep expertise in one or more of the following : perception (LiDAR, radar, vision), AI / ML, robotics, motion planning, or safety-critical control systems.
  • Proven ability to scale engineering organizations, foster innovation, and deliver large, complex projects.
  • Strong business orientation with experience building roadmaps, managing budgets, and aligning technology with commercial objectives.
  • Excellent communication skills and executive presence, capable of influencing across all levels of the organization.
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    Director Of Engineering • Chicago, IL, US