Senior Director of Robotics

Motional is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior Director of Robotics to lead the system design, integration and performance triage of our autonomous vehicle. This role is crucial for advancing our autonomous vehicle technology, focusing on the development and integration of robotic systems that enable vehicles to perceive, plan, and act in complex, real-world environments. The ideal candidate will have a deep experience and understanding of robotics, machine learning, computer vision, and systems engineering, with a proven track record of leading large-scale, multidisciplinary teams to deliver groundbreaking products.

What you'll do:

• Define the long-term vision and strategy for our robotics efforts within the autonomous vehicle program. This includes identifying key technological challenges and opportunities, and setting the roadmap for hardware and software development.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of talented robotics engineers, researchers, and project managers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Oversee the architectural design and implementation of robotic systems, including perception, state estimation, sensor fusion, and control systems. Ensure these systems are scalable, reliable, and safe for autonomous driving applications.
• Work closely with other engineering teams (e.g., AI/ML, software, hardware, and safety) to ensure seamless integration of robotics technology into our autonomous driving platform.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to meet project goals. This includes making strategic decisions on build-versus-buy, external partnerships, and research initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in robotics, staying abreast of the latest industry trends, research, and technological advancements. Provide technical guidance and oversight on complex engineering challenges.

What you'll need:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in robotics, with a significant portion of that time spent in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in the autonomous vehicle, aerospace, or a related field with complex robotics applications.
• Proven experience in managing large, multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• A track record of successfully bringing complex robotic products from research to production.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: sensor fusion (LiDAR, radar, cameras), state estimation (Kalman filters, SLAM), motion planning, and control theory.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python.
• Strong understanding of robotics operating systems (e.g., ROS).
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• A Master's or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process. Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Salary Range: $271,000 USD - $373,000 USD

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We’re driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We’re creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it’s not only good for our business, it’s the right thing to do.

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We’re driven to scale; we’re moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.