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# Software Engineering Manager, Robotics

- **Company:** Ford Motor Company
- **Location:** Redford Charter Township, MI, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $132,800 - $250,800
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Software Applications, Computing Platforms, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Software Quality, Code Review, Device Drivers, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Mobile Robots, State Machines, Isaac Sim, Information Technology, Software Version Control
- **Published:** November 8, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=61203d31fea23279

## About the Role

* BS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical background
 * Hands-on robotics software experience, including ROS 2, navigation software, robot models and kinematics, and device drivers
 * Strong C++ and Python skills
 * At least 3 years of experience managing software engineers
 * Experience delivering software for physical robots
 * Experience developing software used across more than one robot platform or hardware configuration
 * Experience hiring, coaching and developing software engineers
 * Experience leading distributed engineering teams
 * Strong written and verbal communication skills
 * Experience creating and delivering engineering plans with milestones, owners and dates
 * Ability to work effectively with technical leaders and partner engineering teams, * MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering
 * Humanoid, mobile manipulator, or legged platform experience
 * Simulation-driven development: Isaac Sim, Gazebo, MuJoCo, or equivalent - including sim-first bring-up and hardware-in-the-loop testing
 * Experience with behavior trees, state machines or task planning software
 * Experience developing shared software platforms used by multiple products
 * Experience working with international engineering teams
 * Familiarity with technology or manufacturing readiness processes
 * Experience with software updates, configuration management and version control for deployed robot fleets
 * Safety-relevant or regulated software development

## Description

Ford's Advanced Technology & Platforms organization is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead and grow a global robotics software engineering team. The team develops the application software used on a range of robot types, including mobile robots, manipulators and humanoid systems.

The software must support robots with different physical configurations and capabilities while reusing common components wherever practical. This role will guide that development, establish delivery plans and ensure the software is tested and ready for use on physical robots.

The Engineering Manager will be responsible for team leadership, software delivery and technical execution. The role includes hiring and coaching engineers, setting priorities, coordinating work across teams and contributing to technical reviews. The manager will work closely with robotics architecture, hardware, simulation, platform and testing teams.

Lead software development and delivery

 * Lead development of the software application stack used across Ford's advanced robotics programs
 * Define delivery plans, milestones, responsibilities and dependencies
 * Support reuse of common software components across different robot platforms
 * Oversee software for robot description and kinematics, device integration, navigation, manipulation, simulation and system bring-up
 * Establish software quality, testing and release practices
 * Track progress, manage risks and communicate issues with proposed actions

Lead and grow a global team

 * Lead, coach and develop a globally distributed robotics software engineering team
 * Hire engineers as the team and project portfolio grow
 * Set clear goals, responsibilities and expectations
 * Support professional development and build technical leadership within the team
 * Maintain regular communication and effective working practices across locations and time zones
 * Participate in code reviews, design reviews and technical problem solving as needed

Work across engineering teams

 * Turn technical direction into practical engineering plans
 * Coordinate software interfaces with robotics platform, data and infrastructure teams
 * Partner with hardware teams on robot builds and system integration
 * Work with simulation and testing teams to validate software before deployment
 * Provide clear status updates and raise risks early