Vida Group International
Senior Director of Autonomous Engineering
Vida Group International, Indianapolis, Indiana, us, 46262
Senior Director of Autonomous Engineering
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. 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. 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. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Product Management Industries
Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing and Machinery Manufacturing
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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. 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. 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. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Engineering and Product Management Industries
Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing and Machinery Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr