Software Engineering Manager, Robotics

Ford Motor Company

. Lead development of the software application stack used across Ford's advanced robotics programs .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeRedford • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $132,800 - $250,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in robotics software development, including proficiency in ROS 2, C++, and Python, while effectively leading and managing distributed engineering teams. Capable of establishing software quality practices and delivering engineering plans with clear milestones and responsibilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Robotics Software DevelopmentC++ ProgrammingPython ProgrammingROS 2 ExperienceTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Robotics Software ExperienceNavigation SoftwareRobot Models and KinematicsDevice DriversSoftware Quality PracticesEngineering Plans CreationConfiguration ManagementVersion ControlSimulation-Driven DevelopmentBehavior Trees

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsCoaching and DevelopmentRisk ManagementProblem SolvingTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Isaac SimGazeboMuJoCoSimulation TestingHardware-in-the-Loop Testing

Certifications & Qualifications

BS in Computer ScienceMS in Computer ScienceBS in RoboticsMS in RoboticsBS in Electrical EngineeringMS in Electrical Engineering

Industry Keywords

Advanced RoboticsDistributed Engineering TeamsSoftware for Physical RobotsSafety-Relevant Software DevelopmentManufacturing Readiness Processes

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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, 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
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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred: MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering
Preferred: Humanoid, mobile manipulator, or legged platform experience
Preferred: Simulation-driven development using Isaac Sim, Gazebo, MuJoCo, or equivalent, including sim-first bring-up and hardware-in-the-loop testing
Preferred: Experience with behavior trees, state machines or task planning software
Preferred: Experience developing shared software platforms used by multiple products
Preferred: Experience working with international engineering teams
Preferred: Familiarity with technology or manufacturing readiness processes
Preferred: Experience with software updates, configuration management and version control for deployed robot fleets
Preferred: Safety-relevant or regulated software development

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up childcare
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous vacation time
Sick/personal time
Paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
Visa sponsorship available
Domestic relocation available