Senior Director, Engineering

Motional is looking for a visionary and highly experienced Senior Director of Engineering to spearhead the Core Onboard Runtime Environment (CORE) organization. This pivotal leadership role is focused on the development and delivery of the computational infrastructure and software solutions that are critical for Motional’s self-driving system. The objective is to enable the system to accurately perceive the environment, interpret that data, and safely execute actions in the world.

Our organization is committed to designing embedded real‑time software, optimizing the autonomy stack’s implementation, managing high‑performance compute resources, and implementing robust failure detection and handling across the integrated hardware and software system.

• 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, software engineers, and managers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Oversee the architectural design and implementation of our on‑vehicle systems, including embedded software, runtime middleware, IPC, AI accelerators, Sensor Pipelines, Operating Systems and Simulation Infrastructure. Ensure these systems are scalable, reliable, and safe for our autonomous driving applications.
• Work closely with other engineering teams (e.g., AI/ML, hardware, and safety) to ensure safe, reliable and optimized architecture across 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 Software, Hardware Accelerators and Real Time Embedded Systems, staying abreast of the latest industry trends, research, and technological advancements. Provide technical guidance and oversight on complex engineering challenges.

• 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 embedded applications.
• Proven experience in managing large, multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• A track record of successfully bringing complex embedded products from research to production.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  Robotics, Complex Embedded Software Development, Simulation for Autonomous Vehicles.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Python.
• Strong understanding of robotics operating systems (e.g., ROS).
• A Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, 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 — $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’re not just developing driverless cars; we’re creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We’re creating…