Sr. Director Engineering

Job Description

We are seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Senior Director of Autonomous Mobile Robot Systems to lead the development and deployment of advanced robotic platforms. This role will oversee the full lifecycle of autonomous mobile robot systems, integrating motion planning, behavioral design, perception, and system architecture. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in robotics, autonomy stack development, and real-time systems, with a proven ability to scale teams and deliver high-performance solutions.

Key Responsibilities Leadership in Autonomous Systems

- Lead cross-functional teams focused on autonomous mobile robot systems, including motion planning, perception, controls, and systems integration.

- Define and execute the roadmap for autonomous mobile robots, including ROS-based architecture and full autonomy stack development.

Advanced System Development

- Oversee the design and implementation of motion planning algorithms, behavioral models, and decision-making frameworks for mobile robots.

- Drive integration of computer vision and LiDAR-based perception systems into the autonomy stack.

- Ensure autonomous mobile robot systems meet performance, safety, and reliability standards across diverse operational environments.

Architecture & Integration

- Architect scalable and modular autonomy stacks using ROS/ROS2 and real-time middleware.

- Lead efforts in sensor fusion, localization, and mapping for robust navigation and obstacle avoidance.

- Optimize compute pipelines for edge deployment and real-time performance in mobile robotic platforms.

Strategic Collaboration

- Collaborate with product, hardware, and software teams to deliver integrated robotic solutions.

- Represent autonomous mobile robot systems in strategic planning, customer engagements, and industry forums.

Qualifications

- Master's degree or PhD

- 10+ years experience with a strong technical background in robotics, computer science, or a related field.

- Proven experience leading autonomy or robotics teams focused on mobile robotic platforms.

- Expertise in motion planning, behavioral design, autonomous stack architecture, and ROS/ROS2.

- Deep understanding of computer vision, LiDAR integration, and sensor fusion for mobile robots.

- Demonstrated success in scaling autonomous systems from prototype to production.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

- Ability to travel occasionally each month

Preferred Skills

- Experience with autonomous vehicles, drones, or industrial mobile robotics platforms.

- Familiarity with edge computing, real-time systems, and cloud infrastructure.

- Knowledge of safety standards, simulation tools, and regulatory frameworks in mobile robotics.

Nextracker offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextracker’s benefits please view our company website at www.nextracker.com. Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $280,000 - $300,000.

At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.

For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.

Nextracker is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Culture is our Passion