Head of Autonomy

South San FranciscoFull Timeexecutive

OtherManagementAutonomy

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Overview

About Us Agtonomy brings intelligent automation to agriculture, turf, and other demanding industries through Physical AI and software services. By partnering with trusted equipment manufacturers,

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OtherManagementAutonomy

About Us

Agtonomy brings intelligent automation to agriculture, turf, and other demanding industries through Physical AI and software services. By partnering with trusted equipment manufacturers, we deliver factory-fit technology that transforms industrial machines into smart, efficient solutions built for safety and performance. Our team combines expertise in technology, product development, and industry knowledge to address critical challenges like labor shortages, sustainability, and productivity. We’re looking for people who want to work in a collaborative, fast-moving environment where their ideas can make a real impact.

About the Role

As the Head of Autonomy, you will define and lead the technical strategy, execution, and delivery of state-of-the-art autonomy solutions for our autonomous tractor fleet. You will manage critical areas including perception, calibration, localization, planning, navigation, and controls, balancing breakthrough research with pragmatic, commercial-ready development. You’ll own the autonomy roadmap, guide build-versus-buy decisions, and build a high-performance team—all while thriving in a fast-paced startup environment that rewards nimbleness, innovation, and results.

Define and drive both strategic and tactical decisions for autonomy software across our fleet of various machine types.

Prioritize autonomy subsystem development in sync with product roadmaps, customer insights, and business goals.

Work closely with Product Management, Systems Engineering, and Hardware teams to set clear technical and performance requirements.

Oversee software features from conceptualization through prototyping, testing, validation, and deployment, ensuring strict adherence to safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.

Balance the tradeoffs between developing fast and developing right.

Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, rapid execution, and accountability.

Advocate and implement simulation-driven, field-validated development methodologies.

Continuously monitor and enhance subsystem performance to meet ambitious launch timelines and customer expectations.

Manage budgets and resources effectively to support aggressive project timelines and evolving business objectives.

Proactively identify project risks and execute effective mitigation strategies to ensure timely, on-budget delivery.

A minimum of 8 years of experience in autonomous software development, with a proven track record in deploying real-world autonomy systems.

At least 3 years in a technical leadership role, successfully guiding high-performance, cross-functional engineering teams.

Deep expertise in one or more core autonomy disciplines (e.g., perception, localization, planning, navigation, controls).

A proactive, hands-on leadership style that thrives in a startup setting, adept at wearing multiple hats and driving innovation through ambiguity.

Strong familiarity with machine learning and safety-critical system development, preferably aligned with ground robotics functional safety standards.

A demonstrated ability to balance long-term strategic vision with hands-on technical execution in a dynamic environment.

Proficiency in relevant programming languages, particularly C++ and Python.

Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to align diverse teams and stakeholders toward a shared vision.

Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or a closely related field.

Proven leadership in high-growth, innovative organizations—preferably in robotics, AI, or related industries—where agility and rapid decision-making were essential.

A passion for hands-on leadership, startup agility, and rapid innovation cycles.

Experience in automotive, agriculture, or off-road autonomy applications, with a passion for redefining how technology meets real-world challenges