Robotics Research Engineer
Ford Motor Company Open · verified Oct 22, 2026 At a glance
Mid-level AI Research role at Ford Motor Company. Dearborn · full-time · $141,066–$175,912 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Coordinate motion for mixed robot fleets in changing, partly structured settings that rely on distributed sensors
- Use advanced computing to address scheduling, and account for uncertain perception when robots plan movement and interactions
- Improve industrial safety through vision systems, then inspect vehicles visually to identify abnormalities
What you bring
- A relevant master's degree plus two years in this work or a related role, or a bachelor's degree with five progressive post-degree years
- Two years developing robotic-platform motion-planning or perception algorithms, with C++ and Python software work including embedded systems
- At least one year deploying control or motion-planning software on robots and testing functionality through SIL
- At least one year translating design needs into specifications, integrating hardware and software, and presenting visualized data to senior engineers
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits an engineer with robotics research platform experience and the listed degree-and-experience pathway. It is hybrid in Dearborn, and you must live within reasonable commuting distance of the worksite. You must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
From the employer
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow’s transportation.
Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford.
What you’ll be able to do:
Robotics Research Engineer - positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the worksite. Plan, control and coordinate the motion of a heterogenous fleet of robots in semi-structured and dynamic environments with distributed sensing. Use advanced compute systems to solve scheduling problems Object/people classification/recognition in environments with non-uniform lighting and incorporating associated models of uncertainty in motion planning and interaction decision making. Oversee vision-based safety enhancement/enforcement in industrial settings. Perform visual inspection of vehicles for abnormality detection/identification.
You'll have…
Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field and 2 years of experience in the job offered or a related occupation. Alternatively, employer will accept a Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field and 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in the job offered or a related occupation. Any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable. 2 years of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Development of algorithms related to Motion Planning or Perception for inclusion on robotic research platforms. 2. Utilize programming or software development in C++ and Python, including embedded software, for code reviews and robotic implementation and deployment. 1 year of experience with each of the following skills is required: 1. Deploying controls and motion planning software on robotic hardware 2. Testing system functionality using Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Testing. 3. Translating design requirements into functional specification. 4. Data visualization, including formatting analytics data, and presenting data to senior engineers. 5. Integrating hardware and software systems to meet functional requirements.
We are offering a salary of $141,066.00 - $175,912.32/yr.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
For a detailed look at our benefits, click here:
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
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