Director, Autonomy Perception

About the role

May Mobility is dedicated to transforming urban transportation through autonomous vehicle technology, aiming to improve safety, sustainability, and accessibility in cities worldwide. As part of this mission, we are seeking a highly experienced Director of Autonomy Perception to lead our perception team, which is responsible for developing and refining sensor data processing algorithms critical to autonomous vehicle operation. This leadership role involves shaping the technical vision, overseeing research and development efforts, and ensuring that perception systems are , accurate, and reliable for real-world deployment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in robotics, computer vision, or related fields, with extensive experience managing teams and delivering innovative perception solutions that meet rigorous safety and performance standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define and execute the strategic vision and technical roadmap for the Autonomy Perception team, ensuring alignment with May Mobility's overall goals and objectives.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Vehicle Engineering, Product, Hardware, and Software teams to integrate perception capabilities seamlessly into autonomous vehicle systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in perception algorithms, focusing on object detection, classification, tracking, and prediction to enhance vehicle safety and operational reliability.
• Oversee the development, validation, and deployment of perception software, ensuring robustness across diverse environmental conditions and operational scenarios.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in sensor fusion, machine learning, scene understanding, and behavior prediction, applying relevant innovations to improve perception systems.
• Guide the design and prototyping of sensor suites, balancing performance enhancements with cost constraints, and collaborating with hardware teams to optimize sensor configurations.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for perception system accuracy, latency, and robustness, using data-driven insights to inform development priorities.
• Identify gaps and limitations in current perception capabilities, developing actionable plans and technical solutions to address these challenges effectively.
• Lead project planning, set milestones, and oversee the execution of complex perception-related initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
• Manage and mentor a team of perception engineers and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and technical excellence.
• Participate in the hiring process to identify and attract top talent, helping to grow the perception team and develop future leaders within the organization.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight, conducting code reviews, design reviews, and troubleshooting to maintain high standards of quality.
• Escalate critical issues within the perception team, coordinating resolution efforts and communicating progress to executive leadership.
• Collaborate with safety and validation teams to ensure perception systems meet safety standards and regulatory requirements for autonomous vehicles.
• Contribute to the development of company-wide best practices, documentation, and knowledge sharing to promote consistency and excellence in perception technology.
• Represent May Mobility at industry conferences, workshops, and technical forums, sharing insights and fostering relationships within the autonomous vehicle community.

Requirements

• Over 10 years of engineering experience in robotics, computer vision, or related technical fields, with a proven track record of solving complex perception challenges.
• PhD or master's degree in robotics, computer science, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated success in leading perception or sensor processing teams, with experience managing teams of 10 or more engineers.
• Extensive experience in developing perception algorithms for autonomous systems, with a focus on object detection, scene understanding, and behavior prediction.
• Strong background in sensor fusion techniques, multi-modal data processing, and machine learning applications relevant to autonomous vehicle perception.
• Proven ability to translate research insights into deployable, real-world solutions that meet safety and performance standards.
• Experience managing complex projects, setting milestones, and delivering results on schedule.
• Excellent leadership and mentorship skills, with a track record of developing talent and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication skills, capable of articulating technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working in fast-paced, innovative environments, with a focus on safety-critical systems.

Nice to have

• More than 5 years of management experience leading technical teams in robotics or autonomous vehicle development.
• Familiarity with May Mobility's Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology or similar decision-making frameworks.
• Experience in hiring, team growth, and developing hiring strategies for perception and sensor processing teams.
• Deep understanding of autonomous vehicle technology, including perception, planning, and control systems.
• Background working in startup environments or rapidly evolving tech companies.
• Knowledge of regulatory and safety standards applicable to autonomous vehicles.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in multi-sensor fusion, object detection, scene segmentation, tracking, and behavior prediction algorithms.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large datasets and derive actionable insights.
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage technical, integration, and personnel risks.
• Capable of operating effectively in uncertain environments, turning challenges into strategic opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Proven collaboration skills, working effectively with cross-disciplinary teams to solve system-level challenges.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

Practical notes

• Moderate travel required (11%-25%) for meetings, conferences, and collaboration with hardware and software teams.
• May Mobility offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plans and flexible vacation policies.
• The company values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.
• This role requires on-site presence at our designated locations, with no remote work options specified.
• Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous interview process that assesses technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit.
• May Mobility is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
• The salary range for this position is $220,000 to $300,000 USD, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Salary Range

$220,000 - $300,000 USD

May Mobility is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetics, or any other legally protected status.

About the company

May Mobility is transforming cities through autonomous technology to create a safer, greener, more accessible world. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, May develops and deploys autonomous vehicles (AVs) powered by our innovative Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology that literally reimagines the way AVs think.