Engineering Manager - Release & Configuration Management

About the role

Torc Robotics is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead its Release and Configuration Management team. This critical role involves overseeing the entire release lifecycle of both software and hardware components associated with autonomous vehicle development. The manager will be responsible for coordinating release activities, ensuring that all deliverables meet quality standards and are delivered on schedule. The position requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams, including development, fleet operations, and product management. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining configuration integrity, managing risks, and driving continuous improvement in release processes to support the company's mission of advancing autonomous vehicle technology.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and manage a team of release managers responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing software and hardware releases for autonomous vehicle systems.
• Oversee the entire release process, including scheduling, impact analysis, testing coordination, and deployment activities to ensure timely and reliable releases.
• Develop and implement strategies for efficient release management, including establishing best practices, standards, and procedures to streamline workflows.
• Facilitate regular release trains, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on schedules, deliverables, and testing requirements.
• Monitor and control the release pipeline, including managing Git repositories, tagging, branching, and documentation of release artifacts to maintain traceability and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with development teams to ensure proper configuration management, including baseline identification, version control, and change management.
• Conduct audits of configuration items and ensure adherence to configuration management policies throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive risk mitigation strategies related to releases, including contingency planning and issue resolution during deployment phases.
• Coordinate with testing teams to ensure comprehensive validation, including integration, system, and safety testing, especially in the context of autonomous vehicle systems.
• Support the deployment of updates to production systems, ensuring minimal disruption and high availability.
• Lead efforts to improve release processes continuously, incorporating feedback and lessons learned to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Manage resource planning, performance evaluations, and professional development for team members, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and mentoring new team members to build a strong, capable release management team.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, providing updates on release schedules, risks, and issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align release plans with overall project timelines and strategic objectives.
• Support compliance with industry standards and company policies related to configuration management and release procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in software build, integration, and testing systems, with a strong understanding of release management processes.
• At least 2 years of experience managing a team of professionals responsible for release or configuration management.
• Proven experience working with complex embedded systems, particularly in autonomous driving or robotics environments.
• Familiarity with software release management tools, build systems, and source control repositories such as Git.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly and effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration among diverse groups.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving technology and project requirements.
• Experience in delivering production systems from initial prototypes through to deployment and ongoing maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety-critical systems and compliance standards relevant to autonomous vehicle technology is a plus.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.

Nice to have

• Experience working with autonomous vehicle testing or robotics systems, especially those based on ROS (Robot Operating System).
• Knowledge of configuration management practices for safety-critical systems and systems engineering methodologies.
• Background in project management, including familiarity with methodologies like PMP or similar certifications.
• Experience with industry standards such as ISO 26262 or ASPICE related to automotive safety and quality.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency with software release tools, version control systems such as Git, and build automation tools.
• Familiarity with defect tracking and issue management systems.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple releases and priorities simultaneously.
• Leadership skills to motivate and develop team members, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and make informed decisions quickly.

Practical notes

This role is based in Fort Worth, Texas, and offers a hybrid work environment, combining on-site presence with flexible scheduling. Torc Robotics provides a competitive salary range between $160,800 and $193,000 USD, complemented by a bonus component and stock options. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums. The company also offers a 401K plan with a 6% employer match, flexible work hours, and generous paid time off. Additional benefits include life insurance and AD+D coverage. Torc Robotics is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.