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Director Autonomous Driving Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director Autonomous Driving Engineer information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director autonomous driving engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for director autonomous driving engineer in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Autonomous Driving Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Autonomous Driving Engineer, you need deep expertise in robotics, computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning, typically supported by an advanced degree in engineering or computer science and significant industry experience. Familiarity with tools such as ROS, simulation platforms, automotive-grade software systems, and relevant safety certifications (like ISO 26262) is crucial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These abilities are vital for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering safe, reliable autonomous driving solutions.

What is the difference between Director Autonomous Driving Engineer vs Senior Autonomous Driving Engineer?

AspectDirector Autonomous Driving EngineerSenior Autonomous Driving Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees autonomous driving projects, manages teams, sets strategic goalsDesigns and develops autonomous driving systems, implements algorithms
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (Master's/PhD), extensive experience, leadership skillsRelevant engineering degree, several years of experience in autonomous systems
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D teams, cross-department collaborationHands-on engineering in labs or development teams
Industry UsageCommon in tech and automotive companies for strategic rolesCommon in engineering teams focused on system development

The main difference is that the Director Autonomous Driving Engineer focuses on leadership, strategy, and project oversight, while the Senior Autonomous Driving Engineer is primarily involved in technical development and implementation. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the director position emphasizes management and strategic planning within autonomous driving projects.

How does a Director of Autonomous Driving Engineering typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

As a Director of Autonomous Driving Engineering, you'll regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams such as hardware engineers, data scientists, product managers, safety and compliance experts, and user experience designers. Your role involves aligning the technical roadmap with business goals, ensuring seamless integration of software and hardware, and facilitating effective communication between departments. This collaborative approach is crucial for addressing complex challenges, maintaining project momentum, and ensuring the autonomous driving system meets safety, regulatory, and performance standards.

What does a Director Autonomous Driving Engineer do?

A Director Autonomous Driving Engineer leads and manages teams responsible for developing self-driving vehicle technologies. This role oversees the technical strategy, project execution, and integration of hardware and software for autonomous systems. Directors in this position collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and drive innovation to advance autonomous vehicle capabilities. They also mentor engineers, set technical standards, and work with stakeholders to align product goals with business objectives.
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Infographic showing various Director Autonomous Driving Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.

Contract Engineer, Autonomous Driving

Isuzu Motors America LLC

Plymouth, MI โ€ข On-site

$44 - $48/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Isuzu Technical Center of America is seeking a Contract Engineer, Autonomous Driving to join its operations in Plymouth, MI, for Summer 2026. The selected candidate will be placed with a preferred agency for employment.
JOB SUMMARY
Supports verification and validation of Level 4 autonomous driving technologies using state-of-the-art approaches and methodologies. Works closely with Isuzu US and Japan teams, leading autonomous driving partner companies, and reputed research institutes on the validation and deployment of autonomous systems. Works at the intersection of vehicle engineering and cutting-edge autonomous technology within a collaborative and passionate environment. Works with direction from manager and guidance from more senior staff.
% of time spenton each activity
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
30%
1.
Collaborates with engineers to develop and validate related vehicular and sensory models and algorithms related to autonomous vehicle safety.
20%
2.
Assists with analysis of on-road driving data and identification of safety trends or issues.
20%
3.
Supports simulation of real-world driving scenarios to test and validate AV systems.
20%
4.
Participates in cross-functional discussions and contributes ideas toward improving safety and reliability of AV systems.
10%
5.
Prepares and communicates findings and technical updates to teams across the U.S. and Japan.
6.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
  • Reports to: Manager, Autonomous Driving & MBD

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Data Science or related field. Master's preferred.
  • Minimum one (1) year of prior internships or project experience in data analysis, programming, and automotive systems.

KNOWLEDGE
  • Foundational understanding of data analysis, statistics, or simulation
  • Basic knowledge of autonomous driving or vehicle safety systems is a plus

SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in Python, C++, or Java
  • Familiarity with simulation or machine learning tools is a plus
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

PHYSICAL STANDARDS
The employee must be able to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer. This is primarily a sedentary position in a controlled office environment which requires only occasional reaching, stooping, and lifting of office files, reports or records, typically weighing 5 lbs. or less. Requires occasional light lifting (5-25 lbs) and on rare occasions, heavy lifting (60 lbs). Must be able on rare occasions to bend, crawl, climb, crouch, kneel and reach above shoulder level in the performance of job duties. Must be able to work in hot and cold weather extremes.
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