Head of Autonomy

The Head of Autonomy at Agtonomy is responsible for defining and executing the technical strategy for our autonomous tractor fleet. Major responsibilities include managing various autonomy subsystems such as perception and navigation, overseeing software features from concept through deployment, and recruiting and mentoring a high-performance engineering team. Additionally, you'll balance the need for fast development with ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Candidates for the Head of Autonomy role at Agtonomy should have a minimum of 8 years of experience in autonomous software development, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership capacity. A deep understanding of core autonomy disciplines such as planning and controls is essential, as well as proficiency in programming languages like C++ and Python. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred, along with a hands-on leadership approach and excellent communication skills.

At Agtonomy, innovation is at the heart of our operations. As the Head of Autonomy, you'll advocate for simulation-driven and field-validated methodologies to enhance development speed and quality. By working collaboratively with product management and engineering teams, you'll ensure that breakthrough autonomy solutions are not only conceptually sound but also rigorously tested and ready for market deployment.

The Head of Autonomy role at Agtonomy opens doors to significant career advancement opportunities. As you lead the autonomy strategies and manage a growing team, you'll gain experience in high-level decision-making and project management, which can prepare you for more senior positions within Agtonomy or other leading tech ventures in the robotics or agricultural sectors.

Agtonomy prides itself on a collaborative and inclusive work environment that emphasizes agility, mentorship, and passion for innovation. As the Head of Autonomy, you'll work alongside talented individuals who are driven by a shared mission to redefine the agriculture industry through technology. The culture celebrates creative problem-solving and rapid execution, making it an exciting place for dynamic leaders.

Focus on your hands-on experiences and specific projects where you've successfully deployed autonomy systems. Highlight your expertise in relevant areas such as perception, navigation, and subsystems. Provide clear examples of challenges faced and how you overcame them during deployment.

Discuss your approach to task prioritization, emphasizing the importance of aligning product roadmaps with stakeholder inputs. Illustrate how you utilize tools or methodologies, such as Agile, to ensure effective communication and transparency among team members.

Share examples of how you've encouraged creative problem-solving, collaboration, and open communication in your previous roles. Mention tools or practices you've implemented to create a safe space for brainstorming and experimentation.

Reflect on a specific project where you faced tight timelines yet needed to maintain high standards. Describe the decision-making process you used to achieve this balance, and the outcomes of the project.

Outline your approach to identifying potential project risks, such as technical challenges or resource constraints. Explain the steps you take to mitigate these risks, ensuring projects stay on track both in timeline and budget.

Discuss your familiarity with relevant safety standards in the industry, such as those related to ground robotics. Provide an example of how you've implemented compliance checks during your development processes to ensure safety and reliability.

Emphasize your proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as C++ and Python. Provide examples of projects where you've applied these languages effectively, discussing how they contributed to the success of the autonomy systems developed.

Describe your methods for continuously monitoring subsystem performance, such as metrics or simulation tests. Speak about the importance of iterative testing and validation, and how you incorporate feedback loops into the development cycle.

Showcase your knowledge about current trends and innovations in autonomous technology, particularly those affecting agriculture and robotics. Reflect on how staying informed about these trends helps you shape strategic decisions in your role.

Discuss your communication strategies for ensuring that your team's work aligns with Agtonomy's broader objectives. Highlight techniques like regular check-ins and setting shared milestones to maintain alignment and motivation.