Director of Autonomy

Description

Summary:

Detroit Defense is seeking an accomplished Director of Autonomy to lead strategy, development, and execution of autonomous systems within our defense portfolio. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of autonomy products, concept through sustainment, while ensuring alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) priorities, customer mission needs, and company growth objectives.

The Director will serve as the senior leader for the Autonomy product line, shaping vision, driving program execution, and guiding cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions that strengthen national security.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Product Line Leadership: Define and own the strategic roadmap for the Autonomy PLM portfolio, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, defense acquisition priorities, and corporate strategy.

• Lifecycle Management: Oversee product lifecycle activities from concept development, requirements definition, design, test, production, sustainment, and eventual obsolescence.

• Customer Engagement: Act as the primary interface with DoD customers, industry partners, and internal stakeholders to capture needs, shape requirements, and position the business for long-term growth.

• Financial Ownership: Drive profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for the autonomy portfolio, including budget planning, forecasting, and achieving financial targets.

• Program Execution: Partner with engineering, operations, supply chain, and business development to ensure successful program delivery—on schedule, within budget, and to performance standards.

• Innovation & Growth: Identify emerging technologies, partnerships, and market opportunities in autonomy and AI/ML to advance the product line’s competitiveness.

• Talent Development: Build and lead a high-performing PLM team; mentor and develop talent across technical and business functions.

• Compliance: Ensure adherence to all defense industry regulations, including ITAR, FAR/DFARS, export control, and cybersecurity requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• 12+ years of experience in defense, aerospace, or autonomy-related industries, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience managing the lifecycle of complex defense products or systems.

• Proven track record of business growth, capture strategy, and customer engagement with DoD organizations.

• Strong financial acumen with P&L management experience.

• Deep knowledge of autonomous systems, AI/ML applications, and relevant DoD modernization priorities.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Active Secret Security clearance or ability to obtain required.

• Travel: This position requires approximately 50% travel, primarily for meetings and engagements if based outside of the Detroit area.