OI AI AD Robotics Open Innovation Manager

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI); Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-premium insurance

Employer-paid disability

Generous PTO

Competitive salary

Global environment

Retirement benefits

HSAs/FSAs

Flexible hours

Job summary

Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) in Mountain View, CA, seeks an Open Innovation Manager focusing on Autonomous Driving, AI & Robotics. You will join Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley to identify breakthrough technologies and partnerships with startups, VCs, universities, and research institutions to advance next‑gen mobility.

You will evaluate emerging tech, build a clear POV on trends, and drive PoCs and collaboration programs from ideation to implementation across geographies.

Qualifications

• Curiosity about technology and startups.
• 5+ years in autonomous driving, AI, robotics, or related mobility tech.
• Experience in scouting, market research, and startup analysis.
• Ability to form partnerships and strategic roadmaps.
• Strong written and verbal communication; executive-ready materials.

Responsibilities

• Spot technologies, startups, market shifts and translate into actionable recommendations.
• Build relationships with startups, investors, universities and research institutions.
• Collaborate with global internal teams to identify needs and partnerships.
• Lead or support technology assessments, PoCs, and strategic projects end-to-end.
• Contribute to workshops, startup assessments, tech reviews and briefings.

Skills

Autonomous driving

AI & Robotics

Mobility technology

Strategic partnerships

Startup scouting

Market research

Networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) is seeking an Open Innovation Manager – Autonomous Driving, AI & Robotics – to join Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley in Mountain View, CA.

Hyundai CRADLE is Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) innovation and early-stage venture arm, partnering with leading startups across North America to generate insights and collaboration opportunities that enhance our current businesses and develop new business opportunities. CRADLE has teams around the world – Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore. This position is in our Silicon Valley office in Mountain View, CA.

This role offers the opportunity to identify, evaluate, and introduce breakthrough technologies and partnerships with a focus on autonomous driving, AI, robotics, and next-generation mobility. You will assess emerging technology shifts, develop strategic perspectives for HMG, and work closely with internal leaders and external partners, including startups, tech companies, VCs, universities, and research institutions.

What you will do

• Spot emerging technologies, startups, market shifts, and business models, and turn them into actionable recommendations for HMG
• Build relationships across the innovation ecosystem, including startups, investors, universities, and research institutions
• Collaborate with internal teams around the world to identify business needs, technology priorities, and partnership opportunities
• Lead or support technology assessments, PoCs, and strategic collaboration projects from ideation to implementation
• Contribute to workshops, startup assessments, technology reviews, and executive briefings

What you will bring to the role

• Demonstrated strong curiosity in technology and startups
• 5+ years of experience and technical understanding in autonomous driving, AI, robotics, physical AI, mobility technology, automotive software, or related sectors
• Experience in technology scouting, market research, startup analysis, business development, product strategy, roadmaps, or strategic partnerships
• Experience working with startups, venture firms, universities, research institutions, or other ecosystem partners
• Strategic mindset to evaluate technical and business potential, form a clear point of view on trends, and translate insights into action
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to create clear, executive-ready materials that communicate complex ideas simply
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively across teams and geographies
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, work proactively and independently, prioritize tasks and identify high-impact opportunities
• Knowledge of automotive and related industries a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, AI, business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred

What Hyundai can offer you

• Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
• 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
• Competitive Salaries
  • $150,000 ~ $190,000
• A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
• Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
• Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Flexible Work Hours

Other Details

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.