Manager, Technical Program Management - Sensors and Systems Engineering

Zoox’s Advanced Hardware Engineering team is in charge of delivering all the autonomous hardware, infotainment electronic control units and electrical components that go into Zoox’s future fleet of self-driving vehicles. Our sensors are mission-critical, as are the functional safety and systems engineering functions that ensure the integrity and safety of our architecture design. We are not a typical hardware team that simply delivers hardware that meets our performance and reliability specifications. We take extreme, end-to-end ownership of our sensor data product, ensuring that we deliver what our autonomy, software and safety customers need. 

We move fast here at Zoox, and many candidates will be asked from time to time to wear many hats. We would love to hear from you if you are up for solving very challenging problems across numerous cross-functional teams, delivering milestones with numerous dependencies and scaling your impact by developing and adopting structured ways of working. Additionally, if you are an expert at herding cats and influencing without formal authority, then this role was made for you!

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated TPM Manager to lead and mentor a team of Technical Program Managers (TPMs) focused on the delivery of our most complex and safety-critical sensor and system engineering initiatives. This role requires a unique blend of technical depth, people leadership, and expert program management. You will be responsible for overseeing the execution strategy and process quality across three critical domains: Sensors Programs, Systems Engineering, and Functional Safety Compliance (e.g., ISO 26262). The ideal candidate has a proven track record of scaling high-performing teams, partnering with numerous cross-functional teams and senior executives, and successfully delivering complex, multi-disciplinary technical products where safety and reliability are paramount.

You will work in extremely close partnership with the Director of Sensors and Systems Engineering to strategize and do what needs doing. Develop strong cross-functional relationships at all levels, deepen the team’s understanding of Zoox’s complex product and interdependencies to AHE, and foster a collaborative “one Zoox” environment. Proactively identify and resolve systemic organizational and technical impediments that impact program velocity and quality. Facilitate both non-technical conversations (and technical ones as needed), align team perspectives, and support the development of options matrices to help the cross-functional program team make the right decisions. Provide concise and effective communications to key stakeholders on program status, issues/risks, and accomplishments, in writing and via presentations. 

In this role, you will: :
Sensors Programs: Oversee the TPMs responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex sensor integration programs (e.g., Lidar, Radar, visible and longwave infrared cameras) from definition and sourcing through mass production and deployment. Sensor Integration and Sensor Cleaning: Develop a full comprehensive of the interdependencies between sensors, sensor integration and sensor cleaning, and ensure seamless execution between the sensor and sensor integration & sensor cleaning teams.  Systems Engineering and Functional Safety: In an individual contributor role, drive robust program management practices within the Systems Engineering and Functional Safety teams. Scope necessary work, create deliverables and timelines, and dashboards to track progress. Escalate risks , support cross-functional collaboration and help unblock the team as needed Own the consolidated roadmap and reporting for the portfolio of programs managed by the team, ensuring executive visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies. Oversee program assets and communication channels that ensure engineering teams understand what they need to deliver at all times, and are held accountable for delivering them. Work with cross-functional leaders and Finance teams to define and track resource requirements and spend against budget Work closely with procurement and supplier quality leaders to ensure an excellent partnership with suppliers.

Qualifications:
Experience: 10+ years of total experience in technical program management (with some experience specifically managing sensor technology programs), with at least 3+ years managing and mentoring a team of TPMs, Technical Project Leads, or Engineers.  Technical Domain Expertise: Deep knowledge and hands-on experience managing the development lifecycle of complex hardware/software systems (e.g., in robotics, automotive, aerospace, or industrial automation). Safety Standards: Strong experience managing programs compliant with industry functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508, or equivalent) and quality management systems. Program Management Tools: Proficiency in and experience using tools required to manage complex projects (i.e. JIRA, smartsheets).  Attitude: Remains flexible and calm in the face of uncertainty, and able to break down ambiguous problems into smaller puzzle pieces to solve. Self-motivated and proactive problem-solver Education: BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience

Bonus Qualifications:
Relevant Industry: Experience working with autonomous systems or in the automotive space.  Supplier management: Significant experience working with suppliers to deliver products from conception to production, including managing FW updates, test failures and escalations  Systems Acumen: Solid understanding of Systems Engineering principles, including requirements management, traceability, system characterization and architecture trade-offs. Certifications: PMP, PgMP, or Scrum Master certification.

About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

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Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.