Vehicle Operations Lead

Waabi, founded by AI pioneer and visionary Raquel Urtasun, is an AI company building the next generation of self-driving technology. With a world class team and an innovative approach that unleashes the power of AI to “drive” safely in the real world, Waabi is bringing the promise of self-driving closer to commercialization than ever before. Waabi is backed by best-in-class investors across the technology, logistics and the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai

You will...
- Manage, mentor, and develop a growing team of Vehicle Operators (VOs), handling performance monitoring and career development.
- Serve as the functional lead for Shift Supervisors, defining workflows and hand-off procedures to ensure seamless leadership coverage across testing.
- Manage shift schedules that ensure continuous fleet coverage while adhering to fatigue management policies and optimizing workforce utilization.
- Partner with the Test Operations Lead to align operator availability with mission volume forecasts, ensuring that all scheduled testing and commercial loads are fully crewed without delay.
- Oversee the daily deployment of Vehicle Operators, ensuring all shifts are staffed and personnel are "mission-ready" (physically fit, briefed, and equipped).
- Manage operational logistics essential for our growing test fleet, including onsite fuel coordination and DEF inventory.
- Enforce strict FMCSA and internal compliance, managing Hours of Service (HOS), Driver Qualification (DQ) files for all CDL holders.
- Maintain comprehensive operational records, ensuring the organization is perpetually audit-ready.
- Champion Waabi’s Safety Culture, conducting safety briefings and ensuring all personnel adhere to strict safety policies both in the yard and on public roads.

Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in fleet operations, logistics, or transportation management.
- 2+ years of direct people management experience, specifically managing CDL operators, dispatchers, or shift-based teams.
- Active CDL (Class A) holder is strongly preferred; understanding the technical and physical demands of Class 8 operation is critical for managing this workforce.
- Deep knowledge of transportation regulations (DOT, FMCSA), particularly regarding Hours of Service (HOS) and compliance for commercial operators.
- Experience working in a technical or testing environment; previous experience in the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) industry is a strong plus.
- Ability to work flexible shifts, including days, nights, and weekends, to support a 24/7 operation and travel to remote sites/roadside locations as needed.
- Proficiency with fleet management software, scheduling tools, and telematics platforms.

Perks/Benefits:
- Competitive compensation and equity awards.
- Health and Wellness benefits encompassing Medical, Dental and Vision coverage (for full-time employees only).
- Unlimited Vacation.
- Flexible hours and Work from Home support.
- Daily drinks, snacks and catered meals (when in office).
- Regularly scheduled team building activities and social events both on-site, off-site & virtually.
- As we grow, this list continues to evolve!

Waabi is a technology start-up building technologies to transform the way the world moves. Join our talented team to be a part of the future and to make an impact!

Waabi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all our employees. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, caregiver status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know.