Senior Technical Program Manager - System Safety for Autonomy Software
Job Summary
Job Description
Zoox is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead the development and execution of validation programs for their autonomous software stack. This role involves ensuring the software meets rigorous performance and safety requirements across real-world and virtual environments. Key responsibilities include developing end-to-end validation strategies, leading cross-functional teams for simulation-based and vehicle-level testing, managing risks, tracking technical issues, and driving improvements in verification and validation processes. The position requires strong program management skills and experience in safety-critical systems.
Must have:
- 7+ years in technical program management or engineering leadership
- Lead technical teams through critical paths
- Proficiency with JIRA and project tracking tools
- Drive cross-functional programs to completion
- Experience in automotive, robotics, or aerospace industries
Good to have:
- Experience with software pipeline infrastructure
- Experience with machine learning validation
- Experience with simulation environments
- Experience with safety-critical or high-integrity systems
- Experience scaling validation strategies for autonomous systems
Perks:
- Paid time off (sick leave, vacation, bereavement)
- Unpaid time off
- Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights
- Amazon RSUs
- Health insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Sign-on bonus may be offered
7 skills required
Job Details
Zoox is on an ambitious journey to develop a full-stack autonomous mobility solution for cities and safely deploy a purpose-built robotaxi. Our System Design and Mission Assurance (SDMA) team is responsible for constructing the safety case for each critical milestone and plays a foundational role in the success of the company.
We are seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to drive the development and execution of validation programs that substantiate the safety case for Zoox’s autonomous software stack. Your work will span real-world and virtual environments, ensuring that our autonomy software meets rigorous performance and safety requirements. You will be part of an organization with strong leadership and a transparent, respectful culture that empowers you to perform at your best.
In this role, you will:
- Develop, drive, and own the end-to-end strategy for Autonomy Software Validation and Verification (V&V) programs, from planning through execution and closure.
- Lead cross-functional coordination to define simulation-based and structured test plans validating autonomous vehicle features.
- Coordinate vehicle-level validation activities, including test logistics, resource planning, and on-site test execution.
- Manage risk assessments, track technical issues, proactively drive resolutions across diverse engineering teams, and escalate where necessary.
- Monitor test progress and ensure the timely delivery of validation artifacts, including automated data extraction and test reports.
- Enable continuous improvement of V&V processes, tooling, and automation to enhance program efficiency and safety case quality.
Qualifications
- BS or MS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent job experience.
- 7+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering leadership, ideally within the automotive, robotics, or aerospace industries.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams through critical paths and achieve program goals under tight timelines.
- Proficiency with project and issue tracking tools such as JIRA, and familiarity with Gantt charting, dependency mapping, and critical path management.
- Proven track record of driving cross-functional programs to completion in dynamic, fast-paced environments with multiple stakeholders.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with software pipeline infrastructure, machine learning validation, or simulation environments.
- Experience working with safety-critical or high-integrity systems (e.g., automotive safety, aerospace, medical)
- Experience scaling validation and test strategies for complex autonomous systems.
$172,000 - $236,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
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.
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com 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.
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About The Company
Zoox is transforming mobility-as-a-service by developing a fully autonomous, purpose-built fleet designed for AI to drive and humans to enjoy.
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