Engineering Manager, Autonomy Systems Verification and Validation

About the role

Zoox is on an ambitious journey to develop a full-stack autonomous mobility solution for cities. The Engineering Manager, Autonomy Systems Verification and Validation will lead a team of engineers dedicated to evaluating the safety performance of our robot across a diverse range of driving scenarios. This role owns the design and execution of comprehensive validation campaigns that assess the real-world and simulated behavior of our autonomy stack. The position requires close collaboration with multiple disciplines to ensure verification activities are rigorous, traceable, and aligned with product and safety goals. The manager will be responsible for establishing new processes and frameworks that bring structure to evolving verification challenges. They will provide mentorship to engineers, helping to grow technical depth and excellence within the team. This role involves translating high-level safety objectives into concrete test plans and measurable success criteria. The incumbent will drive clarity from ambiguity, scope complex projects, and set priorities that unblock the critical path to service launch.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead the development and execution of multi-faceted validation campaigns that assess the safety performance of Zoox's autonomy system in varied driving contexts.

Design and implement log data analysis methodologies to extract insights from on-road testing, focusing on edge case identification and system improvement.

Architect and maintain simulation strategies that replicate real-world scenarios, enabling scalable testing of software updates and safety features.

Develop structured closed course testing protocols that rigorously evaluate vehicle control, decision-making, and fail-safe behaviors.

Partner with driving software teams to ensure validation activities are tightly integrated with the latest software capabilities and architectural changes.

Collaborate with software tool teams to build and refine the infrastructure that supports test execution, data collection, and result analysis.

Work alongside test operators to define safe and efficient operational procedures for on-site testing and data gathering activities.

Liaise with systems engineers to align verification efforts with broader system requirements, performance metrics, and safety standards.

Coordinate with proving ground operators to optimize the use of physical test environments and maximize the relevance of conducted tests.

Define and own key performance indicators that measure the effectiveness of validation campaigns and the maturity of the autonomy system.

Establish traceability between system requirements, test cases, and observed results to ensure comprehensive safety verification.

Champion continuous improvement by analyzing validation outcomes and feeding findings back into the development and deployment cycles.

Lead cross-functional initiatives that require synthesizing input from diverse teams to create coherent and executable validation strategies.

Mentor engineers by providing technical guidance, career development support, and fostering a culture of rigorous inquiry and innovation.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or have equivalent practical experience.

A minimum of 8 years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical role is required.

At least 6 years of leadership experience managing teams of engineers in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment is mandatory.

Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing verification and validation strategies for complex software systems is essential.

Strong proficiency in log data analysis, including the ability to identify anomalies, correlate events, and derive actionable insights is required.

Experience with simulation tools and methodologies relevant to autonomous systems is a necessary part of the core skill set.

Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including software engineering, product management, and operations.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and align on objectives.

Nice to have

Experience with safety-critical systems and relevant functional safety standards or best practices.

Background in robotics, autonomous vehicles, or mobility platforms.

Familiarity with formal methods or property-based testing approaches.

Knowledge of data-driven machine learning systems and their verification challenges.

Experience with cloud infrastructure and distributed computing environments.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position located in Foster City, California.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or at any point in the future.

The position is not eligible for relocation assistance.