Senior/Staff Technical Program Manager - Compute Hardware

@ Zoox
Zooxzoox.com

Senior/Staff Technical Program Manager - Compute Hardware

Foster City, CA
Posted 1 day ago

About the job

Zoox develops autonomous vehicles and related hardware. The role focuses on managing complex hardware projects, ensuring cross-team alignment, and delivering innovative compute systems for autonomous driving.

Requirements

  • Deep experience with hardware development
  • Proficiency in project management tools
  • Managing complex, cross-functional projects
  • Experience working with suppliers
  • Knowledge of rapid design cycles

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in engineering
  • 10+ years work experience
  • 5+ years in program management
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Experience in automotive or compute systems (bonus)

Full job description

Zoox is building a fleet of purpose-built robotaxis from the ground up — and the Advanced Hardware Engineering (AHE) team delivers the physical intelligence that makes autonomy real: the sensors, compute, and electronics that let our vehicles perceive, reason, and drive. At the very heart of that architecture sits the Primary Compute Unit (PCU), the brain that runs the AI stack powering every autonomous mile. We are now developing the next generation of the PCU from an early, clean-sheet design phase, and we are looking for a deeply experienced Technical Program Manager to lead it end-to-end — from early architecture and design through validation, integration, and production.

This is one of the most complex, mission-critical, and highly visible programs at Zoox. You will lead with a true helicopter perspective -  translating company strategy and vehicle milestones into an end-to-end program plan, then dropping into the technical and schedule detail to make it real. Across hardware, firmware, systems, software, safety, supply chain, quality, manufacturing, and vehicle integration, you will align teams on shared objectives, establish clear accountability, and deliver timely, high-quality results throughout the entire product lifecycle.

The person we are looking for is a big-picture thinker and detail-oriented executor, a gentle-yet-radical truth-teller, and a natural cross-functional weaver. You connect the dots across the organization, bring executive attention to the right topics at the right time, and drive root-cause analysis and resolution when the unexpected happens. You lead through influence rather than authority, communicate with clarity and executive presence at every level, and build the trust and partnerships that turn a group of brilliant specialists into One Team. Most of all, this is your chance to shape the future of transportation - safer, cleaner, more efficient, and a lot more fun.


In this role, you will:

  • Drive the PCU program forward with thought and energetic leadership, including supporting architecture alignment, hardware development, validation, integration, cross-functional alignment and company-wide communication.
  • This will be done in close partnership with the technical lead and other core team members across multiple departments. 
  • Work with department leaders to translate the top-down corporate strategy and milestones into detailed product roadmaps, timelines, and deliverables
  • Create and maintain program assets and communication channels that ensure every team member understands what they need to deliver at all times, and is held accountable for delivering them. 
  • Help especially internal engineering development and test teams plan their work, and use a task management system (e.g. JIRA) to clearly structure, communicate and track the work that needs to be done. 
  • Work with cross-functional leaders and Finance teams to define and track resource requirements and spend against budget
  • Manage technical supplier activities such as build planning and execution, and ensure robust end of line tests are put in place prior to delivery. Work closely with procurement and supplier quality teams to ensure an excellent partnership with suppliers. 
  • Work with our in-house manufacturing experts to ensure all is in place to perform final PCU assembly, and be accountable for ensuring needed parts are delivered on time, and to specifications. 
  • Coordinate issue root-cause analysis, issue resolution and overall response for issues that occur on the fleet; ensure the right level of cross-functional communication (including JIRA ticket hygiene), prioritization and momentum is placed on the topics. 
  • Work with all relevant departments as needed to ensure the successful delivery of our goals, including the Program Management Office, SW/FW teams, safety teams and vehicle manufacturing teams
  • Provide concise and effective communications to key stakeholders on program status, issues/risks, and accomplishments, in writing and via presentations. 
  • 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
  • Bring a disciplined business and meeting cadence to the program, ensuring agendas are set for critical topics to be discussed at each meeting

Qualifications

  • BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience
  • At least 10 years of work experience, and at least 5 of those in program management
  • Deep experience with hardware development and HW/SW integration
  • Significant experience working with suppliers (JDM, CM) to deliver products from conception to production
  • Proficiency in and experience using tools required to manage complex projects (i.e. JIRA, smartsheets). 
  • Strong track record in managing complex, cross-functional projects
  • Understands and deals with well with rapid design cycles; remains flexible and calm in the face of uncertainty
  • Self-motivated and proactive problem-solver

    • Bonus Qualifications

    • Experience working in the automotive industry, or prior experience developing compute systems 
    • Strong references that highlight your ability to build strong working relationships with senior leaders and engineers across functions and departments

    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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