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Director Waymo Engineering Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Proving Ground Site Lead

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$230K - $284K/yr

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in ... Direct, hands on experience with a variety of program management tools, commonly used tools are ...

... Waymo's network, maintaining end-to-end situational awareness across all live markets. * Direct ... Ability to align network priorities with regional market realities and technical engineering ...

Proving Ground Site Lead

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$230K - $284K/yr

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in ... Direct, hands on experience with a variety of program management tools, commonly used tools are ...

... Waymo's network, maintaining end-to-end situational awareness across all live markets. * Direct ... Ability to align network priorities with regional market realities and technical engineering ...

Operations Controller Lead

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$285K - $352K/yr

... Waymo's network, maintaining end-to-end situational awareness across all live markets. * Direct ... Ability to align network priorities with regional market realities and technical engineering ...

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in ... Direct, hands on experience with a variety of program management tools, commonly used tools are ...

Partnering with industry leaders like Waymo, we're redefining fleet management and driving the ... Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, transportation, public policy, related field or ...

Partnering with industry leaders like Waymo, we're redefining fleet management and driving the ... Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, transportation, public policy, related field or ...

Director Waymo Engineering information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$72.5K

$193.3K

$252.2K

How much do director waymo engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director waymo engineering in Phoenix, AZ is $193,329.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,500.00 and $251,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Waymo Engineering, and why are they important?

To excel as a Director of Waymo Engineering, you need a deep background in software engineering, robotics, and autonomous vehicle technology, typically supported by an advanced degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with large-scale distributed systems, machine learning frameworks, and automotive safety standards, as well as experience with project management tools, is essential. Strong leadership, strategic vision, and effective cross-functional communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the successful development, deployment, and scaling of autonomous driving technologies in a highly competitive and safety-critical industry.

How does a Director of Waymo Engineering typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Director of Waymo Engineering, you will regularly collaborate with product managers, research scientists, operations leads, and UX designers to align technical objectives with overall business goals. This role requires facilitating open communication across teams, removing roadblocks, and ensuring that engineering deliverables meet high standards for safety and innovation. You’ll also participate in strategic planning sessions, balancing technical feasibility with product priorities and regulatory requirements. Effective collaboration and leadership are crucial in fostering a productive, high-performing engineering culture.

What does a Director of Waymo Engineering do?

A Director of Waymo Engineering leads and manages technical teams responsible for the development of autonomous driving technology at Waymo. Their role involves setting strategic goals, ensuring high engineering standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. They also oversee project timelines, allocate resources, and mentor engineering leaders to drive progress. The position requires a deep understanding of both software and hardware systems, as well as experience in large-scale, complex technology projects.

How much do engineers at Waymo make?

Engineers at Waymo, including software and hardware roles, typically earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience and seniority. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and benefits, reflecting industry standards for autonomous vehicle technology companies.

What is the difference between Director Waymo Engineering vs Director Autonomous Vehicle Engineering?

AspectDirector Waymo EngineeringDirector Autonomous Vehicle Engineering
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; extensive industry experienceSimilar educational background; focus on autonomous vehicle systems
Work EnvironmentLeading teams in autonomous vehicle development at Waymo; R&D and operational settingsOverseeing autonomous vehicle projects, often within automotive or tech companies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily at Waymo, within the autonomous vehicle industryVarious automotive and tech companies involved in autonomous vehicle development

While both roles involve leading autonomous vehicle projects, the Director Waymo Engineering specifically focuses on Waymo's proprietary systems and operations, whereas the Director Autonomous Vehicle Engineering may work across multiple companies or projects in the autonomous vehicle industry.

What are popular job titles related to Director Waymo Engineering jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Director Waymo Engineering jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Waymo Engineering jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Director Waymo Engineering jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
Proving Ground Site Lead

Proving Ground Site Lead

Waymo

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$230K - $284K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver™-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in groundbreaking new ways. We set the high performance standards that ensure our vehicles run smoothly and keep passengers safe, then design and perform the tests that validate that performance. We're looking for talented teammates who'll help us maintain strong teamwork and are passionate about driving results.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports toSystems Test Engineering Manager.
You will:
  • Lead a large proving ground and be directly responsible for the activity on site ensuring that the testing and engineering operations are executed safely, efficiently and are meeting Waymo's quality and project timeline requirements
  • Develop and execute the strategic proving ground planning for the site by proactively identifying new testing requirements and proposing the infrastructure, staffing, and tooling needed to meet those needs, and then overseeing the implementation of those projects
  • Lead the relationships with our operating partners to ensure that engineering and operating SLA's are met and to continuously improve the collaboration between facilities, operations, engineering, technician, and driver staff
  • Evaluate novel test plans and test campaigns to ensure that they can be executed safely and propose the most efficient and effective testing methodologies
  • Host and lead drive events and technical demonstrations on site for external partners and government officials

You have:
  • Experience in physical testing in automotive, aerospace or robotics, including test equipment and data acquisition
  • Experience in developing or operating test tracks, military proving grounds, wind tunnels or airports
  • Experience working closely with vendors providing engineering, testing, or operational services
  • The ability to effectively lead large cross functional teams
  • Direct, hands on experience with a variety of program management tools, commonly used tools are Jira, Google Docs and internal issue trackers
  • Demonstrated experience in setting the strategy and leading large engineering programs or test campaigns

We prefer:
  • Experience with automotive testing across a diverse range of operating conditions and technical domains (Vehicle Dynamics, ADAS, Noise and Vibration, Durability, Sensing, Perception, etc.)
  • Experience with physical hands-on testing of Autonomous Vehicles and related technologies
  • Experience maintaining high-visibility project schedules and campaign tracking to ensure project clarity and stakeholder management
  • Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and experience with verification coverage plans developed from system level requirements

Travel requirements:
  • 10% travel to support: Traveling to Waymo's headquarters as well as other test facilities and proving grounds to support test campaigns

*The location of the work site is approximately 45 min outside of Phoenix.
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$230,000-$284,000 USD