Senior Hardware PM — Autonomous Vehicle Platform

Waabi; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Waabi, a leader in Physical AI, is seeking a Product Manager to lead the hardware platform for the Waabi Driver across autonomous trucks and robotaxi. This role requires a strong hardware background and hands-on product leadership to translate autonomy and safety needs into actionable requirements.

You will collaborate with hardware engineering, OEMs, and suppliers to shape end-to-end hardware programs, ensure testable criteria, and verify outcomes in mock-ups and real vehicles.

Qualifications

• Hardware background with engineering credibility.
• 8+ years in product management, hardware product, or systems engineering on physical products.
• Experience in automotive, autonomous vehicles, robotics, or similar hardware domains.
• Industrial design experience and strong HMI/human factors sense.
• Proven ability to translate messy scenarios into testable requirements with clear acceptance criteria and verification methods.
• Experience building relationships with OEMs and suppliers and coordinating across organizations.
• Commitment to trust, transparency, and safety in critical environments.
• Willingness to be on site regularly for mock-ups and vehicle testing.

Responsibilities

• Own product requirements for Waabi's hardware platform across trucks and robotaxi.
• Define vehicle interaction with riders, law enforcement, first responders, and the public (exterior signaling, cabin safety, tamper resistance).
• Lead hardware program definitions before engineering kickoff with verifiable acceptance criteria.
• Incorporate industrial design and human factors into touchpoints like displays, lighting, and controls; validate with mock-ups and vehicles.
• Build relationships with OEMs and suppliers; align requirements across organizations.
• Represent hardware decisions in cross-functional product discussions regarding feasibility, cost, and scope.
• Be regularly on-site for mock-ups, vehicle evaluations, and testing.

Skills

Hardware background

Product management

Automotive/AV experience

Industrial design

Requirements writing

OEM/supplier relationships

On-site readiness

Education

Engineering degree (mechanical, electrical, systems)

Job description

Waabi, a leader in Physical AI, is seeking a Product Manager to lead the hardware platform for the Waabi Driver across autonomous trucks and robotaxi. This role requires a strong hardware background and hands-on product leadership to translate autonomy and safety needs into actionable requirements.

You will collaborate with hardware engineering, OEMs, and suppliers to shape end-to-end hardware programs, ensure testable criteria, and verify outcomes in mock-ups and real vehicles.