Senior Manager, Robot Industrial Design

Zoox; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Stock-based compensation

Long-term disability insurance

Job summary

Zoox is seeking a Senior Manager for Robot Industrial Design to lead the creative direction of robotaxi platforms. This role will oversee the product lifecycle, ensuring clarity and precision in design execution while mentoring a high-performing team.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in automotive design and a passion for innovation. Responsibilities include managing design language evolution and collaborating with engineering and product teams to deliver cutting-edge mobility solutions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in automotive or relevant industrial design environments.
• 5+ years leading and developing design teams.
• Proven track record delivering production vehicles and/or complex hardware products.
• Strong experience managing studio workflows and design processes.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing industrial design team.
• Evolve Zoox’s hardware design language and strategy.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to production.
• Partner with engineering, UX, and product teams.
• Manage studio resources, budgets, and hiring.

Skills

Design craft

Team development

Production vehicle delivery

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Overview

At Zoox, Robot Industrial Design defines how autonomous mobility is experienced through form, function, and interaction. We believe the future of mobility demands more than a new vehicle; it requires a fundamentally new product philosophy built around people, technology, and seamless integration. Our design team works from first principles to create products that are human-centered, technically sophisticated, and uncompromising in their purpose.

As Senior Manager, Robot Industrial Design, you will lead the creative direction and development of Zoox’s robotaxi platforms and connected hardware ecosystem. You will drive a holistic design vision across vehicle design, CMF and product integration, ensuring every element reflects clarity, precision, and intent. This role requires a leader who can operate equally at the conceptual and production level, guiding breakthrough ideas from early vision through engineering execution, manufacturing realization and real-world deployment.

You will lead and mentor a high-performing team of designers while partnering closely with engineering, software, product, brand and manufacturing to deliver deeply integrated mobility experiences. The ideal candidate brings exceptional design judgment, a systems-minded approach, and a relentless focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and simplicity. Your work will help guide not only the physical expression of the Zoox brand, but also the future relationship between people, autonomy, and everyday transportation.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing industrial design team, fostering a culture of creativity, rigor, and craft.
• Evolve Zoox’s hardware design language and strategy, applying first-principles thinking to redefine the future of the robotaxi.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to production, ensuring design integrity and high-quality execution.
• Partner with engineering, UX, and product teams to deliver innovative, cohesive, and technically feasible solutions.
• Oversee the creation of compelling digital and physical deliverables that effectively convey design intent to leadership and stakeholders, ensuring that timelines, quality, and design intent are upheld across all deliverables.
• Manage studio resources, budgets, and hiring while refining design processes and internal culture.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in automotive or relevant industrial design environments.
• 5+ years leading and developing design teams.
• Proven track record delivering production vehicles and/or complex hardware products from concept to launch.
• Strong experience managing studio workflows, design processes, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership.
• A deep passion for design craft, team development, and creating meaningful, future-forward products.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary Range: There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, and RSUs. A sign-on bonus may be offered. 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 various factors including experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g., sick leave, vacation, bereavement), health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, and stock-based compensation.

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 [e-mail] 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.