Senior Technical Program Manager - Vehicle Attributes

Front Door Defense; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 186,000 - 233,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoox is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager for Vehicle Attributes to own end-to-end delivery of key milestones, coordinating hardware and software dependencies. You will surface risks, architect lightweight JIRA workflows, and act as the primary interface for cross-functional requests.

The role demands leadership in a fast-moving, execution-oriented environment. You will translate complex technical data into concise updates for executives, partnering with robotics, controls, and vehicle

Qualifications

• 8+ years of technical program management experience delivering complex automotive, aerospace, or robotics hardware programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Deep understanding of vehicle systems, development cycles, and prototype testing.
• Expert-level capability structuring JIRA boards, workflows, and dashboards for real-time project health visibility.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of vehicle attribute milestones and proactively clearing technical bottlenecks to keep programs on track.
• Partner with attribute and test leads to surface local risks and architect recovery plans.
• Design and maintain lightweight JIRA workflows, sprint cadences, and reporting rituals.
• Act as the primary interface for cross-functional requests, coordinating hardware, software, and validation dependencies.
• Translate fast-moving, complex technical data into concise, actionable updates for leadership.

Skills

Technical program management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Strategic thinking

Synthesis and communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

JIRA

Dashboards

Job description

Senior Technical Program Manager - Vehicle Attributes

Own end-to-end delivery of vehicle attribute development programs, coordinating hardware and software dependencies

Location: Foster City, California, United States

Compensation: $186,000 - 233,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Product

About The Role

Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM) for Vehicle Attributes

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.

As the Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM) for Vehicle Attributes, you will be the operational engine and technical coordinator behind vehicle attribute development (NVH, sound and voice, ride and handling, etc.). Partnering with a world-class team of robotics, controls, and vehicle engineers, you won't just track status — you will anticipate risks, engineer frameworks that optimize development velocity, and bridge the gap between complex engineering and executive strategy.

In this role you will:

• Own the end-to-end delivery of critical vehicle attribute milestones, proactively clearing technical bottlenecks to keep programs on track.
• Partner with attribute and test leads to surface local risks (e.g., vehicle downtime, hardware shortages) and architect immediate recovery plans.
• Design and maintain lightweight JIRA workflows, sprint cadences, and reporting rituals that maximize engineering focus and minimize admin debt.
• Act as the primary interface for cross-functional requests, ensuring hardware, software, and validation dependencies are tightly coordinated.
• Translate fast-moving, complex technical data into concise, actionable updates for leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of technical program management experience delivering complex automotive, aerospace, or robotics hardware programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Deep understanding of vehicle systems, development cycles, and prototype/pre-production testing.
• Expert‑level capability structuring JIRA boards, workflows, and dashboards for real‑time project health visibility.
• A proven 'closer' mindset with a high sense of autonomy, excellent synthesis skills, and a calm demeanor under shifting priorities.

Bonus Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
• Direct experience working with autonomous vehicle platforms, ADAS, or complex robotic systems.
• Experience in a fast‑paced startup or high‑growth 'execution‑first' environment.
• Familiarity with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing and prototype vehicle asset management.

$186,000 - $233,000 a year Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign‑on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. 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 a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long‑term care insurance, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance, and life insurance.