Senior TPM: System Safety for Autonomous Tech

Front Door Defense; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 179,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoox is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead cross-functional Verification and Validation programs ensuring safety for autonomous software, robot platform, and operations. You will drive end-to-end strategy, test plans, risk management, and cross-domain coordination across Autonomy Software, Robot Platform, and operations.

The role requires 7+ years in complex technical programs with a strong engineering background and the ability to deliver under tight timelines, in a fast-moving

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years leading complex technical programs or engineering initiatives, preferably in automotive/ robotics/ aerospace.
• Proficiency with project and issue tracking tools such as JIRA, plus familiarity with Gantt charting, dependency mapping, and critical path management.
• Strong technical foundation to collaborate with deep engineering teams across hardware, software, and systems disciplines.
• Proven track record of driving cross-functional programs to completion in dynamic environments with multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency with basic statistics and probability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, drive, and own the end-to-end strategy for cross-functional Verification and Validation programs from planning through execution and closure.
• Lead cross-functional coordination to define comprehensive simulation-based and structured test plans.
• Align validation pipelines and synchronize program execution across technical program managers and engineering leads.
• Manage risk assessments, track critical issues, drive cross-team resolutions, and escape challenges where necessary.
• Define and track resource requirements, identify critical paths, and maintain visibility into key program milestones.
• Ensure program transparency, proactively identify risks, and drive mitigation strategies to maintain schedule and quality targets.
• Debrief company executives on program-critical topics.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Technical collaboration

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

BS/MS in Engineering or CS

Tools

JIRA

Gantt charting

Job description

Zoox is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead cross-functional Verification and Validation programs ensuring safety for autonomous software, robot platform, and operations. You will drive end-to-end strategy, test plans, risk management, and cross-domain coordination across Autonomy Software, Robot Platform, and operations.

The role requires 7+ years in complex technical programs with a strong engineering background and the ability to deliver under tight timelines, in a fast-moving