Before the detail, here's the challenge you'd help us solve.
We build the embodied intelligence that moves real vehicles safely, and the ecosystem a billion machines will run on in the future. Very few people in AI can say this. Every role here, whatever the team, plugs into that.
Here's what this particular role covers.
About the roleWe're looking for an exceptional leader to spearhead our new Application Engineering team, a self-sufficient and high-impact group focused on localising and advancing our autonomous driving technology for the US market. This is a unique opportunity to shape Wayve's AV capabilities in the US from the ground up.
As a founding manager, you'll lead a small but mighty team of engineers working across robotics, machine learning, and systems integration. You'll drive development of autonomy features tailored for US's road infrastructure, cultural driving behaviours, and regulatory landscape, ensuring our AV stack performs safely and effectively in this highly distinctive environment.
We're looking for someone who thrives in self-directed, startup-like conditions, capable of setting a vision, executing fast, and making robust decisions independently - while staying aligned with global engineering efforts.
This role requires breadth: strong experience across AV systems, including robotics and autonomy, is essential. If you also bring deep expertise in machine learning, that's a major plus.
What you'll be working on- Build and lead a self-sufficient AV development team in the US, hiring and mentoring top talent across Robotics and ML.
- Deliver autonomy capabilities tailored to road conditions and driving norms, in close collaboration with central Autonomy teams.
- Drive full-cycle development: from identifying local autonomy needs, to designing, implementing, testing, and deploying features into production.
- Ensure the team upholds Wayve's high engineering standards, while operating with agility and independence.
- Work closely with OEM partners in the US - representing Wayve's autonomy team in technical discussions, capturing product requirements, and shaping joint development plans.
- Establish close working relationships with our product and vehicle operations teams in the US.
You should apply ifYou bring strong technical expertise, proven leadership skills, and a passion for building robust autonomous systems that can adapt to diverse real-world challenges.
Essential- A strong background in robotics and autonomy, with experience building and deploying systems that operate in real-world environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and grow high-performing engineering teams, ideally in geographically distributed or independent settings.
- Comfortable with ambiguity: you can define goals, carve out roadmaps, and deliver high-impact work with minimal supervision.
- Broad technical fluency: capable of reviewing and guiding work across software engineering, ML, controls, and systems integration.
- Excellent communication skills: you're able to clearly convey technical context and strategic vision across cultures and time zones.
- Strong product sense and stakeholder management skills: you're comfortable interfacing directly with OEM customers and representing engineering in external-facing conversations.
Essential- Prior experience in autonomous vehicles or robotic systems operating at scale.
- Familiarity with US's road environment, driving behaviour, or AV regulatory landscape.
- A strong foundation in machine learning and its application to real-time decision-making or perception systems.
Not ticking every box? That's totally okay! If you're passionate about autonomy and keen to learn, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement.
How we work - Locations & Flexible Working:This role is a full-time role based in Sunnyvale, CA or Detroit, MI (hybrid).Our main hubs are in London, Sunnyvale, Yokohama, Herzliya, Vancouver and Leonberg. We operate a hybrid working model that combines in-person collaboration in our dedicated office spaces with focused time working remotely. This gives our teams the connection and energy of working together, alongside the flexibility to do their best work in a way that fits their lives.
The Interview Process:Our process is clear and respectful of your time:
- Initial call / recruiter screen 30 min
- Competency Interviews 2 hours
- Deep-dive technical interviews 2-3 hours
- Final interview: 45 min
We'll always explain the format and work around your availability.
What's in it for you (Location dependant): Salaries benchmarked against the market annually
Meaningful equity, sharing in the ownership and long term success of Wayve
Relocation support and visa sponsorship where applicable
• Hybrid working, core hours and the chance to work hands on in vehicle workshops and labs
Learning and development budgets with support for training, conferences and growth
Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retirement or pension where applicable, access to therapists, wellbeing partnerships, team socials and more
A quick, honest note before you apply.
Wayve is not a mature, fully-structured place with the playbook already written. Much of how we work is still being written, and if you join, you'll help write it. That suits people who want real ownership more than people who need a settled structure from day one.
If that sounds like the kind of problem you want to spend your time on, we'd really like to hear from you.
