Director, Platform Operations

About the role

May Mobility is transforming cities through autonomous technology to create a safer, greener, more accessible world. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, May develops and deploys autonomous vehicles (AVs) powered by our innovative Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology. Our vehicles provide value to communities, bridge public transit gaps, and move people safely and efficiently. We're building the world's best autonomy system to reimagine transit by minimizing congestion, expanding access, and fostering vibrant, livable spaces. Since our founding in 2017, we've given more than 500,000 autonomous rides globally.

The Director, Platform Operations holds a pivotal leadership role in overseeing all aspects of vehicle manufacturing, supply chain, and technical support of the autonomous driving kit and its vehicle platform applications. This role leads a multidisciplinary team, drives operational excellence, and aligns production goals with overall business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive production through end of life of vehicle platforms.
• Provide strategic leadership across Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Fleet Engineering to ensure platform integrity, performance, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Lead engagements with third-party fleet owner/operators on supporting fleet operations.
• Responsibility for Safety, Quality, On Time Delivery, and Cost of both new vehicle production and existing fleet upfits.
• Provide product strategic guidance to Supply Chain operations to optimize cost, manufacturability, production planning, and delivery timelines, including indirect procurement processes.
• Establish and report on critical KPIs related to platform development, validation, production readiness, and field performance. Provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Mentor and lead a multidisciplinary organization, fostering collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and leadership development.
• Identify and mitigate technical and operational risks across the Vehicle Platform Engineering group; guide the organization through complex engineering and strategic trade-offs.
• Ensure close coordination between teams, product management, program management, autonomy, and production to meet engineering requirements, design, and execution timelines.
• Play a critical role in the company's Sales and Operations (S+OP) production and deployment planning process.
• Oversee departmental KPIs, budgets, and people management activities.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor department objectives and key results (OKRs).
• Ensure the highest safety and quality standards are met.
• Support vehicle launch and sustaining engineering activities post-release.
• Stay current on relevant technology innovations and leverage them to define a compelling technical vision and strategy.
• Optimize and develop effective processes to ensure product quality and safety.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
  • 10+ years of relevant work experience and proven success.
  • Demonstrated people management experience, including hiring, onboarding, retention, coaching, and team building.
  • Experience setting technical vision and strategy for vehicle systems engineering and autonomous driving subsystems.
  • Experience working with safety-critical products, preferably automotive or aerospace.
• Desirable Qualifications:
  • MS degree, preferably in Engineering, Operations, or Business.
  • Experience with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
  • Operations management experience.

Skills and Abilities

• In-depth understanding of the autonomous vehicle, electric vehicle, and automotive landscape.
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams, provide clear direction, and lead by example.
• Capacity to envision and articulate long-term, strategic goals and make aligned decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex ideas and foster collaboration.
• Skill in understanding and managing emotions, building relationships, and navigating interpersonal dynamics.
• Flexibility to thrive in dynamic environments and adjust strategies as needed.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess situations and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Aptitude for working effectively with cross-functional teams and leveraging diverse perspectives.

Physical Requirements

• Standard office working conditions, including prolonged sitting, standing, and computer use.
• Frequent travel: 26%-50%.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare suite including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans. Domestic partners residing together for at least one year are also eligible.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Healthcare and Dependent Care Accounts.
• Rich retirement benefits, including an immediately vested employer safe harbor match.
• Generous paid parental leave and phased return-to-work support.
• Flexible vacation policy in addition to paid company holidays.
• Total Wellness Program providing numerous resources for overall wellbeing.

Pay

Salary Range: $165,000—$205,000 USD