Proving Ground Site Lead

Job Summary

The Systems Engineer - Proving Ground leads the activity on site ensuring that the testing and engineering operations are executed safely, efficiently, and are meeting Waymo’s quality and project timeline requirements. They develop and execute strategic proving ground planning, lead relationships with operating partners, evaluate test plans, and host and lead drive events.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning for the proving ground site, identifying new testing requirements and proposing necessary infrastructure, staffing, and tooling.
• Oversee the implementation of these projects and ensure that engineering and operating Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Evaluate novel test plans and test campaigns to ensure safety and efficiency, proposing the most effective testing methodologies.
• Host and lead drive events and technical demonstrations on site for external partners and government officials.

Requirements

• Experience in physical testing in automotive, aerospace, or robotics, including test equipment and data acquisition.
• Experience in developing or operating test tracks, military proving grounds, wind tunnels, or airports.
• Experience working closely with vendors providing engineering, testing, or operational services.
• Ability to effectively lead large cross-functional teams.
• Direct, hands-on experience with a variety of program management tools such as Jira, Google Docs, and internal issue trackers.
• Demonstrated experience in setting strategy and leading large engineering programs or test campaigns.

Prior Experience

• Experience with automotive testing across diverse operating conditions and technical domains (Vehicle Dynamics, ADAS, Noise and Vibration, Durability, Sensing, Perception, etc.).
• Experience with physical hands-on testing of Autonomous Vehicles and related technologies.
• Experience maintaining high-visibility project schedules and campaign tracking to ensure project clarity and stakeholder management.
• Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and experience with verification coverage plans developed from system level requirements.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with physical hands-on testing of Autonomous Vehicles and related technologies.
• Experience maintaining high-visibility project schedules and campaign tracking to ensure project clarity and stakeholder management.
• Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and experience with verification coverage plans developed from system level requirements.

Travel Requirements

• 10% travel to support: Traveling to Waymo’s headquarters as well as other test facilities and proving grounds to support test campaigns.

Qualifications

• Experience in physical testing in automotive, aerospace, or robotics, including test equipment and data acquisition.
• Experience in developing or operating test tracks, military proving grounds, wind tunnels, or airports.
• Experience working closely with vendors providing engineering, testing, or operational services.
• Ability to effectively lead large cross-functional teams.
• Direct, hands-on experience with a variety of program management tools such as Jira, Google Docs, and internal issue trackers.
• Demonstrated experience in setting strategy and leading large engineering programs or test campaigns.

Benefits

The role offers a competitive salary range of $230,000—$284,000 USD, a discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements. Employees are also eligible for 10% travel to support test campaigns.