Senior Staff Industrial Designer

About the role

The Industrial Design Team at Waymo is responsible for envisioning the future of mobility and autonomous driving technology. This role involves defining and owning the long-term industrial design vision and strategy across multiple, complex product areas, driving alignment on scope and strategy in highly ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the long-term industrial design vision and strategy across multiple, complex product areas, driving alignment on scope and strategy in highly ambiguous environments.
• Work with external partners to negotiate and co-develop designs.
• Act as a key strategic partner to leadership across Product, Hardware Engineering, UXR, and Operations to drive decisions on complex user needs and technical requirements.
• Own, articulate, and evolve the physical product design language for Waymo's hardware, ensuring its strategic alignment with the Waymo brand and user experience goals at an executive level.
• Own and drive ID design integration into the vehicle program development schedule and process as a point of contact to the ID team.
• Lead the ID team to execute the program timeline negotiated.
• Lead and influence CMF (Color, Materials, Finish) and manufacturing strategies, partnering with operations and global suppliers to solve complex, high-scale production challenges.
• Champion design excellence and mentor other designers, elevating the entire team's craft, process, and strategic thinking.

Requirements

10+ years of deep, hands-on design experience from working directly within one or more automotive OEM design studios (e.g., Ford, GM, Toyota, VW Group, Rivian, Tesla, etc.). A proven track record of leading multiple, complex hardware products from ambiguous early concepts to successful mass production. Exceptional 2D and 3D design skills, with mastery of sketching, digital rendering, 3D CAD (e.g., Alias, SolidWorks, Rhino), and rapid prototyping techniques. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to influence and align senior leadership and executive stakeholders around a design vision. A world-class portfolio of work demonstrating strategic, systems-level design thinking, exceptional problem-solving, and a meticulous attention to detail and craft. A degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Qualifications

Experience at multiple automotive OEMs, providing a broad perspective on different design cultures and manufacturing processes. Experience designing for complex hardware systems, robotics, or products with a high degree of technical integration. Proven leadership in creating, implementing, and scaling a physical design language across a global hardware portfolio. Deep experience and knowledge of high-volume manufacturing processes.

Skills

Strategic, systems-level design thinking, exceptional problem-solving, and a meticulous attention to detail and craft.

Benefits

Waymo offers a comprehensive benefits package including a discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Pay

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level.

Schedule

This role follows a hybrid work schedule.