Validation Manager (Platforms)

New Product Introduction (NPI) Validation Operations

You Will Lead:

• Drive end-to-end program management for bringing new platform variants online in validation fleets.
• Manage the critical path from vehicle arrival and upfit to public road mapping and testing.
• Align Planning with Execution: Spearhead weekly operating plans to bridge the gap between monthly product demand forecasts and daily operational execution, adjusting for real-time vehicle online rates and operator constraints.
• Maximize Fleet Efficiency & Yield: Partner with Regional Validation Managers (RVMs) and product teams to build out dynamic forecasting tools to optimize Operations and Efficiency.
• Manage Vendor Performance
• Standardize Executive Reporting: Formulate and automate executive-level progress dashboards to provide visibility into operational readiness and fleet uptime constraints.

Operational Strategy & Program Management Expertise

You Have:

• 7-10+ years of experience in Program Management or Technical Program Management, specifically in roles focused on process excellence, logistics, or physical operations.
• A proven track record of managing complex dependencies and driving alignment across diverse stakeholders (Engineering, Product, Supply Chain, Safety, and Legal).
• Data-Centric Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical skills with hands-on experience using data-driven metrics to identify process bottlenecks, manage capacity models, and build tracking tools.
• Ambiguity Tolerance: Comfort working in a fast-paced, rapidly shifting engineering environment with the ability to maintain forward progress despite incomplete information.

NPI & Vehicle Testing Experience

We Prefer:

• Direct experience launching or validating new automotive or robotic hardware platforms.

Vendor Operations Management

We Prefer:

• Familiarity with cost-plus or outcome-based staffing models in outsourced operations.

Travel Requirements

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.

Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.

Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Pay

Salary Range: $190,000—$234,000 USD