Communications Manager, Product & Tech

Waymo•San Francisco, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states. As a member of the Communications team, you’ll be on the cutting edge of bringing autonomous driving technology to the public, developing strategies that will increase understanding, acceptance, and adoption of this life-saving technology. We work with reporters, editors, bloggers, and other influencers to tell stories about Waymo and the potential of our technology to change how we move and live. We partner with the engineering, business, policy, marketing, and product teams to create messaging for new products and other initiatives, counter misinformation, and shape our reputation. This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Public Relations Lead for Product & Technology.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in communications (in-house or agency), ideally at a technology company.
A proven track record of deep media relations and the ability to skillfully interface with journalists across offensive and defensive storytelling efforts.
Experience developing and executing communications plans for product launches and technical announcements.
Both technical storytelling chops and mass-market instincts; you can get the engineering details right for an AI reporter briefing in the morning and land the same story with a broadcast or lay audience in the afternoon.
Ability to run multiple launches at once in a fast-paced environment, with a high bar for detail.
Sound judgment on sensitive, fast-moving issues, and comfort working closely with cross-functional internal teams like Legal and Safety.

Nice To Haves

Experience in technology, AI, robotics, automotive, or autonomous vehicle industries.
Experience communicating research or technical milestones (e.g., academic papers, datasets releases, technical conferences).
Experience managing PR agencies.
Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute communications plans for product and technology announcements, from feature launches to research publications and hardware milestones.
Translate complex engineering work (AI, perception, simulation, hardware, safety research) into clear, accurate stories for press, technical audiences, and the public.
Own spokesperson support for designated Product and Engineering leaders, including crafting talking points, briefing documents, FAQs, interview prep, and speaking opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with technology, AI, and transportation reporters, as well as with key trade outlets; proactively pitch stories and manage inbound media inquiries.
Support rapid response for your area: draft reactive statements and holding lines quickly and accurately, and know when to escalate.
Write and edit blog posts, press releases, technical explainers, and social copy with a high bar for accuracy and tone.