Machine Learning Engineering Manager, Application Software

Wayve • Sunnyvale, CA

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

Wayve is seeking a founding manager to build and lead a self-sufficient US Application Engineering team focused on localizing and advancing its autonomous driving technology for the US market. The role spans robotics, machine learning, and systems integration, developing autonomy features suited to US road infrastructure, driving behaviors, and regulations while remaining aligned with global engineering efforts. The manager will set the team’s vision and roadmap, make independent decisions, and deliver robust capabilities with agility.

Requirements

• Strong background in robotics and autonomy, including building and deploying systems in real-world environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow high-performing engineering teams, ideally in geographically distributed or independent settings.
• Ability to work with ambiguity, define goals and roadmaps, and deliver high-impact work with minimal supervision.
• Broad technical fluency to review and guide work across software engineering, machine learning, controls, and systems integration.
• Excellent communication skills, including conveying technical context and strategic vision across cultures and time zones.
• Strong product sense and stakeholder management skills, including interfacing with OEM customers and representing engineering in external-facing conversations.
• Prior experience in autonomous vehicles or robotic systems operating at scale.
• Familiarity with US road environments, driving behavior, or the AV regulatory landscape.
• Strong foundation in machine learning and its application to real-time decision-making or perception systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a self-sufficient AV development team in the US, hiring and mentoring engineers across Robotics and ML.
• Deliver autonomy capabilities tailored to US road conditions and driving norms in collaboration with central Autonomy teams.
• Lead full-cycle feature development, from identifying local needs through design, implementation, testing, and production deployment.
• Ensure the team maintains Wayve’s engineering standards while operating with agility and independence.
• Work with US OEM partners, represent Wayve’s autonomy team in technical discussions, capture product requirements, and shape joint development plans.
• Establish close working relationships with US product and vehicle operations teams.

Benefits

• Meaningful equity.
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship where applicable.
• Hybrid working and core hours.
• Learning and development budgets, with support for training, conferences, and growth.
• Health insurance and dental coverage.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Retirement or pension benefits where applicable.
• Access to therapists and wellbeing partnerships.
• Team socials.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed