Operational Safety Manager

Wayve • Detroit, MI

3d • $100,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Operational Safety Manager will provide proactive oversight of on-road testing and robotaxi operations, helping ensure they meet high standards of safety and compliance within the US regulatory landscape. The role works across engineering, fleet operations, and global safety initiatives to identify emerging risks, support safe deployments, and strengthen Wayve’s company-wide safety culture.

The position monitors operational safety performance, analyzes indicators and trends, investigates incidents and near-misses, and develops actionable root-cause analyses and corrective actions. It also supports regulatory and partner reporting, conducts hazard identification and risk assessments, maintains operational risk registers, and monitors the effectiveness of risk controls. The role collaborates with engineers, operators, and global safety teams, and develops safety training and processes for a rapidly scaling fleet.

The role is based in Detroit, Michigan, with a hybrid working model. It may involve hands-on work in vehicle workshops and labs. The stated estimated salary range is $100,000 to $120,000, plus a competitive equity package; actual compensation depends on skills, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience investigating incidents in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.
• Experience in operational safety, risk monitoring, or safety assurance in a fleet, logistics, field engineering, or operational environment.
• Strong analytical skills, including interpreting data, identifying patterns, deriving insights, and presenting findings to technical and management audiences.
• Ability to operate independently and make sound safety judgments.
• Good understanding of industry standards or guidelines relevant to autonomous vehicles, automotive, or similar domains.
• Experience with human factors, including workload, attention, and driver/operator interaction risks.
• Ability to develop and implement effective safety processes and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with autonomous vehicle or ADAS testing and development.
• Background in automotive, aviation, defense, or manufacturing safety management systems.
• Understanding of US autonomous vehicle regulations, including CA DMV and NHTSA requirements.
• Familiarity with automotive systems, electronics, and related safety implications.
• Experience supporting robotaxi or ride-hail operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily safety performance across fleet operations, R&D testing, and deployments.
• Track and analyze safety performance indicators, trends, and anomalies, and use findings to inform operational controls and risk mitigation.
• Lead and support investigations into on-road incidents and near-misses; prepare structured root-cause analysis reports and communicate findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Prepare and document actionable investigation analyses, ensuring corrective actions are integrated into engineering, operations, and risk-management processes.
• Support regulatory and partner reporting requirements as needed.
• Carry out hazard identification and risk assessment activities in support of on-road operations.
• Maintain and update operational risk registers and support and monitor the effectiveness of risk controls.
• Work with engineers, operators, and global safety teams to promote best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs and risk assessments, and promote a proactive safety mindset throughout the organization.
• Advocate for strong safety outcomes and continuous improvement across operational activities.
• Monitor performance and analyze risk to help ensure the validity of Wayve’s safety case.
• Support compliance with US regulatory frameworks, including CA DMV and NHTSA requirements related to autonomous vehicle operations.
• Develop operational safety processes and training to support a rapidly scaling fleet.
• Continuously improve safety culture across field and engineering teams.

Benefits

• Competitive equity package and meaningful equity ownership.
• Hybrid working, core hours, and the opportunity to work hands-on in vehicle workshops and labs.
• Learning and development budgets, with support for training, conferences, and growth.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retirement or pension where applicable, access to therapists, wellbeing partnerships, and team socials.

What This Job Offers

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