Operational Safety Manager

Wayve • Detroit, MI

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Operational Safety Manager will support Wayve’s Operational Safety Team, an independent function overseeing the safety and compliance of on-road testing and robotaxi operations within the US regulatory landscape. The role provides proactive oversight to identify emerging risks, assure safe deployment execution, and serve as a check and balance across engineering, fleet operations, and global safety initiatives. It also contributes to Wayve’s reputation for autonomous vehicle safety and promotes a strong company-wide safety culture.

The role monitors safety performance across fleet operations, R&D testing, and deployments; analyzes performance indicators, trends, and anomalies; and uses findings to inform operational controls and risk mitigation. It leads and supports on-road incident and near-miss investigations, documents root cause analyses and corrective actions, supports regulatory and partner reporting, and carries out hazard identification and risk assessment. The manager maintains operational risk registers and monitors risk-control effectiveness, while working with engineers, operators, and global safety teams to share best practices.

The position also develops and delivers safety training and operational safety processes to support a rapidly scaling fleet. It supports the validity of Wayve’s safety case through performance monitoring and risk analysis, contributes to compliance with relevant US regulations, and drives continual improvement in safety culture across field and engineering teams. Wayve uses a hybrid working model, combining in-person collaboration in dedicated office spaces with remote work. The role is based in Detroit, Michigan, with hybrid working, and may involve hands-on work in vehicle workshops and labs.

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 mindset and ability to interpret data, identify patterns, derive insights, and present 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, such as 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, using findings to influence operational controls and risk mitigation.
• Lead and support investigations into on-road incidents and near-misses, preparing structured root cause analysis reports and summarizing findings for cross-functional stakeholders.
• Prepare and document actionable investigation analyses and ensure 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 ensure 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 in operational activities.
• Ensure the validity of Wayve’s safety case through performance monitoring and risk analysis.
• Support compliance with US regulatory frameworks 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 sharing in Wayve’s ownership and long-term success.
• Hybrid working and core hours.
• 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