US - Technical Operations Manager

Wayve • Sunnyvale, CA

21h • $175,000 - $220,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our Technical Operations function acts as the critical bridge between Science, Product, Engineering, and Operations. The team is responsible for translating complex technical strategies into actionable field operations and driving the transformation from R&D-focused activities to seamless commercial delivery. We lead testing and demonstration programs across global operations, ensuring reliable feedback loops between field and development teams to accelerate Wayve’s evolution into a world-class, delivery-grade AV organization.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in technical program management or operations roles at the intersection of R&D, product development, and field testing in high-complexity environments (e.g., autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, or advanced mobility).
• Proven track record of managing programs, demonstrations, or operations requiring tight coordination between technical development and operational teams.
• Deep experience with test planning, operational readiness frameworks, and structured field-to-development feedback loops.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills, leading cross-functional workshops and coordinating between technical and operational teams.
• Proven ability to influence across remote and international teams in fast-paced technology environments.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with experience preparing technical documentation, SOPs, and stakeholder presentations.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 30% of the time to support cross-region testing and coordination.
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working in rapidly evolving, ambiguous environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, or field robotics operations.
• Exposure to automotive testing protocols, validation frameworks, or OEM partnership programs.
• Experience supporting scaling in distributed, global teams with complex technical dependencies.
• Data analysis and performance tracking skills; able to work with dashboards and quantify operational improvements.
• Comfortable with project management tools (Confluence, Asana, Jira, or equivalents) and implementing operational tracking systems.
• Background in process improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) or operational excellence frameworks.
• Familiarity with vehicle commissioning, fleet management, or automotive safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the key bridge between Science, Product, Engineering, and Operations, ensuring the alignment of technical programs and on-road activities.
• Lead testing and demonstration programs across global operations, including roadshow campaigns, customer programs, and on-road validation activities.
• Coordinate structured feedback between field operations and development teams, supporting faster iteration and technical advancement.
• Convert high-level strategies into clear action plans for on-road testing, working closely with Fleet Operations to maintain schedules, safety, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with Systems and Enablement teams to leverage fleet metrics for continuous process improvement and operational refinement.
• Foster innovation in field testing, proactively exploring new experimental methods and supporting a culture of curiosity and experimentation.

Benefits

• Salaries benchmarked against the market annually
• Meaningful equity, sharing in the ownership and long term success of Wayve
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship where applicable
• Hybrid working, core hours and the chance 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, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retirement or pension where applicable, access to therapists, wellbeing partnerships, team socials and more

What This Job Offers

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