Senior Manager, R&D Vehicle Production

In this role, you will:

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Own diagnostics, functional testing, and EOL validation. Deliver vehicles to fleet and engineering teams safely, complete, and on time.

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Implement repeatable build processes and keep accurate hardware and software configuration records for every vehicle. Ensure each vehicle meets quality and product specifications.

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Prepare and manage the line's OPEX, CAPEX, and headcount budgets. Identify investments that improve throughput, quality, and flexibility.

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Ensure MES and QMS support prototype builds, including traceability and issue tracking. Drive continuous improvement through the Zoox Production System.

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Hire, train, and develop technicians, leads, and supervisors. Set clear expectations and evaluate performance.

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Build a culture that puts employee and product safety first, in partnership with EHS. Enforce safe practices for high-voltage systems and pre-production vehicles.

Qualifications

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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Management, or a related field.

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15+ years of experience in vehicle or complex electromechanical assembly manufacturing (e.g., automotive, aerospace, robotics), including prototype, pilot, or NPI builds.

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5+ years of experience leading production teams, including supervisors or managers.

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Proven ability to lead hardware and software engineers to resolve build issues under schedule pressure, often without direct authority.

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Working knowledge of vehicle systems (mechanical, electrical, high-voltage, embedded software) and how they are built, diagnosed, and tested.

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Experience transitioning new products from prototype into serial production.

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Familiarity with MES, ERP, and QMS, and with structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, root cause analysis).

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Clear communicator who can present build status, risks, and trade-offs to executives.

Bonus Qualifications

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Experience with autonomous, electric, or other software-defined vehicles.

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Experience building or retrofitting R&D or test-fleet vehicles.

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Experience applying lean principles in low-volume, high-mix production.