At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to develop cutting-edge simulations for the Waymo Driver.
- Company: Join Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Exciting career growth with access to top-tier talent and resources.
- Why this job: Make a global impact by driving advanced machine learning projects in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: PhD or Master's in relevant fields and proven leadership experience in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Requirements
- A PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- A proven track record of leading, scaling, and managing large engineering organizations in a fast-paced, research-driven, and highly technical environment
- Deep foundational knowledge and applied expertise in machine learning, generative foundation models, and/or complex simulation environments
- Demonstrated ability to drive complex, multi-year, cross-functional projects from early conception to global impact
- Extensive experience managing and developing senior engineers, staff engineers, and technical leads/managers
- (Desirable) Familiarity with autonomous vehicle technology, robotics, or complex embodied AI systems
- (Desirable) Exceptional executive communication skills, with a proven ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders across reporting lines
- (Desirable) Demonstrated capability to translate highly ambiguous, long-term strategic goals into focused, actionable engineering roadmaps
What the job involves
The Simulator Team at Waymo builds state-of-the-art simulations of realistic environments for evaluating, training and scaling the Waymo Driver. Your team will be a diverse, and collaborative group of machine learning (ML) engineers, software engineers and data scientists.
We develop industry-leading simulation solutions using advanced ML algorithms that measure and enhance the performance of the Waymo Driver. We achieve those goals by jointly modeling the real world, including realistic agents (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists), static road elements, traffic control systems, weather conditions, and the full sensor suite including camera, lidar and radars.
We enhance our simulations' fidelity, scalability, and controllability by leveraging state of the art machine learning. This includes large language models, foundational world models, and reconstructive methods, all trained on datasets using both generative and reconstructive AI, alongside traditional rendering techniques.
Serve as the connective tissue for the London office, ensuring that engineers across Sim Realism, DUE, AIF, and other functions feel part of a single, cohesive 'One Waymo' site.
Act as the primary executive conduit between Waymo's Foundation Model initiatives and Google DeepMind teams in the UK to accelerate joint R&D.
Define the technical roadmap for the London Sim Realism team, driving tight alignment with Waymo's overarching simulation and AI-first objectives.
Direct the research and engineering of cutting-edge generative models for sensor-level and semantic-level simulation (Waymo World Model).
Recruit, manage, and mentor a top-tier Sim Realism engineering organization, attracting elite talent in machine learning, generative AI, and simulation.
Partner closely with Real Estate & Workplace Services (REWS) to design and support a site strategy.
Director of Engineering employer: Waymo
Waymo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in London where cutting-edge technology meets collaborative teamwork. As a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, we provide our employees with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, mentorship from industry experts, and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of transportation. Our inclusive culture fosters creativity and encourages diverse perspectives, making Waymo not just a workplace, but a community dedicated to advancing machine learning and AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Engineering
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Waymo, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Waymo specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waymo
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Waymo, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Waymo value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
