Director of Engineering

• 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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health
• Personalized workplace adjustments for diverse needs and abilities, including physical, mental, and neurodivergent considerations
• Access to mental health apps
• Onsite wellness centers
• Counseling services
• Support programs including menopause benefit
• Second medical opinion for you and your loved ones
• Medical advocacy program for transgender employees
• Competitive compensation
• Regular bonus and equity performance grant opportunities
• Generous 401(k) and regional retirement plans
• Annual cross-company compensation review and pay equity analysis
• 1-on-1 financial coaching
• Fertility and growing family assistance
• Parental leave and baby bonding leave
• Backup childcare
• Survivor income benefit
• Elder care and support
• Caregiver leave
• Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, sick leave, parental leave, disability, and holidays
• Jury duty leave
• Military leave
• Hybrid work model with remote work opportunities also available
• Educational reimbursement
• Peer learning and coaching platform
• Donation matching programs
• Volunteer hours
• Employee resource groups
• Internal community groups and local culture clubs
• Inspiring spaces to work, recharge, and collaborate with fellow Waymonauts
• On-site meals and snacks
• Fitness centers, massage programs, and ergonomic support
• On-demand fitness, wellbeing, and cooking classes
• Commuter benefits

Deep foundational knowledge and applied expertise in machine learning, generative foundation models, and/or complex simulation environmentsA PhD or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)Demonstrated ability to drive complex, multi-year, cross-functional projects from early conception to global impactExtensive experience managing and developing senior engineers, staff engineers, and technical leads/managersA proven track record of leading, scaling, and managing large engineering organizations in a fast-paced, research-driven, and highly technical environmentFamiliarity with autonomous vehicle technology, robotics, or complex embodied AI systemsDemonstrated capability to translate highly ambiguous, long-term strategic goals into focused, actionable engineering roadmapsExceptional executive communication skills, with a proven ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders across reporting lines