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Machine Learning Manager, Application Software

wayveTokyo, JapanProduct & Delivery
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Salary
Not listed
Job type
Full-time
Experience
Senior
Posted
5 Oct 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Wayve is hiring a Machine Learning Manager, Application Software in Tokyo, Japan, to spearhead a new local engineering team focused on autonomous driving technology. This role suits an experienced technical leader who thrives in startup-like conditions and has a strong background in robotics and autonomy.

Role Overview

Wayve is seeking a founding manager to lead a team of engineers working across robotics, machine learning, and systems integration in Tokyo, Japan. This role involves driving the development of autonomy features tailored to local road infrastructure, driving behaviors, and regulatory landscapes. Due to the distance from the London headquarters, the team operates with significant autonomy, requiring an independent leader who can set a vision and execute quickly.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and grow a high-performing engineering team in a geographically distributed setting.
Drive the development of autonomy features tailored to Japan's road infrastructure, driving behaviors, and regulatory landscape.
Set goals, carve out roadmaps, and deliver high-impact work with minimal supervision.
Review and guide work across software engineering, machine learning, controls, and systems integration.
Convey technical context and strategic vision across cultures and time zones.
Interface directly with OEM customers and represent engineering in external-facing conversations.

Requirements

Strong background in robotics and autonomy, with experience building and deploying systems in real-world environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead and grow engineering teams in distributed or independent settings.
Comfortable with ambiguity, defining goals, and delivering work with minimal supervision.
Broad technical fluency across software engineering, ML, controls, and systems integration.
Excellent communication skills for conveying technical context and strategic vision across cultures.
Strong product sense and stakeholder management skills for interacting with OEM customers.

Nice to Have

Prior experience in autonomous vehicles or robotic systems operating at scale.
Familiarity with Japan’s road environment, driving behavior, or AV regulatory landscape.
Strong foundation in machine learning applied to real-time decision-making or perception systems.
Japanese language proficiency for day-to-day coordination.

Skills and Tools

Python programming
Robotics and autonomy systems
Machine learning
Controls and systems integration

Salary and Benefits

Salaries benchmarked against the market annually
Meaningful equity sharing in the company's long-term success
Relocation support and visa sponsorship where applicable
Hybrid working model with core hours and access to vehicle workshops and labs
Learning and development budgets for training and conferences
Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retirement or pension, therapy access, wellbeing partnerships, and team socials

About the Company

Wayve builds an embodied intelligence platform for autonomous vehicles, utilizing an end-to-end AI approach that enables vehicles to learn directly from real-world experience. The company aims to make autonomy universal through a mapless and hardware-agnostic platform that integrates with global OEM partners, scaling from L2+ to L4 automation.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

PythonMachine LearningRoboticsAutonomy Systems

Questions candidates ask

Where is this role located?

This role is located in Tokyo, Japan.

What is the primary focus of the engineering team in Japan?

The team focuses on localizing and advancing autonomous driving technology for the Japanese market, adapting to local road infrastructure, driving behaviors, and regulatory landscapes.

Is machine learning expertise required?

Deep expertise in machine learning is a major plus, while a strong background in robotics and autonomy is essential.

What does the interview process include?

The process includes an initial recruiter screen, competency interviews for leadership and applied ML, deep-dive technical interviews in Python programming and system design, and a final mission and values alignment interview.

Is visa sponsorship available?

Yes, visa sponsorship and relocation support are available where applicable.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official wayve careers page.

Apply on company site