About this role
Individuals who thrive in high-stakes, fast-paced operational environments and possess strong decision-making skills under pressure would find this role suitable. This position is central to Waymo's mission of delivering the Waymo Driver globally, focusing on the scaled and orchestrated deployment of their autonomous fleet and operations platform. The Operations Controller is responsible for ensuring the reliable operation of the network by maintaining end-to-end situational awareness and managing critical events across target markets.
This role involves significant real-time operational authority, requiring the ability to evaluate and triage network disruptions, making timely decisions to stabilize services, and coordinating regional strategies with global priorities. The controller acts as a crucial link, balancing network-level objectives with local conditions and regulatory requirements to ensure performance and compliance.
Success in this role requires a blend of technical systems thinking, clear communication under pressure, and the ability to bridge complex, cross-functional workstreams involving Product, Engineering, and Operations teams. It is ideal for someone who can synthesize live data signals to maintain awareness and communicate effectively during crisis situations.
What you will do
- Exercise real-time operational authority as the designated shift authority for Waymo’s network.
- Evaluate and triage network disruptions and safety-critical events to make timely decisions for service stabilization and recovery.
- Synchronize regional strategies by partnering with Market Leads to align network priorities with local realities and constraints.
- Manage the balance between a network-first mindset and local conditions, including regulatory considerations.
- Communicate clearly and authoritatively during high-pressure situations to maintain organizational confidence.
- Coordinate directly with Product, Engineering, and Operations teams to execute incident responses effectively.
What you need
- Possesses more than 12 years of experience making decisions in real-time within mission-critical operational environments, particularly in fast-paced, 24/7 settings.
- Demonstrated track record of high-judgment decision-making under extreme pressure, supported by data-driven arguments.
- Experience leading cross-functional event responses in high-stakes environments, emphasizing clear structure, decision discipline, and communication.
- Strong systems-thinking capabilities necessary to synthesize live signals and maintain situational awareness across multiple target markets.
- Exemplary communication and presentation skills required to deliver crisp briefings to cross-functional leaders and stakeholders.
- Ability to align network priorities with regional market realities and technical engineering constraints.
Nice to have
- Operational experience within emergency services
- Operational experience within aviation
- Operational experience within autonomous operations
- 15+ years of experience making decisions in real-time in mission-critical environments
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus program
- Equity incentive plan
- Generous Company benefits program
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote policy for this role?
This is a hybrid role. The posting does not specify the exact remote work arrangement.
What is the salary range for this position?
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed as $226,000 — $278,000 USD.
What kind of team structure is involved?
The role reports to the Senior Director, Global Operations Center.
What is the expected travel commitment?
The role includes 10% travel.