Product Quality Engineer, Vehicle Systems
About this role
To ensure the reliability and safety of autonomous vehicle hardware, Waymo needs a Product Quality Engineer to lead Advanced Product Quality Planning and oversee production approvals for new vehicle launches. Operating within the Hardware Engineering group, the incoming engineer will guide end-to-end lifecycle quality support for base vehicle hardware, firmware, and specialized components. The work involves driving root cause investigations, analyzing field warranty data, and establishing rigorous inspection protocols alongside original equipment manufacturers and cross-functional teams.
Candidates who succeed in this environment typically possess extensive automotive industry experience and a strong grasp of core quality methodologies such as APQP, PPAP, and FMEA. Because the position requires daily coordination across internal engineering groups and external manufacturing partners, clear communication and rigorous attention to detail are essential. The role is based on-location in Mountain View, California, offering a direct opportunity to impact the physical infrastructure of autonomous ride-hail technology.
What you will do
- Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning and oversee the Production Part Approval Process for new vehicle launches.
- Verify adherence to the Engineering Requirement Specification by ensuring full compliance with the specification matrix.
- Provide end-to-end lifecycle quality support for Base Vehicle Hardware, Firmware, and SDS vehicle components throughout product development.
- Ensure the product design process meets quality standards through design reviews, DFMEA, DFM, and DFx activities.
- Lead investigations into manufacturing defects and vehicle quality issues using structured problem-solving methods like 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa diagrams.
- Analyze field warranty data and assembly line defect rates to identify trends and implement corrective actions for improved reliability.
- Establish initial quality processes, FMEAs, and dynamic inspection protocols to finalize Control Plans and facilitate hardware freeze.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Bring 10+ years of automotive industry experience in design engineering for vehicle product development with a focus on Vehicle Quality.
- Demonstrate proficiency in evaluating and interpreting complex vehicle specifications to confirm compliance during validation and manufacturing.
- Apply core quality tools and methodologies including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, DOE, and 8D problem-solving.
- Possess experience with data analysis, statistical tools, and quality control systems.
- Exhibit strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Nice to have
- Master's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience in New Product Introduction, Design Engineering, or Manufacturing Operations in consumer electronics
- Understanding of electronic assembly processes and statistical analysis
- Experience collaborating with international contract manufacturers in mass production, including travel to manufacturing sites
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus program
- Equity incentive plan
- Company benefits program
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
Is this a remote position?
This is an on-location role based in Mountain View, California. Travel requirements include up to 20% travel as needed.
What is the compensation for this role?
The expected base salary range for this full-time position is $210,000 to $259,000 USD. Actual starting pay is based on job-related factors including exact work location, experience, relevant training, education, and skill level.
What quality methodologies will I use on the team?
The work involves core quality tools and methodologies such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, DOE, and 8D problem-solving. You will also use 5-Why and Ishikawa diagrams to investigate manufacturing defects.
What team will I be joining?
You will join the Hardware Engineering group, which is an innovative and collaborative team of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software, and vehicle engineers. You will report directly to the Product Quality Manager.