Product Quality Engineer (Vehicle Systems)

• Hardware Engineering is an innovative and collaborative group of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software and vehicle engineers
• We design, build, and perfect the products which are the eyes and ears of Waymo’s autonomous driving technology, and integrate those products into vehicle platforms
• We’re seeking curious and talented teammates to keep us moving in the right direction
• This is an on-location role and you will report to the Product Quality Manager
• Quality Planning: Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and oversee the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new vehicle launches. Verify & ensure full compliance with the specification matrix to confirm adherence to the Engineering Requirement Specification (ERS). Provide end-to-end lifecycle quality support for Base Vehicle Hardware/Firmware and SDS vehicle components throughout the vehicle Product Development Plan (PDP)
• Ensure that the product design process, including activities like DFMEA, design reviews, DFM (Design for Manufacturing), and DFx, meets quality standards and results in a high-quality vehicle
• Collaborate with OEM and cross-functional teams such as OEMs, HW engineering, Vehicle Integration, Supply chain, and other teams during product development to verify compliance with internal and external quality standards and requirements and improve product quality
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into vehicle quality issues and manufacturing defects using problem-solving methodologies like 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa diagrams
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze field warranty data and assembly line defect rates to identify trends and drive corrective actions that improve overall vehicle reliability
• Baseline Requirements & Safe Launch: Establish initial quality processes, FMEAs, and dynamic inspection/testing protocols. Finalize and lock Control Plans, PFMEAs, and inspection SOPs to facilitate hardware freeze. Launch Safe Launch protocols and pinpoint critical systems that need heightened lifecycle monitoring

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
• Medical advocacy program for transgender employees
• Support programs including menopause benefit
• Counseling services
• Second medical opinion for you and your loved ones
• 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
• Elder care and support
• Survivor income benefit
• Backup childcare
• 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
• Employee resource groups
• Volunteer hours
• 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- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Proficiency in evaluating and interpreting complex vehicle specifications to confirm complete compliance during both validation and manufacturing processes
• Experience with data analysis, statistical tools, and quality control systems
• Proficiency in core quality tools and methodologies: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA (Measurement System Analysis), SPC (Statistical Process Control), DOE and 8D problem-solving
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• 10+ years of automotive industry experience in design engineering for vehicle product development, focusing on Vehicle Quality
• Master’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to leverage data forensics for resolving complex manufacturing assembly quality issues
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: New Product Introduction, Design Engineering, or Manufacturing Operations in consumer electronics
• Strong understanding of electronic assembly processes. & Solid grasp of statistical analysis and production control processes
• Proficient in data analysis and interpretation
• Experience collaborating with international contract manufacturers in mass production, including travel to manufacturing sites
• Highly motivated self-starter with innovative thinking, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail