Autonomous Driving Regulatory Compliance Program Manager - VOL000413 - Hybrid
Primary Location
- United States-California-Belmont
Description
VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future.
Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion.
Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity.
The Center of Excellence within the ADMT LLC focuses on applied research and pre-development with the goal of evaluating and/or develop and transfer innovative technology from industries and research institutions into the autonomous driving domain for technology/supplier decisions and to build the strategic base for a further development of a VW Group owned vertical, integrated AD-stack.
Regulatory Compliance Program Manager
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Program Manager for Regulatory Compliance to lead our efforts in obtaining and maintaining all necessary permits and ensuring compliance with California regulations for autonomous vehicle (AV) testing and deployment. This role is critical in facilitating our entry into California and transition to a fully deployed commercial autonomous vehicle passenger robo-taxi service. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in regulatory compliance, program management, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with California autonomous vehicle regulations is preferred.
Role Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance and Permitting:
- Lead the end-to-end process of acquiring and renewing all necessary permits from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and compiling and submitting the requisite data required to be reported for AV testing and deployment in California.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of California’s AV regulations, including testing and deployment requirements. Provide company perspective and input to regulatory agencies during any updating of regulations.
- Prepare and submit detailed applications and reports to regulatory agencies, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
- Respond to inquiries related to submissions in consultation with other company technical experts as necessary.
- Will be first point of contact with customers in coordinating interactions and role split with California regulators.
Data Collection and Reporting:
- Design and implement an automated system for collecting, organizing, and reporting data required by the DMV and CPUC, including but not limited to:
- Disengagement reports
- Collision reports
- Quarterly operational reports
- Any additional requirements that emerge as regulations are updated
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of all mandated reports, maintaining transparency and compliance with regulatory expectations.
Program Management:
- Establish and maintain a detailed project plan and timeline for permit acquisition and compliance activities, aligning with company development milestones.
- Coordinate with internal departments (e.g., engineering, legal, operations) to gather necessary information and documentation for permit applications and compliance reporting.
- Monitor and track progress against regulatory requirements, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as the primary liaison between the company and regulatory agencies, fostering positive relationships and open communication.
- Represent the company in meetings with the DMV in Sacramento and the CPUC in San Francisco, quarterly or as needed, including attending in-person sessions as required.
- Keep regulatory bodies informed of company activities, progress, and any incidents, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and trust-building.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with engineering, legal, operations, safety, and other relevant teams to ensure alignment on compliance requirements and timelines.
- Facilitate internal understanding of regulatory obligations and integrate compliance considerations into the company’s operational and development processes
Qualifications
Qualifications
- 5+ years professional experience with a minimum of 3 years of experience in regulatory compliance, program management, or a related role, preferably within the autonomous vehicle or technology or transportation industry.
Education
Required
Desired
- JD
- Project management certifications
General Skills
- The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in regulatory compliance, program management, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to develop and maintain comprehensive project plans.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with both internal teams and external regulatory agencies.
- Experience in designing and implementing automated data collection and reporting systems
- Willingness and ability to travel within California for in-person meetings with regulatory agencies.
Required Skills
- Familiarity with data analysis tools and reporting software.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and influence policy outcomes.
- Experience working in the autonomous vehicle industry or with emerging transportation technologies or related industry.
Specialized Skills
Desired
- Experience in autonomous vehicle industry or similarly regulated agency, preferably in California
- Understanding of California’s regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles, including familiarity with DMV and CPUC
- Project management certifications
- Law degree could be a plus
Work Flexibility
- Accommodation for working time zone differences between international locations as needed
- Travel is estimated to be 20-25%.
- Role requires flexibility in daily schedule, including early morning meetings with Europe, evenings for the West Coast, and weekends for events and travel (e.g. after-hours events multiple times a week)
- This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in the Belmont CA office
- Willingness and ability to travel within California for in-person meetings with regulatory agencies, primarily Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
In the Silicon Valley, the salary range for this role will be $125,000 - $165,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly. Other benefits for this position include:
- Eligibility for annual performance bonus
- Healthcare benefits
- 401(k), with company match
- Defined contribution retirement program.
- Tuition reimbursement
- Company lease car program
- Paid time off
Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.
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