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# VP, Engineering with an Autonomous Vehicle Startup – San Jose, CA


Role Overview for VP, Engineering with an Autonomous Vehicle Startup – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering, venture-backed autonomous vehicle startup based in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA. We are seeking a visionary and transformative Vice President of Engineering to join their executive team and lead the charge in building the next generation of self-driving technology. This is a rare opportunity to shape the technical foundation, culture, and trajectory of a company poised to revolutionize transportation and logistics.
As the VP of Engineering, you will be the driving force behind all engineering efforts, from low-level firmware to sophisticated AI-powered perception systems. You will be responsible for building and scaling a world-class, multi-disciplinary engineering organization capable of solving some of the most complex challenges in robotics, AI, and automotive engineering.
This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for building high-performing teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will report directly to the CEO and work alongside other key executives to define company strategy, set ambitious goals, and deliver a safe, reliable, and scalable autonomous driving solution to the market.
Our client is at a critical growth stage, and this role is pivotal to their success. The ideal candidate is not just a manager but a hands-on leader, mentor, and architect who can inspire excellence and navigate the complexities of developing safety-critical systems. You will have ultimate ownership of the engineering roadmap, technical architecture, and execution, ensuring that the team delivers on its commitments with quality and speed. If you are an experienced engineering leader with a proven track record in the autonomous systems space and are ready to make a career-defining impact, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Engineering with an Autonomous Vehicle Startup – San Jose, CA
As the VP of Engineering, your responsibilities will be broad and impactful, covering strategic leadership, team development, technical execution, and operational excellence.
Strategic Technical Leadership
Define and champion the company’s long-term engineering vision, strategy, and roadmap in alignment with overall business objectives. Serve as the primary technical voice on the executive team, providing critical input on product strategy, technology trends, and competitive landscape. Drive architectural decisions and ensure the development of a robust, scalable, and maintainable technology stack.
Organizational Building and Scaling
Lead the recruitment, development, and retention of a top-tier, multi-disciplinary engineering team encompassing software, hardware, systems, and testing. Scale the organization from dozens to hundreds of engineers while preserving a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Implement mentorship programs, career ladders, and performance management systems to foster professional growth.
Product Development and Execution
Oversee the entire engineering lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping to production deployment and ongoing support. Drive the execution and delivery of all software and hardware components, including perception, sensor fusion, prediction, planning, controls, embedded systems, and simulation infrastructure. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Process and Operational Excellence
Implement and refine best-in-class engineering processes, including agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and rigorous testing and validation frameworks. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor engineering effectiveness, productivity, and quality. Manage the engineering budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationships effectively.
Culture of Innovation and Safety
Foster a dynamic and inclusive engineering culture that encourages creativity, rapid iteration, and a first-principles approach to problem-solving. Champion a “safety-first” mindset throughout the organization, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices for developing safety-critical systems, such as ISO 26262.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Product Management to define product requirements and translate them into technical specifications. Collaborate with Operations to ensure seamless deployment and field testing. Work with Business Development to support customer engagements and technical due diligence.
Requirements for the VP, Engineering with an Autonomous Vehicle Startup – San Jose, CA
We are looking for an exceptional leader with a deep technical background and a proven ability to build and scale high-performing engineering teams in the autonomous systems domain.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in software and/or hardware engineering, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP, Senior Director) managing teams of 50+ engineers. Proven track record of scaling an engineering organization through a significant growth phase at a technology startup.
Domain Expertise
Deep, hands-on experience in autonomous vehicles, robotics, AI/ML, or a closely related field involving complex, safety-critical systems. Comprehensive understanding of the full autonomous driving stack is essential.
Technical Acumen
Strong technical foundation and expertise in several of the following areas: C++, Python, robotics (SLAM, localization, navigation), computer vision, sensor fusion (LIDAR, RADAR, cameras), machine learning (deep learning, reinforcement learning), motion planning, and control theory. Experience with embedded systems, RTOS, and automotive-grade hardware is highly desirable.
Safety and Standards
Demonstrable experience with the development of safety-critical systems. Familiarity with functional safety standards like ISO 26262 and a thorough understanding of the industry-standard SAE Levels of Driving Automation are required.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to operate at both a strategic and tactical level. A strategic thinker who can create a compelling vision and a hands-on leader who can dive into the details to solve problems and unblock their team.
Exceptional Communication Skills
World-class communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including engineers, executives, investors, and customers.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in rewarding their team for their hard work and dedication. They offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of their employees.
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and performance-based bonus structure.
Meaningful Equity
A significant equity stake in a rapidly growing startup, providing the opportunity for life-changing financial rewards.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with minimal employee contribution.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) plan to help you save for your future.
Flexible Time Off
An unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, encouraging you to take the time you need to rest and recharge.
Daily Meals & Snacks
Catered lunches provided daily, along with a fully stocked kitchen with a wide variety of snacks and beverages.
Commuter Support
Comprehensive commuter benefits to make your journey to our San Jose office easier.
Professional Growth
A generous annual budget for professional development, including conferences, courses, and certifications.
State-of-the-Art Workspace
A modern, collaborative office environment equipped with the latest technology and tools.
Impactful Work
The unparalleled opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology that will have a profound and positive impact on society.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary engineering leader passionate about building the future of autonomous transportation, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Our team will review all applications and contact qualified candidates for a confidential discussion. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Technology Recruiting practice page. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring this exciting opportunity together.