Program Manager, Operations Safety

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Program Manager, Operations Safety.

The Program Manager, Operations Safety, will be a key driver in advancing Aurora's mission to deliver safe and reliable autonomous vehicle technology. This role is responsible for leading the development, overseeing appropriate implementation, and monitoring of safety initiatives across Aurora's operations. The successful candidate will utilize their expertise in safety-critical operations to manage Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs), work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, and ensure that safety standards are consistently met and improved. This position will significantly contribute to Aurora's path toward safe and broad commercialization.

In this role, you will 

• Generate safety insights from performance data to ensure safe on-road operations.
• Review software updates to assess their impact on operational safety policies in alignment with the company’s operational footprint.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports and presentations for executive audiences.
• Manage the full lifecycle of all operational safety metrics, collaborating with Safety, Product, Engineering, Operations, and Data Science teams.
• Ensure SPIs are measured against baseline thresholds, with regular reviews to maintain data integrity.
• Serve as the Operational Safety representative in enterprise-wide SPI working groups.
• Lead complex safety programs, including the oversight of operational safety procedures by setting goals, timelines, and managing projects to ensure alignment with Aurora’s overall safety strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices in safety management processes.
• Generate weekly status reports and lead programmatic meetings, such as Safety Performance Reviews and cross-functional alignment sessions.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Safety, Engineering, Product, Operations, Data Science) to implement and drive safety initiatives.
• Communicate with all organizational levels to promote a safety-first culture and ensure transparency.
• Maintain a strong technical understanding of the Aurora Driver system capabilities, product roadmap, operations, and supporting ecosystem to manage safety risks and operational hazards effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in safety-critical operations, ideally in autonomous vehicles, automotive, aviation, or similar industries, focusing on safety analysis, program management, or system integration.
• Proven experience managing safety initiatives in complex, high-stakes environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Safety, Engineering, Product Management, Operations).
• Experience with safety management systems (SMS), data analytics tools, and risk assessment methods relevant to vehicle operations and technology development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data to guide decision-making and safety performance improvements.
• Ability to lead complex projects by breaking them into actionable milestones aligned with business needs.
• Proficiency in program management and safety analytics tools (e.g., Jira, Tableau, MATLAB).
• Strong problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities under ambiguity, with excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders and external stakeholders.

 Desirable Qualifications

• Certifications such as PMP, CSP, Six Sigma, CFSE/P, or other relevant safety or project management certifications.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and standards (e.g., FMVSS, NHTSA, UNECE) related to autonomous vehicle technology.
• Experience in autonomous vehicle technology or transportation safety.
• Familiarity with advanced technologies, such as AI, machine learning, LIDAR, or other sensor technologies used in autonomous systems.
• Experience developing and implementing Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and using data-driven methods for continuous improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance processes related to safety standards.
• Experience with Jira, Jama, Confluence, Google Suite.

The base salaryrange for this position is $116,000 - $173,000 per year.  Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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