Senior Technical Program Manager, Operational Excellence
ZooxFoster City, CA
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.1
Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.
We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.
Overview
Schedule
Full-time
Education
Engineering (PE)
Career level
Director
Remote
On-site
Benefits
Health Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Job Description
Zoox is seeking a highly motivated Technical Program Manager (TPM), Operational Excellence to drive manufacturing process maturity, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives across Manufacturing Operations. This role will partner closely with Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, Safety, Training, Facilities, and Engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities, implement scalable solutions, and strengthen the Zoox Production System (ZPS).
As Zoox scales from low-volume production to high-rate manufacturing, this role will help establish the systems, processes, metrics, and governance necessary to achieve predictable, safe, and efficient operations. The ideal candidate combines strong program management capabilities with expertise in lean manufacturing, business process optimization, data-driven decision making, and change management. This position is based onsite at our Clawiter factory.
In this role, you will
- Lead Operational Excellence initiatives across Manufacturing Operations (MOPS), partnering with General Assembly, AHMO, Logistics, Test & Diagnostics, Quality, Safety, and other stakeholders to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce performance.
- Analyze manufacturing and business processes by observing operations, conducting current-state and future-state assessments, identifying variability, waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for standardization and optimization.
- Drive the deployment, sustainment, and continuous improvement of the Zoox Production System (ZPS), including coaching teams on principles such as Standard Work, 5S, Lean Processes, Visual Management, waste elimination, and continuous improvement.
- Facilitate Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen events, process reviews, operational audits, and cross-functional workshops to identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and implement sustainable improvements.
- Partner with Manufacturing leadership to establish operational standards, performance metrics, governance mechanisms, and documentation that enable scalable, repeatable, and efficient operations.
- Support strategic planning and execution activities, including Zoox Quarterly Planning (ZQP), organizational readiness initiatives, and structured problem-solving efforts by gathering stakeholder feedback, aligning teams, driving accountability, and tracking business outcomes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, operational excellence, industrial engineering, management consulting, program management, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional process improvement, business transformation, or operational excellence initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies, including Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen, Standard Work, 5S, and structured problem-solving techniques.
- Proven analytical and project management skills, with the ability to use data to identify opportunities, drive decisions, and measure business impact.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence teams and leaders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience supporting production ramp-ups, manufacturing scale-up efforts, or implementation of production systems in automotive, aerospace, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
- Experience with manufacturing systems and tools such as MES, ERP, quality management systems, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Grafana, Looker).
- MBA or Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.
A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
Automate your job search with Sonara.
Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.
FAQs About Senior Technical Program Manager, Operational Excellence Jobs at Zoox
What is the work location for this position at Zoox?
This job at Zoox is located in Foster City, CA, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Zoox?
Employer has not shared pay details for this role.
What employment applies to this position at Zoox?
Zoox lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Zoox?
Zoox is looking for a candidate with "Director" experience level.
What education level is required for this job?
The education requirement for this position is Engineering (PE). Candidates with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience may also be considered.
What benefits are offered by Zoox for this role?
Zoox offers following benefits: Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave, and Health & Wellness Programs for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at Zoox?
You can apply for this role at Zoox either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.