Staff Studio Engineer

Passionate about aesthetics and product innovation, Waymo’s Industrial Design Team is responsible for envisioning the future of mobility and autonomous driving technology. The Design Team develops and applies cohesive design language to the Waymo Driver, delivering an exceptional customer experience with best-in-class product quality.

The Industrial Design Team creates smart and elegant solutions that pave the future of mobility while prioritizing our riders’ needs & safety. We are involved in every step of the engineering and product development process to optimize Waymo’s technology and delight the rider’s journey. The team is a unique fusion of creatives and innovators with the opportunity to pioneer a new industry.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Studio Engineering Manager.

You will:

• Lead the development from early initial design concept phase to final production execution. Utilize various tools to drive efficient design development and decision making


• Partner closely with Industrial Designers, Sensor Engineers, Vehicle Engineers, Product Managers, Systems Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to translate design intent into high-quality surfaces that meet all product and engineering requirements. Lead cross-functional reviews, build strong collaborative relationships, and drive inclusive decision-making. Manage and resolve conflicting requirements between Design and Engineering teams through in-depth technical evaluations and insights


• Collaborate with CAD Design team to design physical prototypes (e.g., 3D printing, CNC) to verify form, function, and assembly throughout development life-cycles for the Waymo Driver and its vehicle platforms


• Identify and solve complex design and engineering challenges, navigating autonomous vehicle technical constraints while upholding the highest standards of design quality and attention to detail. Drive complex technical requirements to design and engineering convergence


• Integrate design feasibility reviews into product development timelines, ensuring design integrity is maintained through key program gates. Refine design, documentation & release processes, ensuring high-quality, production-ready 3D data is delivered to internal and external partners

You have:

• 15+ years of professional experience as an automotive engineer with at least 1/3rd of that time as a Lead Studio Engineer in a product-driven environment


• Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD software (CATIA V5/V6, NX, Enovia etc). A wide knowledge and high level of comfort in CAD and PLM packages


• A proven track record of delivering high-quality products through mass production, with a deep understanding of the complete automotive & hardware product development process. Including: manufacturing technologies, materials, design for assembly, quality control, reliability, and supply chain management


• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional technical skill, meticulous attention to detail, and successfully shipped products.


• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field


• Direct experience in automotive studio engineering (OEM or supplier)

We prefer:

• Experience designing for complex, integrated hardware systems (e.g., robo-taxis, robotics, aerospace, advanced consumer electronics)


• Hands-on experience with CNC, advanced 3D printing, or other rapid prototyping methods. Experience working with model shops to create looks-like, feels-like model assets like marketing show cars