Autonomous Vehicle Compliance Manager

About The Role We are seeking a seasoned Compliance Manager to oversee regulatory adherence, safety governance, and operational standards across our autonomous vehicle fleet. You will serve as the bridge between technology operations, legal, and government affairs — ensuring every vehicle and operator on our network meets evolving federal, state, and local requirements, including DOT‑mandated drug and alcohol testing programs. What You’ll Be Doing Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive compliance framework covering AV‑specific federal and state regulations (NHTSA, FMCSA, SAE standards, state DMV permits). Monitor regulatory changes at local, state, and federal levels; assess operational impact and lead adaptation initiatives across engineering, legal, and operations teams. Manage AV operating permits, testing authorizations, and license renewals across all jurisdictions where the fleet is deployed. Serve as primary liaison with regulatory bodies including NHTSA, FMCSA, state DMVs, and municipal transportation authorities. Design and conduct internal compliance audits, document control procedures, and corrective action plans for any identified deficiencies. Administer and maintain the company’s DOT‑compliant drug and alcohol testing program, covering all safety‑sensitive personnel including remote operators, safety drivers, and fleet technicians. Manage the full lifecycle of testing events — pre‑employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post‑accident, return‑to‑duty, and follow‑up testing — ensuring chain‑of‑custody integrity and timely processing. Oversee the random testing pool: maintain accurate personnel rosters, coordinate with third‑party administrators (TPAs), and ensure quarterly random selection rates meet industry standards. Serve as the primary point of contact for Medical Review Officers and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs); manage employee referrals, return‑to‑duty clearances, and follow‑up testing schedules. Maintain complete, audit‑ready testing records and ensure strict confidentiality of all employee drug and alcohol data in accordance with DOT privacy regulations. Evaluate and manage relationships with DOT‑qualified collection sites, laboratories, TPAs, and MROs to ensure service quality and regulatory qualification. Monitor evolving federal and state substance regulations — including emerging cannabis policy — and advise leadership on compliance implications for AV fleet operations. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, transportation, public policy, related field or advanced degree is a strong plus. 5+ years of compliance, regulatory, or government affairs experience in automotive, transportation, or mobility tech. Direct experience with AV or ADAS technology platforms and their regulatory environments. Deep knowledge of NHTSA safety standards, FMCSA regulations, and state AV permit frameworks. Demonstrated ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into operational policies. Experience managing multi‑jurisdictional compliance programs simultaneously. Strong written and oral communication skills; comfort presenting to executives and regulators alike. Lifecycle Program Management: Proven experience managing the full compliance management program lifecycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and continuous improvement (PDCA cycle). Cross‑Functional Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex compliance projects involving Legal, Safety, Operations, Technology, and HR teams without direct authority. Risk‑Based Prioritization: Capacity to perform risk assessments and prioritize program workstreams based on impact, probability, and business objectives. Skills And Traits Proactive regulatory intelligence — anticipates change, not just reacts to it. Cross‑functional influence without direct authority. Analytical rigor combined with pragmatic judgment in ambiguous situations. Comfort operating in a fast‑moving, technology‑first environment. Mission‑driven orientation toward safety and public trust in autonomous mobility. Attention to detail with an ability to manage competing priorities under deadlines. Collaborative spirit with low ego and high ownership. #J-18808-Ljbffr Moove