SMS Manager
WeRide.ai
San Jose, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 13, 2025
Established in 2017, WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) is a leading global commercial-stage company that develops autonomous driving technologies from Level 2 to Level 4. WeRide is the only tech company in the world that holds driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore and the US, conducting autonomous driving R&D, tests and operations in over 30 cities of 10 countries around the world. WeRide has operated a self-driving fleet for more than 2,200 days.
WeRide.ai is looking for a SMS Manager to develop and implement the Safety Management System to support commercial deployment of L4 Autonomous Driving (AD) Systems in global markets and its homologation in EU. This role reports directly to the Chief Safety Officer.
The Safety Management Systems (SMS) Manager will proactively identify and mitigat safety risks, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and promote a strong safety culture across all levels of the company. This role requires deep expertise in SMS, and the ability to adapt these practices to the unique challenges of the autonomous driving industry.
What you will do:
- SMS Development & Implementation:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), tailored to the needs of autonomous vehicles and their operations.
- Safety Policy & Procedures:
- Create, update, and enforce safety policies, procedures, and guidelines in line with SMS principles, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Risk Management:
- Conduct safety risk assessments and hazard identification. Ensure that risk management procedures are actively integrated into the development and operation of autonomous vehicles.
- Facilitate risk analysis meetings with relevant stakeholders to discuss root causes, potential hazards and control measures.
- Compliance Management:
- Ensure adherence to all applicable safety regulations, industry standards, and internal safety procedures.
- Incident Reporting and Investigation:
- Establish clear incident reporting procedures and ensure timely reporting of all safety incidents.
- Conduct thorough investigations into incidents to determine root causes and prevent recurrence.
- Prepare detailed incident reports and recommend corrective actions.
- Auditing and Inspections:
- Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify areas for improvement and verify compliance with safety policies.
- Lead and organize external audits when required.
- Performance Monitoring and Analysis:
- Track key safety performance indicators (SPIs) to monitor safety trends and identify areas for improvement.
- Generate reports on safety performance, highlighting areas of concern and progress made.
- Safety Culture Promotion:
- Advocate a positive safety culture to senior management.
- Develop and deliver safety training programs for employees at all levels, covering topics like hazard identification, incident reporting, and safe work practices.
- Foster a positive safety culture through employee training, communication campaigns, and leadership engagement to encourage proactive safety reporting and participation.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Safety Management, or related field. Relevant certification is a strong plus
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Safety Management Systems (SMS). Strong understanding of safety management principles and industry best practices
- Direct experience in safety management or compliance within the autonomous driving industry is a strong plus
- Familiarity with relevant safety standards for autonomous vehicles (e.g., ISO 26262, ISO/PAS 21448, UL4600)
- Proven experience with risk assessment methodologies and risk management techniques, proficient in data analysis and reporting tools to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders
- Proficient English and Chinese (Mandarin)
Salary Range: Your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the reasonably expected pay range is between $160,000 - $225,000 for the level at which this job has been scoped. Your base pay will depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, education, location, and skills. In the event that you are considered for a different level, a higher or lower pay range would apply. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, equity, and a competitive benefits package.
WeRide.ai offers competitive salary depending on the experience. Employee benefits include:
Premium Medical, Dental and Vision Plan (No cost from employees or their families)
Free Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Paid vacations and holidays
401K plan
