Product Regulatory Lead – Autonomous Driving (L4)

Description

We are looking for a hands-on Product Regulatory Lead to join our team in Munich. In this role, you will take ownership of our regulatory compliance and homologation strategy for Level 4 Autonomous Driving (L4 Robotaxi) and related L2+/L3 initiatives. You will serve as the crucial link connecting safety regulation with functional safety and systems engineering, helping translate complex legal requirements into practical guidelines for our engineering teams.

You will serve as our primary liaison to German regulatory bodies (including the KBA, the City of Munich, and Landesbaudirektion), technical services such as TÜV SÜD, and key operating partners like Uber. Your goal will be to steer our regulatory roadmap, secure type approvals, and obtain the operational permits required to deploy autonomous vehicles on public roads while aligning functional safety, systems engineering, and quality management standard deliverables.

Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Approvals, Homologation & Legal Compliance

- KBA Permit Management: Manage testing permits, extensions, and technical modifications with the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) for test fleets operating under the AFGBV framework.
- AFGBV Core Regulatory Package: Build and maintain the complete regulatory approval package for L4 Robotaxi deployment in Germany, handling documentation checklists, assessment criteria, and tracking open action items.
- City & Local Authority Submissions: Draft and deliver regulatory and operational briefings to Munich municipal authorities (KVR) and relevant local stakeholders for operational area approvals, building strong ongoing relationships.
- Regulatory Requirements & Benchmarking: Benchmark UN ECE Automated Driving framework against EU 2022/1426, turning regulatory standards into clear technical requirements for systems engineering and functional safety teams.
- Type-Approval Strategy: Define and lead our type-approval pathway for L4 vehicles (national AFGBV vs. EU 2022/1426), leading discussions with the KBA and guiding technical service partners (e.g., TÜV SÜD) through gap analysis and approval readiness.

2. Systems Engineering & Functional Safety (L4 Robotaxi)

- Architecture & Requirements Definition: Provide regulatory input for system boundary definitions, multi-level System Architecture (SYS.2 / SYS.3), and Interface Requirements Specifications across OEM and Tier-2 retrofit RFQ packages, making sure regulatory needs are clearly traceable throughout.
- Functional Safety & HARA: Guide Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMP), Item Definitions, Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessments (HARA), and safety concept alignment under ISO 26262, ensuring safety deliverables align with regulatory expectations.
- Supplier & Actuator Alignment: Partner closely with Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers to ensure hardware and software components meet regulatory compliance standards.
- Toolchain Modernization: Utilize modern Systems Engineering and QMS tools (e.g., Jira, GitHub) to maintain clear, audit-ready documentation and version control.
- Approval-Driven Development Gates: Keep the main development schedule aligned with review gate criteria, ensuring regulatory, safety, and engineering requirements are fulfilled at every stage.

3. Quality Management & Field Operations Analysis

- Quality Audits & Compliance: Organize audit evidence and support internal quality reviews for ISO 9001 and ISO 90003 standards, ensuring QMS processes meet official regulatory expectations.
- Root Cause & Incident Resolution: Lead 8D problem-solving efforts during field incidents, coordinating investigations across testing, R&D, and engineering teams, evaluating reporting needs to authorities like the KBA, and ensuring corrective steps are taken.

Requirements

- Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in vehicle homologation, regulatory affairs, systems engineering, or functional safety within ADAS / Autonomous Driving (L2+ / L4).
- Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of German and European autonomous driving frameworks, particularly AFGBV, KBA permit procedures, UN ECE Automated Driving standards, and EU 2022/1426.
- Functional Safety & Quality Standards: Working knowledge of ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), ISO 9001 / ISO 90003 (QMS), and structured problem-solving methodologies like the 8D process.
- Systems Engineering: Hands-on experience with SYS.2 / SYS.3 architectural design, Item Definitions, SEMP, and requirement tracking platforms such as Jira and GitHub.
- Languages: Native or fluent German (required for direct engagement with German authorities) alongside professional fluency in English.
- Location Requirement: Based in or willing to relocate to Munich, Germany for a full-time, on-site role.
- Stakeholder Management: Strong track record of guiding cross-functional teams toward shared goals and confidently representing the company to authorities and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

- Degree in Automotive Engineering, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, System Safety, or equivalent practical field experience.
- Prior experience working with mobility services (such as ride-hailing networks) and municipal transit authorities.
- Hands-on exposure to SAE L3/L4 autonomous systems or driverless testing programs.
- Familiarity with ISO 21448 (SOTIF), UN R155/R156 (cybersecurity & software updates), and ISO 90003.