Regulatory Affairs Manager Jobs in California
Regulatory affairs manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in life sciences, biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals across an employer base that ranges from early-stage startups to global manufacturers, with openings at every level from associate regulatory affairs specialist through senior director. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Genentech, Edwards Lifesciences, and Johnson & Johnson maintain large California operations. The most in-demand specialties include FDA submissions, quality systems compliance, and combination product regulation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
The Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Zoox is a cross-functional organization responsible for advancing Zoox's public policy, regulatory, and political goals, including working with state regulatory agencies, legislators, executive branch, and policymakers.
The Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager will support Zoox’s state policy portfolio, providing important project management, public policy analysis, and help to implement Zoox’s state policy strategy. To fulfill the primary responsibilities of this role, this person will help represent Zoox in certain state-level trade associations, organizations, and meetings with policymakers and regulators.
This position is located at Zoox headquarters in Foster City, CA. Limited travel within the US may be required.
In this role, you will...
- Support the strategic development and cross-functional execution of state and local regulatory permitting initiatives.
- Assist in driving engagement with regulators and policymakers to secure critical approvals and advance Zoox’s mission in alignment with our safety-first operational principles.
- Assist in engagement efforts with state and local regulators, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and key opinion leaders to shape policy and regulatory outcomes, ensuring alignment with Zoox’s safety-first operational principles.
- Support the tracking and communication of state and local-level policy and regulation/rulemakings (e.g., state rulemakings on AVs) to inform Zoox’s political strategy, while aligning with safety-first principles.
- Support cross-functional teams—including Legal, Safety, and Communications—in the development of strategies and applications, helping ensure up-to-date knowledge of company plans and reporting of policy developments.
- Support the development and maintenance of strong relationships with state and local regulators and agencies, consistent with our safety-first operational commitments.
- Support Zoox’s participation and representation in trade associations, industry, and political events, promoting our safety-first operational standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of government relations or public policy experience within government and/or relevant nonprofits, public interest groups, companies, or industry associations
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with experience successfully supporting the execution of multiple complex, cross-functional projects simultaneously
- Skilled and experienced at persuasively and diplomatically advocating complex policy positions, aligned with Zoox’s safety-first operational principles, before a wide variety of audiences
- Experience in analyzing and summarizing complex policy and regulatory proposals, crafting succinct and informative materials to support Zoox policy and regulatory affairs objectives
- Knowledge of state and local regulatory dynamics and decision-making
- Possesses a meaningful regulatory and political professional network
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with a state legislature, executive office or department, or regulatory body with oversight of technology, transportation and/or autonomous vehicles
BONUS QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Degree (J.D., MBA, MPP, MPA, etc.)
- 3+ years working on transportation technology policy
- Experience with policy and regulatory affairs related to autonomous vehicles, specifically working with state agencies with oversight authority
- Experience working with state level regulatory agencies
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.
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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
INTRODUCTION
The Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Zoox is a cross-functional organization responsible for advancing Zoox's public policy, regulatory, and political goals, including working with state regulatory agencies, legislators, executive branch, and policymakers.
The Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager will support Zoox’s state policy portfolio, providing important project management, public policy analysis, and help to implement Zoox’s state policy strategy. To fulfill the primary responsibilities of this role, this person will help represent Zoox in certain state-level trade associations, organizations, and meetings with policymakers and regulators.
This position is located at Zoox headquarters in Foster City, CA. Limited travel within the US may be required.
In this role, you will...
- Support the strategic development and cross-functional execution of state and local regulatory permitting initiatives.
- Assist in driving engagement with regulators and policymakers to secure critical approvals and advance Zoox’s mission in alignment with our safety-first operational principles.
- Assist in engagement efforts with state and local regulators, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and key opinion leaders to shape policy and regulatory outcomes, ensuring alignment with Zoox’s safety-first operational principles.
- Support the tracking and communication of state and local-level policy and regulation/rulemakings (e.g., state rulemakings on AVs) to inform Zoox’s political strategy, while aligning with safety-first principles.
- Support cross-functional teams—including Legal, Safety, and Communications—in the development of strategies and applications, helping ensure up-to-date knowledge of company plans and reporting of policy developments.
- Support the development and maintenance of strong relationships with state and local regulators and agencies, consistent with our safety-first operational commitments.
- Support Zoox’s participation and representation in trade associations, industry, and political events, promoting our safety-first operational standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of government relations or public policy experience within government and/or relevant nonprofits, public interest groups, companies, or industry associations
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with experience successfully supporting the execution of multiple complex, cross-functional projects simultaneously
- Skilled and experienced at persuasively and diplomatically advocating complex policy positions, aligned with Zoox’s safety-first operational principles, before a wide variety of audiences
- Experience in analyzing and summarizing complex policy and regulatory proposals, crafting succinct and informative materials to support Zoox policy and regulatory affairs objectives
- Knowledge of state and local regulatory dynamics and decision-making
- Possesses a meaningful regulatory and political professional network
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with a state legislature, executive office or department, or regulatory body with oversight of technology, transportation and/or autonomous vehicles
BONUS QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Degree (J.D., MBA, MPP, MPA, etc.)
- 3+ years working on transportation technology policy
- Experience with policy and regulatory affairs related to autonomous vehicles, specifically working with state agencies with oversight authority
- Experience working with state level regulatory agencies
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.
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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 22 Regulatory Affairs Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsRegulatory Affairs Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Regulatory Affairs Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Revolution Medicines6
- Abbott5
- AbbVie2
- Evalve2
- UC Irvine Health2
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals18
- Education2
- Automotive1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Trucking1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in regulatory affairs manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, engineering, pharmacy, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting FDA regulatory filings such as 510(k) or BLA
- Familiarity with California-regulated medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
- Working knowledge of 21 CFR, ICH guidelines, and current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements
- RAC certification from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society preferred by most California employers
- Strong cross-functional communication skills for coordinating with clinical, quality, and legal teams
Regulatory Affairs Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a regulatory affairs manager in California?
Most regulatory affairs managers in California start with a bachelor's degree in a life science, pharmacy, or engineering discipline, then build experience in quality assurance, clinical affairs, or a related technical role before moving into regulatory work. California does not issue a state-specific license for regulatory affairs managers, but employers strongly favor candidates who hold or are pursuing the Regulatory Affairs Certification from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society, which is recognized across the state's dense life sciences sector.
How much do regulatory affairs managers make in California?
Regulatory affairs managers in California earn a median of about $96,980 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $57,530 for the lowest 10% to over $158,280 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire regulatory affairs managers in California?
Employers hiring regulatory affairs managers in California right now include Revolution Medicines, Abbott, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of FDA-registered medical device and biopharmaceutical manufacturers makes it one of the deepest employer pools for this role in the country.
Which California cities have the most regulatory affairs manager jobs?
Alameda, Redwood City, and Irvine account for the most regulatory affairs manager openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego lead because of their dense clusters of biotechnology and medical device headquarters, while Los Angeles draws demand from pharmaceutical manufacturers and combination product companies with large Southern California operations.
Are there remote regulatory affairs manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 9% of regulatory affairs manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting that much of the work involves document preparation, submission strategy, and cross-functional coordination that does not require daily on-site presence. Roles focused on regulatory writing, labeling review, and agency correspondence are the most likely to carry a remote or hybrid designation.
How can I get hired as a regulatory affairs manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into regulatory affairs from an adjacent quality, clinical, or laboratory role at a California life sciences company. Large employers such as Genentech, Abbott, and Medtronic regularly hire regulatory affairs associates and coordinators who come from quality assurance or clinical operations backgrounds. Earning the Regulatory Affairs Certification or completing a regulatory affairs certificate program offered through California institutions like UC San Diego Extension strengthens a profile considerably, and volunteering to assist with FDA submissions in a current role is the fastest way to build a credible portfolio.
Where can I find and apply to regulatory affairs manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to regulatory affairs manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the Bay Area, San Diego, Los Angeles, and other markets. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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