Yao Z.
About Yao Z.
Yao Z. serves as the VP and Head of U Power US, bringing extensive experience in vehicle connectivity and high definition mapping for automated driving. With a strong focus on business development and product management in the automotive sector, Yao has held various engineering and managerial roles at notable companies such as Continental and Qualcomm.
Current Role at U Power
Yao Z. serves as the Vice President and Head of U Power US, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he oversees operations and strategic initiatives for the company within the United States. His leadership is focused on advancing U Power's mission in the automotive sector, particularly in areas related to smart mobility and vehicle connectivity.
Previous Experience at Continental
Yao Z. has extensive experience at Continental, where he held multiple positions. He worked as a Senior Software Engineer from 2011 to 2013, followed by a role as a Principal Engineer from 2014 to 2015. He later served as a Product Manager from 2015 to 2017. His tenure at Continental provided him with a strong foundation in vehicle connectivity and high-definition mapping for automated driving.
Background in Software Engineering
Yao Z. began his career in software engineering, with roles at various companies. He worked at Micronas as a Software Engineer from 2006 to 2007 and at Cummins Inc. in 2010. He also spent nearly a year at Qualcomm as a Senior Software Engineer from 2013 to 2014. This diverse background has contributed to his technical expertise in automotive technologies.
Entrepreneurial Experience at Ziiko Robotics
Yao Z. co-founded Ziiko Robotics, where he worked from 2019 to 2021. This experience allowed him to engage in innovative projects within the robotics field, further enhancing his skills in product management and business development. His role in a startup environment contributed to his understanding of dynamic systems and smart mobility.
Involvement with Autoware Foundation
Since 2020, Yao Z. has been a member of the Technical Steering Committee at the Autoware Foundation. This involvement highlights his commitment to advancing open-source software for autonomous driving, reflecting his expertise in ADAS systems and his dedication to collaboration within the automotive industry.