Apprentice – Vehicle Operator (Data Collection)

Aptiv • Troy, MI

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice Vehicle Operator – Data Collection plays a foundational role in Aptiv’s Autonomous Driving development cycle. In this position, you will serve as the first line of observation during real‑world testing, ensuring safe vehicle operations while capturing high‑quality data that supports engineering, algorithm development, and validation teams. You will work hands‑on with prototype ADAS/AD vehicles, operate data acquisition systems, identify challenging driving environments, and perform structured feedback reporting. This role is ideal for individuals who are: Curious about autonomous driving technology, Detail‑oriented and safety‑focused, Eager to learn how data fuels validation and system improvement, Comfortable working in dynamic, real‑world conditions. As an apprentice, you will receive on‑the‑job training, clear daily guidance, and the opportunity to develop practical skills in vehicle testing, data logging, and sensor systems—key foundations for future roles in data analytics, vehicle testing, or ADAS/AD development.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a technical field
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Must be a resident of the Greater Troy, MI area, with ability to work on site.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate prototype‑level ADAS/AD vehicles across the USA and surrounding regions.
• Drive on defined and exploratory routes with varying road topology, traffic density, and weather conditions.
• Utilize Aptiv’s Route Intelligence Tool to follow, adapt, and optimize test routes.
• Maintain full readiness to take over manual control when the system disengages—executing overrides smoothly, safely, and without over‑correction.
• Perform pre‑trip and post‑trip checklists to ensure vehicle readiness.
• Operate in‑vehicle DAQ (Data Acquisition) systems, including: Start/stop recordings, Event tagging, Monitoring sensor states, Performing simple debugging of software or hardware anomalies.
• Follow daily Test Plans, including assigned scenarios, trip targets, and route variations.
• Ensure all captured data meets quality, completeness, and formatting standards required by engineering teams.
• Conduct basic troubleshooting of sensors, cameras, GNSS/IMU units, and logging equipment when needed.
• Provide structured and objective feedback on vehicle behavior, such as: System hesitation, Unexpected maneuvers, Near‑miss events, Incorrect or delayed perception.
• Document environmental factors that commonly challenge AD systems (e.g., sharp turns, complex intersections, hills/elevation changes, construction zones, school areas, pedestrian crossings).
• Clearly communicate findings during daily sync‑ups or through digital feedback tools.
• Upload collected data to Aptiv’s High‑Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure promptly after each test session.
• Verify successful data transfer, labeling accuracy, and metadata completeness.
• Coordinate with the Data Insight and MCIP teams to flag corrupted or incomplete logs.

Benefits

• Structured onboarding and mentorship for early‑career engineers
• Hands‑on exposure to real ADAS vehicle programs
• Safety Training Certificates – Tier-1 and Tier-2 as safety driver for ADAS
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with local regulations while data collection
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Clear technical growth path within Data Analytics, ADAS, and AI/ML domains
• Recognition for innovation, learning, and teamwork
• Meaningful work contributing to safer and smarter mobility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees