Autonomous Systems Validation Operator - Austin, TX
About The Position
The Autonomous Systems Validation Operator supports the development, testing, and safety validation of autonomous vehicle technology. The role involves operating and evaluating prototype vehicles equipped with autonomous software and hardware, executing test procedures on public roads and private test tracks, collecting data for engineering analysis, and providing operational feedback to support safe deployment of autonomous driving features. The operator drives vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes; monitors vehicle behavior and intervenes when needed; performs test cases and specialized driving scenarios; investigates hardware, software, and sensor anomalies; and works with engineering teams to report and reproduce issues. The position also includes managing data-logging equipment, performing software updates and system flashes, completing vehicle inspections and sensor setup, and preparing post-drive reports and safety feedback. Work may involve travel for off-site testing, overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as needed.
Requirements
- Hold a valid driver's license in the state of residence.
- Have a clean driving record, with no suspensions or revocations within the last 3–5 years, no drug- or alcohol-related driving incidents within the last 3 years, and no active motor vehicle report points in the past 3 years.
- Willingness to undergo continuous motor vehicle record monitoring.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have at least 1 year of prior autonomous vehicle testing experience.
- Maintain focus while operating or monitoring autonomous vehicles independently or with a partner for 6–8 hours per day.
- Be able to travel up to 50% for off-site field testing and trips.
- Be flexible to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as needed.
- Be proficient with laptops, smartphones, and collaboration software such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Maps.
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to concisely describe technical events and system anomalies.
- Demonstrate sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and composure in high-stress or fast-paced testing environments.
- Be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with Jira or an equivalent engineering ticketing platform.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting, flashing, and debugging embedded automotive software and CAN/hardware networks.
- Experience operating 16 ft+ commercial vehicles, medium-duty trucks, or large fleet platforms.
- Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Responsibilities
- Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across varied traffic, road, and weather conditions, for up to 8 hours daily.
- Maintain situational awareness and follow safety protocols, intervening or manually disengaging when necessary.
- Perform predefined autonomous test cases, edge-case evaluations, and specialized driving scenarios on public roads and closed-course test facilities.
- Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor-platform anomalies using diagnostic tools.
- Communicate system behavior to hardware and software engineering teams, reproduce edge cases, and escalate critical issues through online ticketing systems.
- Manage onboard logging equipment, record system-performance data, and verify data transfers for engineering analysis.
- Perform and verify over-the-air software updates and system flashes across vehicle ECUs and autonomous control units.
- Conduct vehicle pre-trip inspections and basic system checks, and prepare or calibrate sensors before test routes.
- Prepare clear and thorough post-drive reports, operational logs, and safety feedback for cross-functional stakeholders.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
