Autonomous Vehicle Technician - San Francisco 94124 HOURLY PAY up to $70

AutoNation

4d • $23 - $70 • Onsite

About The Position

The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technician is an entry-level role supporting basic inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting on autonomous vehicles. The position offers hands-on learning and development in AV hardware, sensors, electrical systems, and diagnostic procedures while assisting more experienced technicians. The technician helps ensure vehicle readiness, supports fleet operations, and follows established safety and technical procedures. The role is intended for early-career technicians, recent technical program graduates, or people moving from traditional automotive or mechanical work into advanced mobility technology.

This is an on-site, full-time position in San Francisco. Work takes place in shop, lab, and outdoor environments, and may occasionally include remote test locations. Evening or weekend shifts may be required depending on operations. Compensation is described as $22.80–$70.00 per hour, depending on certifications, skills, and experience; another pay range appears in the posting as $29.17–$51.05.

AutoNation describes its benefits as including paid time off, a 401(k) with company match, longevity bonuses, technician referral bonuses, employee discounts, advancement opportunities, health, dental and vision insurance, maternity benefits, and access to discounts through YouDecide. The company also describes its DRV PNK fundraising mission supporting cancer research and treatment.

Requirements

• 0–2+ years of experience as an automotive, EV, mechanical, or electrical technician, or recent graduation from a technical training program.
• Basic understanding of vehicle mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to use hand tools and basic diagnostic equipment.
• Willingness to learn advanced AV systems, sensors, and diagnostic tools.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, work under vehicles, and operate in field environments.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with EV systems, hybrid systems, robotics, or ADAS, including at a basic level.
• Familiarity with multimeters, scan tools, or basic electrical testing.
• Technical certifications in automotive, diesel, electronics, robotics, or mechatronics.
• Interest in autonomous vehicles, mobility technology, or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic repairs under the direction of senior technicians.
• Check fluid levels, tire condition, torque specifications, safety systems, and general vehicle health.
• Document maintenance activities in fleet management systems.
• Support troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and low-voltage issues.
• Assist with basic replacement of components such as sensors, wiring harnesses, modules, and mounts.
• Learn and use diagnostic tools, scan software, and testing equipment with supervision.
• Assist with sensor cleaning, visual inspections, and mounting checks for LiDAR, radar, and cameras.
• Support senior technicians with calibration setups and test preparation.
• Learn the fundamentals of perception systems and their impact on autonomous vehicle performance.
• Support installation, removal, or inspection of vehicle hardware components.
• Perform basic cable routing, connector checks, and system verification steps.
• Assist with software updates, data transfers, and log collection under supervision.
• Prepare vehicles for daily missions, including power checks, health verification, and readiness procedures.
• Respond to low-level field incidents, perform simple vehicle resets, and coordinate with remote monitoring teams.
• Assist during test drives, closed-course operations, and controlled scenarios.
• Follow safety procedures, including high-voltage awareness, lockout/tagout, and safe tool usage.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed and vehicle conditions.
• Participate in training, mentorship, and skill development programs.
• Learn AV systems, diagnostic practices, and component functions with the goal of advancement.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Longevity bonuses.
• Technician employee referral bonus program, with the posting stating employees can earn up to $3,000 per technician referral.
• Employee discounts on vehicle purchases, parts, and service.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Maternity benefits.
• Associate purchase and discount programs for vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear.
• Access to retailer and provider discounts through YouDecide.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed