Autonomous Vehicle Testing Operator II

Motional•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The AV Test Operator II supports Operations, Testing, Autonomy, Mapping, and System and Vehicle Integration Engineers by executing in-vehicle tests, refining test and verification plans, identifying and resolving issues, and reporting test results. The role communicates across teams and contributes to improved vehicle-testing outcomes while prioritizing safety in the operation, testing, and maintenance of the Autonomous Vehicle fleet. The position focuses on safely operating vehicles, carrying out in-vehicle tests, documenting results, mentoring newer team members, and identifying process gaps and improvements. It includes testing on closed courses and public roads, collecting data, supporting mapping and troubleshooting activities, and helping verify system performance. The operator may provide passenger ride service when applicable and must be able to travel domestically. The role requires compliance with Motional policies and site-specific traffic laws, clear communication, careful documentation, and readiness to manage incidents and emergencies according to company procedures. The salary range is $56,000–$66,500 USD. Motional notes that the role may include additional compensation such as a bonus or company equity, and that eligible candidates may participate in its benefits program.

Requirements

Clean driving record for the previous 10 years.
Valid driver's license and at least 10 years of driving experience.
Prior experience as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator/Driver, including some internal or external training in safe AV operation.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience and training in providing subjective feedback on vehicle behavior and the environment.
Successfully complete the in-house driving course and examination.
Ability to work days, nights, and weekends.
Ability to use company communication systems and communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to read a map and knowledge of the testing area.
Proficiency with a laptop computer, GSuite applications, and a touchscreen smartphone.
Basic understanding of robotics systems, including sensors, actuators, and mechanical and software systems.
Successfully complete relevant eLearning content related to vehicle platforms by the deadline.
Logical thinking and ability to reduce bias when evaluating problems, with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and understand highway and street signs and traffic signals in the site-specific location.
Proficient English communication skills, written and spoken, including communication with public safety officers if necessary.
Maintain current knowledge of and comply with site-specific traffic laws and regulations and Motional operating practices, policies, procedures, and directives.
Maintain valid driving credentials and carry an employee ID badge at work.
Meet the vision, seated-operation, vehicle-control, mobility, and alertness demands described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Science, or a relevant field.
Data analysis experience.
Experience testing vehicle subsystems or features, especially L2–L5 systems.
Experience using issue-tracking software or tools, especially JIRA.
Experience in technical writing, technical drawings, and documentation of mechatronics systems.

Responsibilities

Safely operate prototype autonomous vehicles on defined and undefined routes and across varied geographic and environmental conditions, including closed courses and public roads.
Operate in-vehicle data-recording computers, start and stop recordings, annotate data as required by test plans, and review low-level log events.
Provide feedback to engineering teams based on testing and mentor or train Test Operators as needed.
Use JIRA to manage assigned tasks, update ticket statuses, and explain status changes.
Perform right-seat operator duties, including directing execution of test plans, communicating vehicle intent to the left-seat operator, and providing required annotations.
Collaborate constructively with testing staff, engineers, and management.
Provide quality passenger ride service when applicable.
Follow site-specific traffic laws and regulations and Motional operating practices, policies, procedures, and directives.
Arrive prepared with valid driving credentials and employee ID badge.
Perform daily pre-operation and post-trip vehicle inspections, report damage or mechanical issues, and complete vehicle deployment and bring-up independently.
Complete accident and incident reports as needed and manage emergencies according to company procedures.
Write basic quality results reports with linked timestamps for in-vehicle events.
Support global mapping efforts by collecting data on predefined routes, verifying map changes, and completing other routing and mapping tasks.
Support Test Operator training and mentorship, including closed-course and public-road instruction in autonomous and manual driving, as well as computer-based training.
Support operations metrics tracking, data input, and data collection operations.
Execute safe, repeatable test cases for extended periods and document results to verify and analyze system performance and data.
Collect and communicate basic troubleshooting information and create issues by following procedures, with guidance from senior personnel and Test Engineers as needed.
Document technical notes, reproduce issues, flag real-time autonomous vehicle events, support triage and resolution, and track in-vehicle issues as needed.
Travel domestically as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.