Autonomous Vehicle Testing Operator II

Motional•Pittsburgh, PA

2h•$56,000 - $66,500

About The Position

The AV Test Operator II supports Operations, Testing, Autonomy, Mapping, and System and Vehicle Integration Engineering teams 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 placing safety first in the operation, testing, and maintenance of Motional’s autonomous vehicle fleet. The position focuses on safely driving prototype autonomous vehicles, carrying out in-vehicle tests, reporting results, coaching new team members, and improving testing efficiency through process recommendations. Operators may test on defined and undefined routes, closed courses, and public roads in varied geographic and environmental conditions. The role also includes collecting and reviewing test data, supporting mapping and troubleshooting work, maintaining vehicles, and assisting with training and operations metrics. Domestic travel may be required.

Requirements

Maintain a clean driving record for the previous 10 years.
Hold a valid driver's license and have at least 10 years of driving experience.
Have prior experience as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator/Driver, including internal or external training in safe AV operation.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have experience and training in providing subjective feedback on vehicle behavior and the environment.
Successfully complete the in-house driving course and examination.
Be able to work days, nights, and weekends.
Use company communication systems and communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken English, including with public safety officers if necessary.
Read maps and know the testing area.
Demonstrate proficiency with a laptop, GSuite applications, and a touchscreen smartphone, and basic understanding of robotics systems, including sensors, actuators, mechanical systems, and software systems.
Complete relevant vehicle-platform eLearning content by the deadline.
Think logically, reduce bias when evaluating problems, and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
Be able to travel domestically.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or BS 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, closed courses, and public roads in varied geographic and environmental conditions.
Operate in-vehicle data-recording computers, start and stop recordings, add test-plan annotations, 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 describe status changes.
Perform right-seat operator duties, including directing test-plan execution, communicating vehicle intent to the left-seat operator, and providing required annotations.
Provide quality ride service to passengers when applicable.
Maintain knowledge of site-specific traffic laws, regulations, road signs, and traffic signals.
Follow Motional operating best practices, policies, procedures, and directives.
Arrive prepared with valid driving credentials and an employee ID badge.
Perform pre-operation and post-trip vehicle inspections, report damage or mechanical issues, and deploy and bring up vehicles without assistance from more senior team members.
Complete accident and incident reports as needed.
Manage emergencies according to company procedures.
Write basic quality-results reports, including linked timestamps for in-vehicle events.
Support global mapping by collecting data on predefined routes, verifying map changes, and completing other mapping tasks.
Assist with Test Operator training and mentorship, including closed-course and public-road facilitation using autonomous and manual driving methods, as well as computer-based training.
Support operations metrics tracking, data entry, 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, 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.