Validation Operator
About The Position
Kett Engineering is hiring multiple Autonomous Systems Validation Operators for an extended data collection and validation project supporting a major electric vehicle manufacturer in Torrance, California. Kett Engineering specializes in automotive testing and development and supports vehicle testing programs for automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers. The operator supports development, testing, and safety validation of autonomous vehicle technology. The role combines hands-on vehicle operation with systems testing and engineering support. Operators drive and evaluate prototype vehicles equipped with autonomous software and hardware, execute test procedures on public roads and private tracks, collect data for engineering analysis, and provide operational feedback to help develop safe autonomous driving features. The position is in person and identified as a second-shift opportunity.
Requirements
- Valid driver's license in the state of residence.
- Clean driving record: no suspensions or revocations within the last 3–5 years, no drug- or alcohol-related driving incidents within the last 3 years, and no serious moving violations within the last 3 years.
- Willingness to undergo continuous Motor Vehicle Record monitoring.
- Minimum age of 21.
- Prior professional automotive driving, vehicle fleet operations, or autonomous vehicle testing experience.
- Ability to maintain focus while operating or monitoring autonomous vehicles independently or with a partner for 6–8 hours per day.
- Ability to travel up to 50% for off-site field testing and trips.
- Flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as needed.
- Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and collaboration software such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Maps.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly describe technical events and system anomalies.
- Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and composure in high-stress or fast-paced testing environments.
- Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with Jira or an equivalent engineering ticketing platform.
- Experience troubleshooting, flashing, and debugging embedded automotive software and CAN/hardware networks.
- Experience operating vehicles over 16 feet, medium-duty trucks, or large fleet platforms.
- Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Responsibilities
- Safely operate prototype vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across varied traffic, road, and weather conditions, for up to eight hours daily.
- Maintain situational awareness and follow safety protocols, intervening or manually disengaging systems when needed to ensure vehicle safety.
- Perform predefined autonomous test cases, edge-case evaluations, and specialized driving scenarios on public roads and closed-course facilities.
- Identify, isolate, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and sensor-platform anomalies using diagnostic tools.
- Work with hardware and software engineering teams to communicate system behavior, 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 pre-trip vehicle inspections and basic system checks, and prepare or calibrate sensors before test routes.
- Write 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
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
