Vehicle Operator II, Autonomy Systems Validation (2nd Shift)

Rivian • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

The Vehicle Operator II performs hands-on testing, safety validation, and ground support for Autonomy Systems Validation. Reporting to the Operations Coordinator, the role connects field-testing drivers with ground logistics and facilities. The operator drives prototype vehicles on public roads and private test tracks, serves as an on-shift floor lead and driver trainer, and oversees vehicle preparation, ground support, data offloading, pre- and post-trip operations, and shift handovers. The role also onboards, trains, and coaches vehicle operators to support safe, consistent testing.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of professional automotive driving, autonomous vehicle testing, or vehicle fleet operations experience, with demonstrated formal or informal experience coaching, mentoring, or training peers.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to give constructive feedback and explain technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to maintain focus while driving or monitoring autonomous systems for 6–8 hours per day in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift, maneuver, and move up to 50 pounds and remain active across shop floors, proving grounds, or field testing sites.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% for off-site field-testing campaigns and flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as required by testing schedules.
• Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and enterprise collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Maps.
• Ability to work the stated shift of 4:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Nice To Haves

• Formal experience as a Driver Trainer, Lead Safety Driver, or Operations Lead in AV testing, proving grounds, or commercial fleet environments.
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, or equivalent engineering ticketing platforms.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix navigation, embedded software flashing, CAN networks, and hardware or electrical diagnostics.
• Experience testing or supporting Level 4 autonomous driving systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Operations Coordinator in preparing training materials, conducting onboarding, and providing hands-on driving and safety instruction to new vehicle operators.
• Evaluate operator performance and coach operators on disengagement protocols, defensive driving, test procedures, operational workflows, logging, software flashing, and vehicle preparation.
• Serve as the on-shift point of contact for driver questions and promote continuous learning, psychological safety, and open feedback.
• Operate prototype vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across varied weather, traffic, and road conditions, for up to eight hours daily.
• Maintain situational awareness and perform manual disengagements and safety interventions when needed.
• Execute defined test cases, specialized driving scenarios, and edge-case evaluations on public roads and closed-course facilities.
• Assist with shift handovers, driver readiness, route assignments, and vehicle allocation.
• Conduct and supervise pre- and post-trip inspections, system checks, hardware setups, and sensor calibration and cleaning.
• Track vehicle health, coordinate maintenance and repair appointments with technicians, and manage fleet charging.
• Oversee end-of-shift data logging and offload system data to local edge hardware or cloud servers, verifying transfer integrity.
• Maintain site and shop-floor readiness, test equipment, tooling, and sensor platforms.
• Perform basic diagnostics, guide initial troubleshooting, and perform or verify over-the-air software updates.
• Identify and investigate hardware, software, and sensor anomalies; create detailed issue tickets and escalate critical issues to engineering teams.
• Prepare clear post-drive reports, operational logs, and safety feedback about system behavior and edge cases.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance benefits for eligible employees.
• Potential eligibility to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan.
• Potential eligibility to participate in Rivian’s Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Potential eligibility for an annual performance bonus and equity awards.

What This Job Offers

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