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

Rivian • South San Francisco, CA

3d

About The Position

The Vehicle Operator II plays an operational, hands-on, and instructional role in 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. As a senior driver, the operator runs prototype vehicles on public roads and private test tracks, and serves as an on-shift floor lead and driver trainer/coach. The role oversees vehicle preparation, ground support, data offloading, pre- and post-trip operations, and shift handovers, while onboarding, training, and coaching vehicle operators to maintain safe, consistent testing.

The position requires safely operating prototype vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes; conducting vehicle and equipment checks; supporting fleet readiness and data handling; and diagnosing or escalating system issues. The stated shift is 4:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The role may require travel, overtime, non-standard shifts, and weekend work as testing schedules require.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of professional automotive driving, autonomous vehicle testing, or vehicle fleet operations experience.
• Demonstrated formal or informal experience coaching, mentoring, or training peers.
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide constructive feedback and explain technical concepts simply.
• 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 lbs and remain active across shop floors, proving grounds, or field testing sites.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% for off-site field testing campaigns.
• Flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as testing schedules require.
• Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and enterprise collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Maps.

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/electrical diagnostics.
• Experience testing or supporting Level 4 autonomous driving systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Operations Coordinator with training materials, onboarding, and hands-on driving and safety instruction for new vehicle operators.
• Evaluate operator performance and coach on disengagement protocols, defensive driving, test procedures, and safety standards.
• Guide operators on workflows, logging procedures, software flashing, and vehicle preparation standards.
• Serve as the on-shift point of contact for driver questions and promote learning, psychological safety, and open feedback.
• Safely operate prototype vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes in varied weather, traffic, and road conditions, for up to 8 hours daily.
• Maintain situational awareness and carry out manual disengagements and safety interventions when needed.
• Perform defined test cases, specialized driving scenarios, and edge-case evaluations on public roads and closed-course facilities.
• Support shift handovers, driver readiness, route assignments, and vehicle allocations.
• Conduct and supervise pre-trip and post-trip inspections, system checks, hardware setup, and sensor calibration and cleaning.
• Track vehicle health, coordinate maintenance and repair appointments with service technicians, and manage fleet charging.
• Oversee end-of-shift data logging, onboard hardware, data offloading to local edge hardware or cloud servers, and transfer verification.
• 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 tickets and escalate critical issues to engineering teams.
• Write post-drive reports, operational logs, and safety feedback describing system behavior and edge cases.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance, subject to eligibility
• Opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan, subject to eligibility requirements
• Employee Stock Purchase Program, subject to eligibility requirements
• Potential eligibility for annual performance bonus and equity awards

What This Job Offers

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