Associate AV Test Engineer

Motional’s Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Engineering team validates the safety, functionality, and performance of self-driving technology through rigorous, system-level testing.

About the role

As an Associate AV Test Engineer (Level 1), you will focus on executing daily test operations, performing initial fault triage, and ensuring accurate reporting across virtual, closed-course, and public-road environments. Working under the guidance of lead and senior engineers, you will perform hands-on testing, isolate minor software and hardware defects, and assist in updating test artifacts. This entry-level role is designed for a detail-oriented technical candidate eager to build foundational expertise in autonomous systems validation, logging workflows, and system-level troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Accountably execute daily AV testing operations diligently and accurately across virtual, synthetic, or physical environments as tasked by the lead engineer.
• Perform independent troubleshooting for minor platform stability issues, clearly isolating and documenting the specific environmental conditions or triggers that caused the fault.
• Isolate and document minor software or hardware defects with complete detail—including reproduction steps, logs, and system environment data—to enable immediate action by senior staff or development teams.
• Maintain high data integrity by conducting preliminary log analysis and preparing accurate, complete documentation within all assigned test run reports under supervision.
• Create and update assigned components of test cases, test plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure operational best practices are up to date.
• Proactively assist senior engineers in the design and development of test plans and validation strategies, focusing on absorbing system architecture and design rationale.
• Serve as a reliable resource supporting the execution efforts of the broader test team.
• Efficiently and clearly communicate troubleshooting findings, log files, and initial analysis to the lead test engineer for prioritization and higher-level escalation.
• Utilize platforms such as Jira, Confluence, and GitLab to document technical findings, track issues, and maintain test artifact traceability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a relevant technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 0–2 years of experience in software QA, hardware/systems testing, robotics projects, or engineering operations.
• Basic proficiency in Linux environments and foundational scripting abilities in Python or Bash/Shell.
• Familiarity with reading technical documentation, logs, and structured test procedures.
• Strong analytical mindset with a structured approach to logical troubleshooting and defect isolation.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow detailed operational instructions and learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic exposure to automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) or simulation tools (e.g., Applied Intuition, CARLA, IPG Carmaker).
• Hands-on experience with hardware/mechatronic assembly, field testing, or academic robotics projects.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit, talk, or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand and at times for long periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

• Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic.
• Regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles.
• Noise level in the environment is low to moderate.

Pay

Salary Range: $67,000 USD – $85,000 USD. The estimated range reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k with a company match.
• Health savings accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Pet insurance.
• Additional benefits available.