Associate Vehicle Test Specialist

About the role

Associate Vehicle Test Specialists support the business by working with Operations, Testing, Autonomy, Mapping, and System and Vehicle Integration Engineers to execute in-vehicle tests, refine test and verification plans, identify and resolve issues, and provide test results. You will communicate between teams and help improve vehicle testing outcomes. This role focuses on safely driving our vehicles, executing in-vehicle tests, reporting test results, coaching new team members on operations processes and procedures, and improving overall testing efficiency by identifying gaps and recommending process refinements. While efficiency is crucial, safety is the highest priority.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate prototype-level Autonomous Vehicles on both defined and undefined routes, including a variety of geographic and environmental conditions, such as closed course and public road testing.
• Operate in-vehicle data recording systems, manage recordings and annotations, troubleshoot issues, and provide testing feedback to engineering teams.
• Utilize JIRA/Confluence software to execute testing tickets and document historical data findings for a global audience; coach new team members on processes and procedures.
• Work in a team environment and drive with another person; maintain cooperative behavior toward peers, engineers, and leadership.
• Provide quality ride service for passengers when applicable.
• Read and understand highway, street signs, and all traffic signals in site-specific locations.
• Maintain current knowledge and compliance with site-specific traffic laws and regulations.
• Communicate proficiently in English (written and spoken) to interact with public safety officers if necessary.
• Maintain current knowledge and adherence to all Motional operating best practices, policies, procedures, and directives.
• Arrive to work on time, prepared with all valid driving credentials and employee ID badge.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the Autonomous Vehicle and coach new team members on these processes.
• Complete accident and incident reports as needed.
• Control and manage emergencies according to company procedures and coach new team members on these processes.
• Prepare and maintain SOPs and technical documentation; document issues, flag autonomous vehicle events, and support triage and resolution.
• Support global mapping efforts by collecting mapping data on predefined routes, verifying map changes, and performing other routing tasks.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) and assist with training current and new testing operators, including closed-course/public road facilitation in autonomous and manual driving methods, as well as computer-based training.
• Support operations metrics tracking and data input.
• Execute safe, repeatable test cases for extended periods and document results to accurately verify and analyze system performance and data.
• Provide accurate, actionable, and detailed reports on system/software state by testing and troubleshooting issues; coach new team members on these processes.
• Support Safety Steward driverless testing.
• Able to travel domestically.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 6 months of autonomous vehicle experience.
• Clean driving record for the previous 10 years; valid driver’s license with a minimum of ten (10) years of driving experience.
• Prior experience as an Operator/Driver for Autonomous Vehicles, including some type of internal or external training on safely operating AVs.
• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Experience and training in providing subjective feedback on vehicle behaviors and the environment.
• Must be able to complete in-house driving course/examination successfully.
• Able to work days, nights, and weekends.
• Must be able to use company communication systems and communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Must be able to read a map and possess knowledge of the testing area.
• Basic understanding of Linux and scripting languages, and robotics systems, including sensors, actuators, mechanical, and software systems.
• Skilled in Microsoft/G-Suite applications, including PowerPoint/Slides, Excel/Sheets, Word/Docs.
• Successful completion of relevant eLearning content related to vehicle platforms.
• Ability to think logically and remove bias from evaluation of problems; demonstrated problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or BS in Engineering/Physics/Science or relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience with working knowledge in a Linux environment.
• Data Analysis experience.
• Experience with testing of vehicle subsystems or features (especially L2-L5 systems).
• Experience in using issue tracking software or tools (especially Atlassian Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket).
• Experience in technical writing, technical drawings, and documentation of mechatronics systems.

Physical Demands

• Requires near/far/depth and color vision to safely operate Autonomous Vehicles and computer screens.
• Able to be in a confined seated position to operate a vehicle for up to four (4) hours at a time for a total of up to ten (10) hours per day.
• Able to be a driver and a passenger in an Autonomous Vehicle.
• Able to operate grip gear shift, brake release, and steering wheel requiring coupling forces up to ten (10) lbs.
• Reach to either left or right shoulder to pull the seat belt across the body.
• Walk around the vehicle at the beginning and end of the shift to inspect the vehicle, including inspecting underneath for leaks or damage.
• Able to stay awake and alert on shift at all times.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and, at times, for extended periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

Team members regularly work outdoors and in a traditional office environment and are exposed to varying weather, road conditions, pedestrian traffic, and mechanical and computer equipment. Occasional exposure to fumes and airborne particles may occur. Noise levels are typically low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Pay

Salary Range: $64,000 USD - $76,000 USD. The salary range is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience, expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.