Autonomous Vehicle Operator, Santa Clara (AM Shift, 12-Month Duration)

This is a temporary, full-time position with full benefits, expected to last 12 months from hire. The role is based on-site in Santa Clara, CA 95054.

Nuro believes self-driving vehicles are the most immediate and profound opportunity for AI to drive positive change in the physical world. Founded in 2016, Nuro is a physical AI company developing Level 4 autonomous driving technology for a wide range of vehicles, use cases, and markets. Powered by the Nuro Driver™, our universal autonomy platform enables the global mobility ecosystem to deploy autonomy at scale. Nuro has raised over $2B in capital from leading investors.

About the role

Our operations team is growing, and we are looking for Autonomous Vehicle Operators (AVOs) to join us. In this role, you will operate our autonomous test vehicles that run proprietary software and hardware while helping train our self-driving technology. Professionalism, care, and personal accountability are key, as you will adhere to a culture of safety and standards of conduct. You will need to pass several training checkpoints both in and out of the vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Operate a vehicle in manual and autonomous mode up to 8 hours per day in diverse traffic conditions while adhering to proper safety and operational driving procedures
• Utilize proprietary software to collect data in real-world situations while providing detailed and accurate feedback to engineers
• Troubleshoot operational issues in real time and collaborate with the Mission Operations (dispatch) team to resolve them quickly and meet mileage collection targets
• Conduct daily vehicle inspection checks before and after missions
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, including washing vehicles and inflating tires
• Occasionally interact with the public to educate them on autonomous vehicle technologies and behaviors
• Serve as a company ambassador by conducting high-profile ridealongs for senior leadership, investors, and engineers, balancing safe operations with professional communication
• Monitor onboard safety and navigational systems while maintaining constant situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols

Requirements

• Able to work 5 days a week on one of the following shifts:
  • Morning: 6:00am–2:30pm PT (Wed–Sun)
  • Morning: 6:00am–2:30pm PT (Thu–Mon)
  • Morning: 6:00am–2:30pm PT (Sat–Wed)
• Current valid California driver’s license and possession of a U.S. license for 3+ years
• Clean driving record; ability to pass a criminal background check and drug test
• Passion for learning about processes and autonomous vehicles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable using modern collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Google Meet)
• Comfortable operating standard field equipment, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure
• Strong collaboration and time management skills; ability to work independently or in small groups without direct supervision
• Self-driven, goal-oriented, and adaptable to frequent changes and evolving conditions
• Proven record of reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance

Working Conditions and Essential Functions

• Sitting for 3 to 4 hours at a time for up to 8 hours per day in an enclosed vehicle, alone or occasionally with a co-driver
• Bending, squatting, stretching, and lifting up to 25 pounds on a regular basis
• Side and up/down movement of the head, neck, back, and shoulders necessary to operate a vehicle safely
• Ability to work in a vehicle that may brake, swerve, slow, or stop abruptly
• Holding and grasping with hands and frequent use of foot/feet to operate foot pedals

Pay

The reasonably expected base hourly rate for this position is $27/hour, paid bi-weekly. Employees will receive a weekend differential for hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. You may also be eligible for a discretionary biannual contract completion bonus based on company and individual performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Daily meal reimbursement
• Paid time off in addition to limited company holidays