Tactical Development Truck Operator

About the role

Aurora is seeking a highly motivated CDL A professional to join our Autonomous Vehicle (AV) testing team. This role involves operating Class 8 trucks equipped with cutting-edge self-driving technology to help us map, test, and build the future of transportation.

Responsibilities

• Strictly adhere to all safety protocols and DOT regulations while acting as a professional representative of the company to the public.
• Operate the truck while following specific, technical driving protocols to collect high-quality data for our engineering teams.
• Work as a two-person team, cross-training to sit in the passenger seat, where you will manage mission software, troubleshoot equipment, and monitor real-time data feeds.
• Execute test missions to evaluate software changes on public roads and closed courses, acting as the "eyes and ears" for our engineers.
• Perform Pre-Trips—going beyond standard DOT/FMCSA inspections to verify sensor calibrations and ensure software is updated for the day’s mission.
• Use onboard digital tools to "flag" or "tag" road events (like construction or unique traffic behaviors) so engineers can review the data later.
• Perform simple troubleshooting, such as restarting software modules or checking sensor connections with remote guidance from our engineering team.

Requirements

• Licensing & Compliance: Interstate Class-A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), valid U.S. Driver’s License, DOT physical, and meeting all DOT qualification standards.
• Experience & Technical Skills: Minimum 3 years of experience driving trucks commercially, demonstrated mechanical aptitude for basic troubleshooting and maintenance of vehicle systems, proficiency in collaboration tools, experience with Jira, and aptitude for high-fidelity mapping tools and procedures.
• Aptitude & Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for technical reporting and team collaboration, ability to use laptops and tablets, inquisitive attitude, positive experiences working in a collaborative environment, ability to prioritize and make strategic decisions proactively, and mechanical aptitude for basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for long periods while operating a vehicle and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds for equipment handling and cargo securing.

Qualifications

• Continuous Learner: Comfortable using laptops/tablets and eager to build a foundation in autonomous technology.
• Growth Mindset: Value coaching and feedback and excited by the fast-moving nature of the AV industry.
• Detail Oriented: Take pride in providing clear, actionable feedback on how the truck "feels" and behaves on the road.

Skills

• Experience in an Agile or Scrum Environment.
• Experience with Linux or Command Line Interfaces (CLI).
• Prior Experience in Aviation, or High-Stakes Logistics.
• Experience with high-fidelity mapping tools and procedures.
• Experience in a safety-critical operations environment or vehicle development/testing.

Benefits

• Significant and frequent travel (up to 90%) across various domestic locations, often for extended periods over the road.
• Environmental Exposure: Must be prepared to operate the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and execute mission protocols in a wide range of weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, snow) and diverse road environments (e.g., urban, rural, interstate highways, construction zones).
• Operators must be comfortable with exposure to dust, dirt, vibration, and other particulate matter common to commercial vehicle operations.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including over the road schedules, weekends or nights, to meet critical development deadlines.
• Ability to pass all DOT and company-required testing, including pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, ongoing random testing, and annual medical certification.

Pay

The base hourly wage range for this position is $31.00 - $38.50 per hour. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Schedule

We are currently hiring for multiple shifts at our Palmer, Texas and Phoenix, AZ terminals. Please be prepared to indicate your availability for the following schedules:

• Phoenix: AM Shift: Monday - Friday
• Palm: PM Shift: Thursday - Monday