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.
• Work Environment & Travel: Comfortable with long distance driving in diverse traffic and weather conditions, able to travel weekly to new collection locations (up to 90% of the time), able to work rotating shifts as needed, and regular overtime and weekends.

Qualifications

• Continuous Learner: Eager to build a foundation in autonomous technology.
• Growth Mindset: Excited by the fast-moving nature of the AV industry.
• Detail Oriented: Takes pride in providing clear, actionable feedback on how the truck "feels" and behaves on the road.

Skills

• Experience in an Agile or Scrum Environment.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Flexibility to work non-standard hours, including over the road schedules, weekends or nights, to meet critical development deadlines.