Tactical Development Truck Operator

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, bringing a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone. At Aurora, you’ll tackle complex problems alongside passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated CDL A professional to join our Autonomous Vehicle (AV) testing team in Houston, Texas. In this role, you aren’t just a driver—you are a vital part of our development process. You will operate Class 8 trucks equipped with cutting-edge self-driving technology to help us map, test, and build the future of transportation. This role is built for those who love the open road and is perfect for individuals comfortable with up to 90% travel.

Location: Houston, Texas
Shift: PM Shift: Thursday - Monday

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 part of 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

• Interstate Class-A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License (in addition to the CDL).
• Must pass DOT physical and meet all DOT qualification standards.
• Must pass pre-employment, post-incident, and randomized drug testing in accordance with FMCSA requirements.
• Driving record must pass Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) guidelines.
• At least 25 years of age.
• Minimum 3 years of experience driving trucks commercially.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude for basic troubleshooting and maintenance of vehicle systems.
• Proficiency in collaboration tools, including Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets.
• Experience with Jira (e.g., filling out tickets, tracking ticket statuses).

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for technical reporting and team collaboration.
• Ability to use laptops and tablets to launch test missions, monitor real-time data feeds, and enter detailed digital logs.
• Inquisitive attitude, interested in problem-solving and puzzles.
• Positive experiences working in a collaborative environment—team player.
• Ability to prioritize and make strategic decisions proactively.
• Comfortable with long-distance driving in diverse traffic and weather conditions.
• Ability to travel weekly to new collection locations (up to 90% of the time).
• Comfortable with air travel for deployments.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as needed, including regular overtime and weekends.

Desirable Qualifications

• 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.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Significant and frequent travel (up to 90%) across various domestic locations, often for extended periods over the road.
• 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).
• 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 ability to sit for long periods while operating a vehicle and 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. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Benefits

At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together—all without any jerks. We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy, and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in the office at least 3 days per week.