Autonomous Driving Test Operator

Motional; Pittsburgh, Northern (Allegheny County, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401k with company match

Health savings account

Job summary

Motional in Pittsburgh is hiring Autonomous Driving Test Operators to support AV Test Operations. In this role you will safely operate prototype autonomous vehicles, monitor behavior, collect and annotate data, and provide feedback to engineering teams.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, 5 years of licensed driving experience, and a clean driving record (per Nevada requirements). Strong English communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 5 years licensed driving experience.
• Valid Nevada State Driver’s License with a clean record (past 3 years, no DUIs in 10 years). Must pass in-house driving exam.
• Strong English communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work days, nights, and weekends.
• Preferred: experience giving subjective feedback on vehicle behavior.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate prototype autonomous vehicles across varying weather/traffic while following laws and safety directives.
• Operate in-vehicle data systems, conduct testing, and document actionable feedback for engineering teams (JIRA/Confluence).
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and maintain vehicle readiness and cleanliness.
• Respond promptly to incidents, complete reports, and interact professionally with passengers/public.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and travel occasionally as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

English communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety-focused

Flexible schedules

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

GitLab

Python

Job description

Our teams are made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers, and doers. Together, we can change the world.

All Motional open positions and applications will be posted here on the official website.

Mission Summary: We are hiring Autonomous Driving Test Operators to support Motional’s growing AV Test Operations team. In this role, you will play a key part in testing and validating autonomous vehicle technology in real-world driving environments. As an AV Test Operator, you will serve as the “eyes and ears” for engineering teams by safely operating autonomous vehicles, monitoring vehicle behavior, collecting and annotating data, and providing detailed feedback that helps improve vehicle performance and software development.

This role is ideal for individuals who prioritize safety, demonstrate strong attention to detail, communicate effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced and evolving technology environment.

Why Join Motional:

At Motional, you’ll work alongside teams developing cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology that is reshaping transportation. As a member of the AV Test Operations, your work will directly contribute to improving vehicle behavior, advancing software development, and delivering safer mobility solutions.

We value individuals who are adaptable, collaborative, detail-oriented, and excited to contribute in a rapidly evolving industry.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Safe Vehicle Operations: Safely operate prototype autonomous vehicles across diverse weather and traffic conditions while strictly adhering to all state/local traffic laws, signage, and company safety directives.
• Testing & Data Collection: Operate in-vehicle data systems, execute testing procedures, and document actionable feedback for engineering teams using tools like JIRA and Confluence.
• Vehicle Readiness: Conduct comprehensive pre- and post-trip inspections, support basic troubleshooting, and maintain the overall care, condition, and cleanliness of assigned vehicles.
• Incident Management: Respond promptly to unexpected situations or emergencies, complete detailed incident reports, and ensure professional interactions with passengers and the public.
• Team Collaboration & Professionalism: Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineers, leads, fellow operators), arrive punctually with all required driving credentials, and travel occasionally as needed.
• Vehicle Cleanliness & Upkeep: Maintain the cleanliness and professional presentation of assigned vehicles, including interior and exterior upkeep, to ensure they are clean, tidy, and ready for operation at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: High school diploma (or GED equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of licensed driving experience.
• Licensing & Driving Record: Valid Nevada State Driver’s License with an exceptional record (clean for the past 3 years, no DUIs within 10 years, and no at-fault injury accidents). Must successfully complete an in-house driving examination.
• Skills & Technology: Comfort using smartphones, navigation tools, and communication systems, combined with strong English communication and teamwork skills.
• Work Environment & Availability: Ability to remain calm, alert, and safety-focused in dynamic driving environments. Flexible to work varying schedules, including days, nights, and weekends.
• Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience providing subjective feedback on vehicle behavior and environmental conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience providing clear and concise subjective feedback on vehicle behavior and environmental conditions.
• Prior experience as an Operator/Driver for Autonomous Vehicles preferred, or completion of internal or external training related to autonomous vehicle technology.
• Experience working with NHTSA Levels 2–5 autonomous vehicle systems.
• Familiarity with technical tools and software such as Linux, JIRA, Confluence, GitLab, and/or Python.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to support operational or testing activities.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Must pass a standard DOT physical examination and drug screening prior to employment.
• Must be able to remain seated and operate a vehicle for up to 4 consecutive hours, and up to 10 hours per day.
• Maintain a high level of wakefulness, alertness, and attention to detail throughout the entire shift.
• Function adaptively as both a driver and a passenger within autonomous vehicle systems.
• Safely operate all vehicle controls and perform thorough vehicle inspections (including occasional under-vehicle checks).
• Meet strict visual acuity standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, encompassing near, distance, depth, and color perception.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, road environments, and vehicle/mechanical systems, with occasional exposure to fumes and airborne particles.
• Work environment noise levels are typically low to moderate.

Safety Requirements:

This position is considered safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and participation in random drug testing programs as permitted by law.

This role may require operating Motional fleet vehicles, including test vehicles, commercial vehicles, or pool vehicles.

Motional may require employees in this role to meet applicable public health and safety requirements consistent with federal, state, and local law, including reasonable accommodations where required.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional’s benefits program. Motional’s benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Salary Range

$50,000 — $59,750 USD

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We’re driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

We’re creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it’s not only good for our business, it’s the right thing to do.

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We’re driven to scale; we’re moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit www.Motional.com and follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and YouTube .

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.

Motional is powered by a uniquely talented, highly experienced team with a diverse set of skills across engineering, robotics, machine-learning, and artificial intelligence.