Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

Kett Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Kett Engineering is hiring Autonomous Systems Validation Operators for 1st and 2nd shifts in Miami, FL. You will drive prototype vehicles, collect data, and validate autonomous systems to advance safe autonomous driving features.

Responsibilities include testing on public roads and tracks, debugging hardware/software, and delivering thorough post-drive reports. Prior AV driving or fleet operations experience is preferred; travel up to 50% may be required.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Driver's License in the state of residence.
• Clean driving record: No suspensions/revocations within the last 3-5 years.
• No drug or alcohol-related driving incidents within the last 3 years.
• No more than 1 serious moving violation within the last 3 years.
• Willingness to undergo continuous MVR monitoring.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Prior professional automotive driving, fleet operations, or AV testing experience.
• Ability to travel up to 50% for off-site field testing and trips.
• Flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as needed.
• Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and collaboration software (Google Docs, Sheets, Maps).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to articulate technical events and system anomalies.
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across diverse conditions for up to 8 hours daily.
• Maintain vigilance and safety protocols; intervene or disengage to ensure vehicle safety.
• Perform predefined autonomous test cases, edge-case evaluations, and specialized driving scenarios.
• Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor anomalies.
• Communicate system behavior to engineering teams; reproduce edge cases and escalate issues.
• Manage onboard logging equipment and verify data transfer for analysis.
• Perform and verify OTA software updates and system flashes across ECUs.
• Conduct vehicle pre-trip inspections and sensor calibration prior to routes.
• Prepare clear post-drive reporting and safety feedback for stakeholders.

Skills

Driving

Safety awareness

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Tools

Jira

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Kett Engineering is working with a major EV manufacturer, and we are hiring multiple Autonomous Systems Validation Operators on 1st and 2nd shift in Miami, FL. This is an extended data collection and validation project and excellent opportunity to engage with where autonomous vehicle technology is going.

** Role Overview **

The Autonomous Systems Validation Operator plays a critical role in the development, testing, and safety validation of advanced self-driving and autonomous vehicle technology. Operating at the intersection of hands-on vehicle testing and systems engineering, this role is responsible for driving, evaluating, and troubleshooting prototype vehicles equipped with cutting-edge autonomous software and hardware suites.

You will execute precise test procedures across public roads and private testing tracks, gather crucial data streams for engineering analysis, and provide detailed operational feedback to accelerate the deployment of safe autonomous driving features.

** Key Responsibilities **

• Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across diverse traffic, road, and weather conditions for up to 8 hours daily.
• Maintain constant vigilance and situational awareness; execute safety protocols and intervene or manual disengage seamless when necessary to ensure complete vehicle safety.
• Perform pre-defined autonomous test cases, edge-case evaluations, and specialized driving scenarios on both public roads and closed-course test facilities.
• Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor platform anomalies using system diagnostic tools.
• Work directly with hardware and software engineering teams to communicate system behavior, reproduce edge cases, and elevate critical issues via online ticketing systems.
• Manage onboard logging equipment, record system performance data, and verify data transfer for engineering analysis.
• Perform and verify Over-The-Air software updates and system flashes across vehicle ECUs and autonomous control units.
• Conduct vehicle pre-trip inspections, basic system checks, and sensor calibration/setup prior to test routes.
• Compose clear, concise, and thorough post-drive reporting, operational logs, and safety feedback for cross-functional stakeholders.

** Minimum Qualifications **

• Must hold a valid Driver's License in the state of residence.
• Clean driving record: No suspensions/revocations within the last 3-5 years.
• No drug or alcohol-related driving incidents within the last 3 years.
• No more than 1 serious moving violation within the last 3 years.
• Willingness to undergo continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Prior professional automotive driving, vehicle fleet operations, or autonomous vehicle (AV) testing experience.
• Ability to maintain focus while operating or monitoring autonomous vehicles independently or with a partner for 6-8 hours per day.
• Ability to travel up to 50% for off-site field testing and trips.
• Flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as needed.
• Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and collaboration software (Google Docs, Sheets, Maps).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to concisely articulate technical events and system anomalies.
• Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and composure in high-stress or fast-paced testing environments.
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs.

** Bonus Skills **

• Hands-on experience with Jira or equivalent engineering ticketing platforms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting, flashing, and debugging embedded automotive software and CAN/hardware networks.
• Experience operating 16 ft+ commercial vehicles, medium-duty trucks, or large fleet platforms.
• Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Company Description

Established in 1953, Kett Engineering is a leader in the Automotive Test and Personnel Services industry. Our goal is to provide our Automotive and OEM customers with superior service.

The strength and success of Kett clearly comes from the people behind the organization. Our workforce is comprised of dedicated, talented, and hard working individuals with years of industry experience.

If you have an interest in automotive technology industry, a passion for excellence and a desire to exceed expectations then, we want you on are our team!

Company Description

Established in 1953, Kett Engineering is a leader in the Automotive Test and Personnel Services industry. Our goal is to provide our Automotive and OEM customers with superior service.

The strength and success of Kett clearly comes from the people behind the organization. Our workforce is comprised of dedicated, talented, and hard working individuals with years of industry experience.

If you have an interest in automotive technology industry, a passion for excellence and a desire to exceed expectations then, we want you on are our team!