Autonomous Systems Validation Operator - Miami, FL

Kett Engineering Corporation; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Kett Engineering Corporation in Miami, FL is seeking an Autonomous Systems Validation Operator for an extended data collection project. You will drive prototype autonomous vehicles, capture sensor data, and provide operational feedback.

This part-time role involves testing on public roads and private tracks, coordinating with engineering teams, and ensuring safety and data integrity across shifts.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License in home state and clean driving record.
• Willingness to undergo continuous MVR monitoring and travel up to 50%.
• Prior automotive driving, fleet operations, or AV testing experience.
• Ability to operate or monitor autonomous vehicles for 6–8 hours daily.
• Strong written and verbal communication; capable of documenting events clearly.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate prototype autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes on varied roads.
• Follow safety protocols and intervene as needed to ensure vehicle safety.
• Execute predefined autonomous test cases and edge-case evaluations.
• Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor issues.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams to reproduce edge cases and report findings.
• Manage onboard logging and confirm data transfer for engineering analysis.
• Perform OTA updates and system flashes across vehicle ECUs.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections and sensor calibration before routes.
• Prepare post-drive reports and safety feedback for stakeholders.

Skills

Driver's License

Communication skills

Travel up to 50%

Lift 50 lbs

Autonomous testing mindset

Education

High School

Tools

Jira

Google Docs/Sheets/Maps

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Miami, FL - Miami, FL 33166

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $24.00 - $27.00 Hourly

Company Overview

Kett Engineering is a well-established company with over 70 years of experience, specializing in automotive testing and development. Our team supports leading automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers in managing comprehensive vehicle testing programs across various facilities worldwide.

Opportunity

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 escal...
• 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).