Autonomous Vehicle Operator

NGV Talent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from day one

Employer-subsidized benefits

6-month completion bonus

12-month completion bonus

Meal reimbursement

Phone reimbursement

Job summary

NGV Talent is hiring Autonomous Vehicle Operators in San Francisco for a full-time, 12-month temporary role during overnight hours. You will operate test vehicles in manual and autonomous modes, monitor systems, collect data, and provide feedback to engineering and operations teams.

No prior autonomous vehicle experience is required, but you must be safety-focused, follow procedures, and commit to the set overnight schedule. Benefits are available and you will work a structured overnight shift.

Qualifications

• Current valid California driver's license at time of application/interview.
• U.S. driver's license for at least 3 consecutive years with no gaps.
• Clean driving record.
• Ability to complete a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Reliable work history with attendance and punctuality.
• Willingness to commit to overnight schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate autonomous and manual test vehicles for up to 8 hours per day.
• Drive safely in diverse real-world traffic conditions.
• Monitor safety, navigation, and autonomous systems.
• Use proprietary software and equipment for testing and data collection.
• Provide detailed feedback on vehicle and system behavior.
• Troubleshoot issues and coordinate with operations teams.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Perform basic vehicle upkeep and checks.
• Maintain documentation using laptops/tablets/smartphones and collaboration tools.
• Interact with engineers, leadership, and stakeholders.

Job description

Job Overview

We are hiring Autonomous Vehicle Operators to support autonomous vehicle testing in San Francisco. This is a full-time, 12-month temporary position focused specifically on overnight operations.

You do not need previous autonomous vehicle or professional driving experience. We are looking for dependable, safety-focused people who can follow procedures, stay focused behind the wheel, communicate clearly, and commit to a set overnight schedule.

You’ll operate test vehicles in both manual and autonomous modes, monitor vehicle systems, collect real-world driving data, troubleshoot operational issues, and provide detailed feedback to engineering and operations teams.

Pay

• Base pay: $27.00/hr
• Overnight differential: +$1.25/hr
• Weekend differential: +$5.00/hr for hours worked Saturday and Sunday

Key Responsibilities

• Operate autonomous test vehicles in manual and autonomous modes for up to 8 hours per day
• Drive safely in a variety of real-world traffic and road conditions
• Monitor onboard safety, navigation, and autonomous driving systems
• Use proprietary software and equipment to support vehicle testing and data collection
• Provide detailed and accurate feedback on vehicle and system behavior
• Troubleshoot operational issues in real time and coordinate with operations teams when support is needed
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Perform basic vehicle upkeep, including cleaning vehicles and checking tire pressure
• Maintain accurate documentation using laptops, tablets, smartphones, and online collaboration tools
• Occasionally interact with members of the public, engineers, leadership, and other stakeholders

Requirements

• Current valid California driver’s license at the time of application/interview
• Must have held a U.S. driver’s license for at least 3 consecutive years with no gap in licensure.
• Clean driving record
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening
• Reliable work history with consistent attendance and punctuality
• Ability to commit to one of the listed overnight schedules for the duration of the assignment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable using laptops, tablets, smartphones, and collaboration platforms
• Ability to remain calm and troubleshoot issues in real time
• Comfortable working independently for extended periods
• Ability to adapt to changing procedures and operating conditions
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Experience

• Previous professional driving experience is a plus but not required
• Previous autonomous vehicle experience is a plus but not required
• Candidates should be comfortable with a structured, safety-focused driving environment and consistent overnight work

Schedule

• Overnight | 10:00 PM–6:30 AM PT
• Wednesday–Sunday or Friday–Tuesday
• 40 hours per week

Benefits & Additional Compensation

• Benefits available beginning on day one
• Employer-subsidized benefits plan
• $1,000 completion bonus at 6 months
• Additional $1,000 completion bonus at 12 months
• Up to $19 per day in meal reimbursement
• Partial phone reimbursement