Autonomous Vehicle Operator - Data Collection

truckingpeople; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

TruckingPeople in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking a Vehicle Operator – Data Collection to drive test vehicles on assigned routes and collect real-world driving data powering autonomous vehicle development.

No AV experience required; the role welcomes drivers with 1 year of professional driving experience and a valid CA driver's license. You will pass background checks and work on-site with potential future transfer to San Francisco.

Qualifications

• Recent 1 year of professional driving experience (3+ years preferred).
• A valid U.S. driver’s license held for 3+ years.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and MVR review.
• Ability to work on-site in Sunnyvale, CA (potential future transfer to San Francisco).
• A track record of job stability (3+ years in a prior role).

Responsibilities

• Safely operate test vehicles along assigned routes to collect real-world driving data.
• Conduct pre- and post-drive vehicle inspections.
• Document vehicle issues, road conditions, and incidents with clear, detailed notes.
• Communicate effectively with engineers to help improve self-driving technology.
• Maintain strong situational awareness and multitask safely while driving.

Skills

Professional driving experience

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Background check pass

Job description

Vehicle Operator – Data Collection

Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Job Type: Full-time (30+ hours/week)

Pay: $28.00/hour (with $0.50/hour increase every 6 months based on tenure)

In this role, you'll manually drive test vehicles along assigned routes to collect the real-world driving data that powers the development of autonomous vehicle technology.

This is a great opportunity for experienced professional drivers who want to be part of the autonomous vehicle industry — no AV experience required.

What You'll Do

• Safely operate test vehicles along assigned routes to collect real-world driving data
• Conduct pre- and post-drive vehicle inspections
• Document vehicle issues, road conditions, and incidents with clear, detailed notes
• Communicate effectively with engineers to help improve self-driving technology
• Maintain strong situational awareness and multitask safely while driving

Schedule Options

• Morning shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Wed–Sun, Thu–Mon, or Sat–Wed)
• Afternoon/evening shift: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM (multiple 5-day rotations available, Tue–Sat through Sun–Thu)

Shifts include 30-minute breaks every 4 hours during 4–8 hour driving days.

What We're Looking For

• Recent 1 year of professional driving experience (3+ years preferred) — e.g., rideshare, delivery, or other high-volume driving roles
• A valid U.S. driver's license held for 3+ years
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review
• Ability to work on-site in Sunnyvale, CA (with potential future transfer to San Francisco)
• A track record of job stability (3+ years in a prior role)