Autonomous Vehicle Operator, Santa Clara (PM Shift, 12-Month Duration)

Nuro; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Daily meal reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Nuro is seeking Autonomous Vehicle Operators for on-site work in Santa Clara, CA. The temporary, full-time position involves operating autonomous test vehicles, data collection, and collaboration with engineers to advance self-driving technology.

Training checkpoints and safety standards are integral to the role. Candidates must be able to pass background checks and drug tests, hold a CA driver’s license, and be available for 5-day work weeks with evening shifts.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work 5 days a week on specified shifts.
• Pass a background check and drug test.

Responsibilities

• Operate autonomous test vehicles in manual and autonomous modes up to 8 hours daily.
• Collect data and provide feedback to engineers using proprietary software.
• Troubleshoot real-time issues and coordinate with Mission Operations to meet mileage targets.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections before and after missions.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Reliability

Safety culture

Tools

Laptops

Tablets

Smartphones

Job description

This is a temporary, full-time position with full benefits, with an expected end date of 12 months from hire. This position is based on site in Santa Clara, CA 95054.

About The Role

Our operations team is growing and we are looking for Autonomous Vehicle Operators (AVOs) to join us. In this role you will be responsible for operating our autonomous test vehicles that run proprietary software and hardware, while helping train our self-driving technology. Professionalism, care, and personal accountability are significant attributes as you will be expected to adhere to the culture of safety and standards of conduct exemplified by the team. You will have to pass a number of training checkpoints both in and out of the vehicle.

About The Work

• Operate a vehicle in manual and autonomous mode up to 8 hours per day in diverse traffic conditions while adhering to proper safety and operational driving procedures
• Utilize proprietary ground-breaking software to collect data in a variety of real-world situations, while simultaneously providing detailed and accurate feedback to our engineers
• Troubleshoot operational issues in real time and collaborate with Mission Operations (dispatch) team as needed to resolve as quickly as possible and hit mileage collection targets
• Conduct daily vehicle inspection checks before and after missions
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, including but not limited to washing vehicles, putting air in tires, etc.
• Occasionally interact with members of the public to educate them on autonomous vehicle technologies and behaviors
• Occasionally serve as a company ambassador by safely and confidently conducting high-profile ridealongs for senior leadership (CEO, President, VPs), major stakeholders, investors, and engineers. You will expertly balance safe operations with professional communication, fielding general questions, and strategically deferring technical inquiries to the correct Points of Contact (POCs) or subject matter experts
• Monitor onboard safety and navigational systems while maintaining constant situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols while driving

About You

• You are able to reliably work 5 days a week on one of the following shifts:
• Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Wed‑Sun)
• Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Thu‑Mon)
• Afternoon/Evening: 2:00pm-10:30pm PT (Fri‑Tue)
• You have a current valid California driver's license and have been in possession of a US license for 3+ years
• You have a clean driving record and can pass a criminal background check and drug test
• You have a passion to learn about processes and autonomous vehicles
• You have strong communication skills (written and verbal) and are able to comfortably communicate through modern online collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Google Meet, or similar)
• You are comfortable operating standard field equipment, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which are critical for documentation, training, and real-time workflow procedures
• You exhibit strong problem-solving skills by remaining calm and resourceful under pressure to troubleshoot operational issues
• You have strong collaboration and time management skills and are able to work independently or in small groups for periods without direct supervision
• You are self‑driven and able to stay focused and goal oriented while adapting to frequent changes and evolving conditions
• You have a proven record of reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance

Working Conditions And Essential Functions

• Sitting for 3 to 4 hours at a time for up to 8 hours per day in an enclosed vehicle alone or occasionally with a co‑driver
• Bending, squatting, stretching and lifting up to 25 pounds on a regular basis
• Side and up/down movement of the head, neck, back and shoulders necessary to operate a vehicle safely
• Ability to work in a vehicle that may brake, swerve, slow, or stop abruptly
• Holding and grasping with hands and frequent use of foot/feet to operate foot pedals when driving the vehicle

The total compensation package for this position includes base pay and a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, daily meal reimbursement, and paid time off in addition to limited company holidays. For this position the reasonably expected base hourly rate is $27/hour for the Afternoon/Evening shifts. You may also be eligible for a discretionary biannual contract completion bonus based on company and individual performance.

At Nuro, we celebrate differences and are committed to a diverse workplace that fosters inclusion and psychological safety for all employees. Nuro is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.