Autonomy Systems Test Operator & Driver Trainer Lead

Rivian; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Vehicle Operator II to support autonomous systems testing, safety validation, and ground fleet operations. You will train and coach operators, lead on-shift floor activities, and ensure safe vehicle prep, data handling, and post-trip processes across test facilities and public roads.

In this role, you'll operate prototype vehicles in autonomous and manual modes, oversee pre/post-trip checks, and coordinate with the Operations Coordinator on shift handovers.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional automotive driving, autonomous vehicle testing, or vehicle fleet operations, with demonstrated informal or formal experience coaching, mentoring, or training peers.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to deliver constructive feedback and explain complex technical concepts simply.
• Proven ability to maintain high focus while driving or monitoring autonomous systems (solo or with a partner) for 6–8 hours per day in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift, maneuver, and move up to 50 lbs and remain active across shop floors, proving grounds, or field testing sites.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% for off-site field testing campaigns and flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as testing schedules require.
• Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and enterprise collaboration tools (Google Docs, Sheets, Maps).

Responsibilities

• Operator Training, Coaching & Mentorship: Assist the Operations Coordinator in preparing training materials, onboarding programs, and delivering hands-on driving and safety instruction for new vehicle operators.
• Performance coaching: Continuously evaluate vehicle operator performance, provide real-time coaching on disengagement protocols, defensive driving, and test procedures, and reinforce high safety standards.
• Workflow guidance: Guide operators on standard operational workflows, proper logging procedures, software flashing methods, and vehicle prep standards.
• Testing Operations: Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across diverse weather, traffic, and road conditions for up to 8 hours daily.
• Safety and interventions: Maintain constant situational awareness and safety vigilance, executing manual disengagements and safety interventions seamlessly when necessary.
• Testing scenarios: Perform pre-defined test cases, specialized driving scenarios, and edge-case evaluations on public roads and closed-course test facilities.
• Ground Support & Fleet Operations: Support the Operations Coordinator by assisting with daily shift handovers, driver shift readiness, route assignments, and vehicle allocations.
• Inspections & maintenance: Conduct and supervise pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, basic system checks, hardware setups, and sensor calibrations/cleanings prior to test runs.
• Fleet management: Track vehicle health, coordinate routine maintenance or repair appointments with service technicians, and manage fleet charging logistics to ensure maximum vehicle availability.
• Data management: Oversee daily end-of-shift data logging process, transferring onboard data to edge/cloud storage and verifying data integrity for engineering analysis.
• Site readiness: Maintain site/shop floor readiness, test equipment, tooling, and sensor platforms to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient testing environment.
• System Diagnostics & Escalation: Perform basic system diagnostics, guide operators through initial troubleshooting and OTA software updates.
• Issue handling: Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor anomalies, creating detailed tickets and escalating issues to cross-functional teams.
• Reporting: Compose post-drive reports, logs, and safety feedback to communicate system behavior and edge cases.

Skills

Coaching & mentoring

Safety awareness

Communications

Adaptability

Technical troubleshooting

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Linux/Unix

CAN networks

Embedded diagnostics

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Vehicle Operator II to support autonomous systems testing, safety validation, and ground fleet operations. You will train and coach operators, lead on-shift floor activities, and ensure safe vehicle prep, data handling, and post-trip processes across test facilities and public roads.

In this role, you'll operate prototype vehicles in autonomous and manual modes, oversee pre/post-trip checks, and coordinate with the Operations Coordinator on shift handovers.