Autonomy Systems Validation Driver & Lead Trainer

Rivian Automotive; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Insurance benefits (medical/dental/vis

401(k) & ESPP

Job summary

Rivian Automotive in San Francisco, CA seeks an experienced Vehicle Operator II to support autonomous systems validation. You will train drivers, lead on-shift operations, and manage vehicle prep, data offloading, and safety during testing.

Responsibilities include coaching, conducting tests in various modes, and coordinating fleet logistics while maintaining high safety standards and using Jira/Confluence for issue tracking.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional automotive driving, autonomous vehicle testing, or fleet operations.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to deliver constructive feedback.
• Proven ability to maintain high focus while operating autonomous systems for 6–8 hours a day.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and move across shop floors and test sites.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% for off-site field testing campaigns and to work overtime or non-standard shifts.

Responsibilities

• Assist Operations Coordinator with training materials, onboarding, and hands-on driving and safety instruction.
• Provide real-time coaching on disengagement protocols, defensive driving, and test procedures.
• Guide operators on operational workflows, logging procedures, software flashing, and vehicle prep.
• Serve as on-shift floor point of contact for driver questions and safety culture.
• Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across various conditions for up to 8 hours daily.
• Perform pre-defined test cases and edge-case evaluations on public roads and test facilities.
• Support daily shift handovers, driver readiness, route assignments, and vehicle allocations.
• Conduct and supervise pre-trip and post-trip inspections and basic system checks.
• Coordinate fleet charging and vehicle maintenance to maximize availability.
• Document post-drive reports and safety feedback for engineering analysis.

Skills

Automotive driving

Autonomy testing

Coaching

Safety procedures

Data logging

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Rivian Automotive in San Francisco, CA seeks an experienced Vehicle Operator II to support autonomous systems validation. You will train drivers, lead on-shift operations, and manage vehicle prep, data offloading, and safety during testing.

Responsibilities include coaching, conducting tests in various modes, and coordinating fleet logistics while maintaining high safety standards and using Jira/Confluence for issue tracking.