Autonomy Validation Engineer – Field Testing & Data

Textron GSE; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. is seeking an Autonomy Test & Validation Engineer to develop validation strategies and verify autonomous performance across ODUs. You will support prototype builds, field deployments, and data collection for ML model improvements.

The role requires 2+ years in robotics or autonomous systems, strong Python/C++ skills, and hands-on testing with LiDAR, cameras, GPS, and IMU sensing. Travel is ~40–50% to field sites in support of KPI validation and safety testing.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience required.
• Experience in vehicle testing, robotics validation, or autonomous systems.
• Strong understanding of sensors (LiDAR, camera, GPS, IMU) and vehicle dynamics

Responsibilities

• Develop scenario-based validation strategies for nominal, degraded, and edge-case conditions.
• Verify autonomous system performance within defined Operational Design Domains (ODDs).
• Execute safety validation activities and support hazard analysis and risk assessment.
• Support integration, commissioning, and validation of autonomous vehicles during prototype builds and field deployments.
• Capture structured datasets for ML model improvements.
• Perform root-cause investigations across perception, localization, planning and controls subsystems.
• Provide validation reports and insights to accelerate development.
• Develop best practices and protocols for safe testing of autonomous vehicles.
• Collaborate with the development team to troubleshoot issues in real-time during field testing.

Skills

Python

C++

Robotics validation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Software Engineering or related field

Tools

ROS2

Job description

Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. is seeking an Autonomy Test & Validation Engineer to develop validation strategies and verify autonomous performance across ODUs. You will support prototype builds, field deployments, and data collection for ML model improvements.

The role requires 2+ years in robotics or autonomous systems, strong Python/C++ skills, and hands-on testing with LiDAR, cameras, GPS, and IMU sensing. Travel is ~40–50% to field sites in support of KPI validation and safety testing.