AV Test Engineer

Motional; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 98,000 - 129,500; Full time

Job summary

Motional is looking for a Systems Test Engineer in Las Vegas to validate self‑driving technology through rigorous testing. In this role, you will design test campaigns and develop automation scripts to ensure safety and reliability.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science and at least 2 years of experience in software QA or systems testing. Join us to contribute to innovative autonomous vehicle development.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in software QA, systems testing, or mechatronic system validation.
• Proficiency with AV simulation platforms like Applied Intuition.
• Experience with Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute test campaigns for self‑driving features.
• Develop and maintain detailed test plans and automation scripts.
• Conduct fault injection and low‑level control testing.

Skills

Proficiency in Linux

Programming skills (Python, C++)

Troubleshooting

Test case development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, ECE, Computer Science

Tools

Python

Bash/Shell

CANalyzer

GitLab

Job description

Motional’s Las Vegas office is located less than 10 miles from the Las Vegas strip at 730 E Pilot Road and is home to one of the largest fleets of self‑driving vehicles. The city’s grid system of roads and being one of America’s “smart cities” allows for extensive research and development testing.

Mission Summary

The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Engineering team is responsible for validating the safety, functionality, and performance of self‑driving technology through rigorous, system‑level testing. As a Systems Test Engineer, you will play a hands‑on role in the end‑to‑end verification of AV features—spanning perception, planning, and control—across virtual, closed‑course, and public road environments.

We are seeking a versatile engineer to contribute to test strategy, scenario creation, and infrastructure development. Whether your expertise lies in Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL), synthetic simulation, or physical track testing, you will help translate engineering requirements into comprehensive test plans and measurable outcomes. Your efforts will support iterative development, fault injection analysis, and safety‑critical system evaluation to ensure every release meets the highest standards for quality and reliability.

Essential Duties

• Test Design & Execution: Design and execute test campaigns for self‑driving features (perception, planning, and control) across virtual, synthetic, and physical environments.
• Multi‑Modal Validation: Leverage Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL), Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL), and scenario‑based simulation platforms (e.g., Applied Intuition) for feature validation and regression testing.
• Simulation & Resimulation: Create synthetic and log‑replay scenarios to support root‑cause analysis and large‑scale release validation.
• Track & Systems Integration: Perform mechatronic and systems integration testing, including closed‑course test track validation and on‑vehicle environments.
• Automation: Develop and maintain detailed test plans and automation scripts using Python and Bash/Shell.
• Data Analysis: Analyze logs and data to assess system behavior and conduct root‑cause investigations, collaborating cross‑functionally with perception, planning, hardware, and safety teams.
• Hardware Debugging: Conduct fault injection and low‑level control testing using tools like CANalyzer or CANoe for subsystems such as drive‑by‑wire (DBW), braking, and steering.
• Compliance: Ensure testing practices align with industry standards such as ISO 26262, ISO 21448 (SOTIF), and ISO 9001.
• Collaboration: Document procedures and technical findings using tools like Confluence, Jira, and GitLab to ensure traceability.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Robotics, ECE, Computer Science, or a relevant technical field.
• Experience: 2+ years in software QA, systems testing, or mechatronic system validation, preferably within ADAS or autonomous systems.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Linux and programming/scripting languages such as Python, C++, or Bash/Shell.
  • Experience writing and developing comprehensive test cases and test plans.
• Domain Expertise (One or more of the following):
  • Virtual/Simulation: Proficiency with AV simulation platforms (e.g., Applied Intuition, IPG Carmaker, NVIDIA DRIVE Sim).
  • HIL/Hardware: Hands‑on experience with Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) environments and automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet).
  • Field/Track: Experience with track‑based testing and mechatronic system integration.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, debug, and think logically to remove bias from problem evaluation.
• Adaptability: Ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity and interpret evolving system requirements in a fast‑paced environment.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and at times for long periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic. The team member is regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts. The team member is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles. The noise level in the environment is low to moderate.

Motional AD LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and we welcome all qualified applicants. All applicants will receive impartial consideration regarding race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or another legally protected status. Motional AD LLC is a Drug‑free workplace.

Salary Range: $98,000 USD - $129,500 USD

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E‑Verify. All newly‑hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.