Field Vehicle Operations Specialist

parallel; Fillmore (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Parallel Systems operates a field vehicle test program at a dedicated site in California. The Field Vehicle Operations Specialist will coordinate daily activities, support vehicle tests, and collaborate with engineers to ensure safe, efficient operations and data collection for ongoing development.

The role requires hands-on oversight of site readiness, tooling, safety procedures, and coordination with manufacturing and engineering teams across locations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in transportation operations or vehicle development.
• 1+ years operating heavy machinery (cranes, tele-handlers).
• Experience with railroad operating procedures and safety rules.
• Availability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead field site operations including setup, shutdown, and daily briefings for safety and operations.
• Support test execution with instrumentation, inspections, and test plan adherence.
• Manage site tooling inventory and ensure organization of tools and PPE.
• Maintain railcar vehicles including charging, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate work plans with cross-functional teams and schedule activities.
• Perform safety inspections on vehicles and infrastructure.
• Lead daily procedure briefings and document test data.

Skills

Operations management

Vehicle development

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Data collection

Tools

Measurement instrumentation

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.

Field Vehicle Operations Specialist

The field vehicle operations specialist will support and coordinate all activities performed at our electric railcar test site in Ventura County, California. In this role, you'll work with other members of the operations team and contractors to keep the site ready for vehicle development tests and demonstration to external stakeholders. You'll also work directly with engineers to perform various vehicle operational tests, troubleshooting, and maintenance service on the vehicles. As part of the operational test, this person will be responsible for safe operation of the vehicle through knowledge and understanding of operating rules governing train movement. Data from these tests is used to develop further improvements to the technology. This role is essential to streamlining site and vehicle operations and allowing faster development of the technology.

You will be stationed at the railcar test facility in Fillmore, California with routine need to collaborate with team members at the manufacturing facility in Pacoima and the engineering office in Los Angeles. Extended domestic travel will be required for remote operations periodically as well as some international travel.

Responsibilities

Lead field site operations which include site setup and shut down. This includes receiving security reports, unlocking facilities, turning on utilities and generators, initializing vehicles with self-tests, conducting vehicle inspections, and preparing daily briefings for site safety and team operations

Work with test teams to support daily test execution. Activities may include leading or participating in test briefing, procuring necessary supplies, installing measurement instrumentation on vehicles and wayside equipment, operating vehicles to test plans, supervising others operate vehicles to test plans, and monitoring for safety

Manage site tooling inventory

Maintain site at conditions for test activities and stakeholder demonstrations. Maintain tools, equipment and personal protective equipment in an organized fashion. Maintain workspaces in a clean and sorted fashion. Contribute to a culture that values cleanliness and organization Collaborate with facilities to ensure availability of utilities

Maintain the railcar vehicles in good operating condition including battery charging, routine maintenance, and periodic troubleshoot equipment as needed

Maintain the site support vehicles including UTVs and Tool Trucks in good operating condition

Coordinate work plans and schedule of activities with cross-functional teams

Set up field tests, including test instrumentation

Perform safety inspections on vehicles and infrastructure

Lead daily procedure briefings

Execute vehicle operational procedures (command vehicles and record data)

Collect, transmit, and review test data

Supervise safety of field activities in accordance with railroad rules

Support demonstration activities during stakeholder visits

Must successfully complete training and attain/retain certifications applicable to job

Basic Qualifications

5+ years of experience working in a transportation operations, vehicle development, or related field

1+ years of operation of heavy machinery such as cranes or tele-handlers

1+ years of experience in rigging and lifting operations of heavy equipment and structures

Experience working in railroad environments and following associated operating procedures and safety rules. Training will be provided, and candidates must be able to pass internal qualification testing on the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) and train handling practices

Experience working independently and with small teams

Experience with basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting

Availability to travel domestically and internationally periodically for durations weeks

Must have a valid driver's license

Ability to pass random drug and alcohol testing Reference 49 CFR 219

Currently certified or certified in the past 3 years as a Locomotive Engineer and/or Conductor

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with electric vehicles and electric traction systems

Experience with high voltage (>120v)

Experience working in railroad environments and following associated operating procedures and safety rules

Experience troubleshooting automobiles or heavy machinery

Experience with equipment, hand tools, and methods for servicing or troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems

Experience with test and measurement equipment including data acquisition systems

We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accorda