Mission Operator - Palo Alto, CA - Third Shift (Contractor)

Latitude; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Latitude AI is hiring a Test Specialist I to manage prototype vehicle operations and data collection for automated driving development in Palo Alto. You will operate test vehicles safely, perform inspections, document events, and escalate issues to ensure system improvements.

The role requires strong communication, a safety-driven mindset, and willingness to travel to remote facilities as needed. As part of Ford Motor Company’s autonomous roadmap, you will work with cross-functional teams to

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Operate Latitude Test Vehicle safely and compliantly.
• Perform vehicle inspections, start-up, launch and shutdown tasks.
• Document events to aid in development of driving technology.
• Escalate safety and performance issues clearly and promptly.
• Communicate feedback on system performance to stakeholders.

Skills

Test operations

Vehicle inspection

Documentation

Communication skills

Safety procedures

Driver's license

Multi-tasking

Willingness to travel

Shift flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Jira basics

Job description

Latitude AI (lat.ai) is building the future of Ford’s autonomy roadmap to make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. Bringing this vision to scale, our fully in-house developed hands-free ADAS platform will debut on the all-new Ford Fathom in 2027.

When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to redefining the relationship between people and their vehicles for millions of customers.

As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Meet the team:

As a Latitude AI Test Specialist I, you will be responsible for the duties of prototype vehicle operations from both the left seat and the right seat. You will be responsible for the safe, compliant operation of an automated driving system, efficient completion of testing and data collection missions, and succinct escalation of system performance feedback.

What you’ll do:

• Operate a Latitude Test Vehicle; safely and compliantly
• Perform all vehicle inspection, start-up, launch, and shutdown tasks
• Follow procedures and processes to the highest standard
• Escalate potential safety and performance issues; promptly and clearly
• Document events throughout the day to aid in development of driving technology
• Clearly communicate feedback on system performance; strengths and improvement areas
• Partner closely with cross-team stakeholders to execute operations to meet developer needs
• May be required to lead a small team of individual contributors or manage a small second shift for fleet operations

What you'll need to succeed:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent with one to two years of employment experience required.
• Must have valid driver’s license and ability to meet Latitude AI’s minimum driving record requirements, as verified by Motor Vehicle Record background checks prior to hire and periodically thereafter
• Enjoyment of driving for extended periods of time.
• Ability to monitor and test software via laptop in a moving vehicle and type proficiently
• Experience in a professional work environment where safety, honesty, procedure and/or software testing are emphasized
• Strong desire to learn new skills related to technology and software
• Capacity to navigate ambiguity and complexity while still producing results
• Ability to balance and keep track of multiple projects at once
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to span a large and varied audience: downward/lateral communication to peers through upward communication to supervisors and engineering stakeholders
• Varied skill set in a technical environment training and/or managing teams
• Have a passion to motivate, engage, and inspire others
• Detail oriented mindset with a focus on safety and procedure
• Ability to work in close quarters in a professional manner for extended periods of time
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Ability to pass ten-panel drug screen and criminal background checks conducted prior to employment
• Willingness to travel to remote offices and test facilities as needed, including initial operator training
• Flexibility to work various shifts as required

Nice to have:

• Vehicle or technical product development experience
• Working knowledge of Atlassian Jira basics

Candidates for positions with Latitude AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.