Prototype Vehicle Test Driver

Kett Engineering Corporation; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Kett Engineering Corporation is seeking Vehicle Operators in Palo Alto to join our Test and Development team. You will operate, drive, troubleshoot, and evaluate prototype test vehicles, providing development feedback to engineers.

Duties include vehicle prep, safety inspections, and documenting results. Responsibilities include safe operation up to 8 hours daily, data collection, and reporting; you will train new operators and assist the team with tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Prior professional automotive driving or autonomous vehicle experience.
• Self-motivated, organized, and demonstrate good judgment in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Attention to detail and ability to describe events quickly and concisely.
• Good command of English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using a smartphone, laptop, and Google Workspace.
• Smartphone within 3 model years of current year.
• Ability to drive safely in all conditions and alone or with a partner for 6–8 hours/day.
• Overtime flexibility as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to travel up to two weeks maximum.
• Must pass an MVR background check and onsite road test examination.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate test vehicles in varying conditions up to 8 hours/day.
• Perform vehicle prep and basic inspections before/after driving.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
• Collect data via data acquisition systems.
• Prepare clear post-drive reports and tickets; escalate to engineers as needed.
• Assist with training new vehicle operators.
• Complete additional tasks as required by the team.

Skills

Automotive driving experience

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

English communication

Google Workspace proficiency

Smartphone usage

Driving 6–8 hours

Overtime flexibility

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Willingness to travel

MVR/background check

Tools

Google Workspace

Smartphone

Job description

Kett Engineering Corporation is seeking Vehicle Operators in Palo Alto to join our Test and Development team. You will operate, drive, troubleshoot, and evaluate prototype test vehicles, providing development feedback to engineers.

Duties include vehicle prep, safety inspections, and documenting results. Responsibilities include safe operation up to 8 hours daily, data collection, and reporting; you will train new operators and assist the team with tasks as needed.