SD Autonomous Vehicle Operator

Royalty Staffing; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift bonuses

Hands-on tech

SD market growth

Job summary

Royalty Staffing is hiring Level 3 Vehicle Operators in San Diego to support autonomous vehicle testing and operations. You will drive, monitor, and test vehicles while coordinating with engineering and operations teams.

You will ensure safety, document observations, and provide feedback to engineers. This in-person role offers base pay with shift bonuses and flexible schedules in a fast-growing autonomous mobility environment.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication is required.
• Excellent driving history is required.
• Ability to drive for extended periods, including ~6 hours per day.
• Basic knowledge of vehicles and ability to perform routine checks.
• Basic technology skills and ability to troubleshoot common issues.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Drive vehicles for approximately 4–8 hours per day, with safety as the top priority.
• Support day-to-day autonomous vehicle operations.
• Perform basic software and technology-related tasks.
• Participate in a variety of operational missions both inside and outside the vehicle.
• Provide clear and accurate written and verbal feedback to engineering teams.
• Document operational activities, observations, and metrics.
• Conduct daily vehicle readiness and preventative maintenance checks.
• Perform basic vehicle services and repairs as needed.
• Help coordinate the movement, storage, and logistics of vehicles and equipment.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for operation.
• Complete paperwork and documentation related to vehicle readiness.
• Work collaboratively with multiple teams to support testing and operational goals.
• Represent the company professionally when interacting with the public and other stakeholders.

Skills

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Excellent driving history

Ability to drive long periods

Basic vehicle knowledge

Basic technology skills

Proactive, resourceful mindset

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent technical experience

Job description

Level 3 Vehicle Operator

Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Contract
Work Environment: In-Person
Pay: $28.00/hour
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday OR Sunday–Thursday

About the Role

Join the team helping shape the future of autonomous transportation.

Royalty Staffing is partnering with a leading on-demand autonomous ride-hailing company to hire Level 3 Vehicle Operators in San Diego. In this role, you’ll play a hands‑on part in supporting autonomous vehicle operations, ensuring vehicle and passenger safety, conducting software and hardware testing, and providing valuable feedback to engineering teams.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys driving, working with technology, solving problems, and being part of a fast-moving team. You’ll work alongside teams across vehicle engineering, computer vision, infrastructure, ride operations, and more—giving you a firsthand look at the technology and operations behind autonomous mobility.

What You’ll Do

• Drive vehicles for approximately 4–8 hours per day , with safety as the top priority.
• Support day-to-day autonomous vehicle operations.
• Perform basic software and technology-related tasks.
• Participate in a variety of operational missions both inside and outside the vehicle.
• Provide clear and accurate written and verbal feedback to engineering teams.
• Document operational activities, observations, and metrics.
• Conduct daily vehicle readiness and preventative maintenance checks.
• Perform basic vehicle services and repairs as needed.
• Help coordinate the movement, storage, and logistics of vehicles and equipment.
• Keep vehicles, equipment, and work areas clean, organized, and ready for operation.
• Complete paperwork and documentation related to vehicle readiness.
• Work collaboratively with multiple teams to support testing and operational goals.
• Represent the company professionally when interacting with the public and other stakeholders.

Schedule & Pay

Base Pay: $28.00/hour

Available Shifts:

• Day Shift: 6:45 AM–3:15 PM
• Night Shift: 3:45 PM–12:15 AM

Available Workweeks:

• Tuesday–Saturday
• Sunday–Thursday

Shift Bonuses:

• Weekend shifts receive an additional 5% per hour .
• Night shifts beginning at 1:00 PM or later receive an additional 2% per hour .
• Weekend night shifts receive a 7% total hourly bonus .

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, comfortable spending extended periods behind the wheel, and able to communicate effectively with technical and operational teams.

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent driving history.
• Ability to drive for extended periods, including approximately 6 hours in a vehicle per day.
• Basic knowledge of vehicles and ability to perform routine vehicle checks.
• Basic technology skills and ability to troubleshoot common issues.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent technical experience.
• Military experience.
• Previous experience in vehicle operations, logistics, transportation, technology, or a related field.

Benefits

Why Join?

• $28/hour base pay with additional shift bonuses.
• Opportunity to work directly with cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology.
• Gain hands‑on experience in vehicle and personnel operations.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and technology teams.
• Flexible shift options.
• Opportunity to contribute to the growth of a new San Diego market.