Senior Vehicle Test Operator

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. is hiring a Senior Vehicle Test Operator to lead Test Operators and support execution of vehicle testing. You will coordinate staffing, training, and qualifications, working with engineering and cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient testing aligned with requirements.

The role emphasizes coaching, onboarding, and driving improvements in safety and quality of testing activities across multiple locations and campaigns.

Qualifications

• 6+ years autonomous vehicle experience.
• 3+ years experience in supplier relations with multiple contracting houses.
• Valid CA Driver’s license with a driving record that meets CA DMV autonomous vehicle testing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify operator resource needs and coordinate staffing based on vehicle availability, testing priorities, and program requirements.
• Maintain and track operator qualifications, required training, certifications, vacation schedules, and overall availability.
• Coordinate onboarding and training of new Test Operators and ensure operators maintain the qualifications required for their assigned activities.
• Receive technical and operational training from internal teams and external partners and effectively cascade that knowledge to the Test Operator team.
• Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and support to Test Operators to ensure safe and consistent execution of testing activities.
• Partner closely with engineering, vehicle operations, program management, and other teams to align testing needs, vehicle readiness, and operator availability.
• Support planning and execution of upcoming test campaigns and specialized driving activities.
• Drive operational improvements that increase the safety, efficiency, consistency, and quality of vehicle testing activities.

Skills

Autonomous vehicle experience

Team coaching

Staffing coordination

Job description

Job Description - Senior Vehicle Test Operator (MER0004AM6)

Description

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting‑edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.

As the Test Operations Lead, you will be responsible for leading Test Operators and
supporting the execution of vehicle testing. This role combines people and resource
management, operator training and qualification, program coordination, and hands‑on
vehicle testing. You will work closely with engineering teams, external partners, and other
cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure test activities are executed safely, efficiently, and
according to defined requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify operator resource needs and coordinate staffing based on vehicle availability, testing priorities, and program requirements.
• Maintain and track operator qualifications, required training, certifications, vacation schedules, and overall availability.
• Coordinate onboarding and training of new Test Operators and ensure operators maintain the qualifications required for their assigned activities.
• Receive technical and operational training from internal teams and external partners and effectively cascade that knowledge to the Test Operator team.
• Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and support to Test Operators to ensure safe and consistent execution of testing activities.
• Partner closely with engineering, vehicle operations, program management, and other teams to align testing needs, vehicle readiness, and operator availability.
• Support planning and execution of upcoming test campaigns and specialized driving activities.
• Drive operational improvements that increase the safety, efficiency, consistency, and quality of vehicle testing activities.

The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, job‑related education, skills, and experience, geographic location, and market conditions. The current salary range for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $87,000 - $140,000.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Possess a valid CA Driver’s license with a driving record that meets CA DMV autonomous vehicle testing requirements.
• 6+ years autonomous vehicle experience
• Proven experience in coaching and supporting team members to close performance gaps and achieve expected standards.
• 3+ years experience in supplier relations with multiple contracting houses.
• Strong understanding of defensive driving and vehicle safety practices.
• Strong ability to identify gaps and drive improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3+ autonomous vehicle training programs.
• 5+ years of instructing experience related to autonomous vehicles
• 3+ years working with senior management to understand priorities, take ownership, and independently drive execution across downstream members with minimal oversight.
• Experience managing teams across multiple locations

MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce.

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.

Organization

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.

Primary Location

United States of America-Georgia-Atlanta

Work Locations

384 Northyards Blvd, Buildings 200 + 300 384 Northyards Blvd, Buildings 200 + 300 Atlanta 30303