Technical Vehicle Test Operator - Long Beach, CA (Contractor)

Latitude AI LLC; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Latitude AI LLC in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Technical Vehicle Test Operator for contractor work to advance Ford autonomous driving tests. You will operate development vehicles, support test campaigns, and ensure safety and compliance across all missions.

This role emphasizes hands-on testing, collaboration with ML, robotics and engineering teams, and driving excellence in prototype test activities. The position emphasizes high accountability, travel readiness (air travel may be required), and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; two years of employment experience, degree preferred.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record per Latitude AI requirements.
• Ability to pass ten-panel drug screening and background checks.
• Strong interest in technology and quick adaptation to challenges.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills across software and hardware.

Responsibilities

• Drive test vehicles for long-distance missions up to 300-400 miles and multi-day trips across the U.S.
• Perform start-up, engagement, disengagement, and shutdown procedures for development vehicles.
• Execute testing following safety and compliance protocols.
• Communicate with cross-functional teams on architecture, sensors and compute control systems.
• Provide coaching and leadership, potentially overseeing a small shift.

Skills

Troubleshooting

GitHub

Command-line

Reliability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

GitHub

Command-line

Job description

Technical Vehicle Test Operator - Long Beach, CA (Contractor)

Long Beach, CA

Latitude AI (lat.ai ) develops automated driving technologies, including L3, for Ford vehicles at scale. We’re driven by the opportunity to reimagine what it’s like to drive and make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone.

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 making a real, positive impact on the driving experience for millions of people.

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:

Operations is where cutting-edge technology meets real-world application. As a Prototype Test Technician, you’ll play a vital role in the development testing that drives software and performance improvements. Our dedication to precision shapes the future of driving.

What you’ll do:

• Drive test vehicles for long-distance local missions (up to 300-400 miles) and on select travel missions, including multi-day trips across the U.S.
• Perform daily start-up, engagement, disengagement, and shutdown procedures for development vehicles
• Execute testing in accordance with strict safety and compliance protocols
• Represent the organization professionally and responsibly while driving in public environments, prioritizing the safety of all road users
• Demonstrate expertise across all stages of development from early software and hardware testing to mature systems in diverse environments such as public roads and closed-course settings
• Showcase leadership through superior performance, coaching, promotion of a culture of safety, and positive influence
• Deliver coaching, feedback, and support to team members, helping them improve performance
• May oversee and direct the activities of a small shift or group, ensuring efficiency and adherence to company standards
• Requires the ability to travel (including air)
• Diagnose in-depth physical and operational issue resolution using creative problem solving methods
• Communicate with cross functioning teams on advanced architecture, sensor and compute control systems by supporting design reviews and demos using prototype test assets
• Follow provided work instructions such as tech papers, schematics, 2D and 3D prints, cut sheets, sample harnesses to support prototype build events and report on the integration process and maturity of the test asset
• Assemble, modify, and repair prototype assets using hand tools and computer software while exercising proper assembly and rework techniques
• Work individually or in small teams to complete troubleshooting procedures while communicating with engineering teams for process documentation
• Document configuration management, diagnostic and troubleshooting events and asset health using various systems and automated tools
• Document prototype build changes and effectively schedule developmental modification requirements
• Analyze performance through a product-focused lens, taking into account software, engineering, and consumer needs, while capturing and effectively communicating findings to developers and key stakeholders

What you'll need to succeed:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent with two years of employment experience required. Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence 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
• Ability to pass ten-panel drug screening and criminal background checks conducted prior to employment and periodically thereafter
• Comfortable spending long hours driving and working in close quarters with others, maintaining professionalism and focus
• Strong interest in technology, adapting quickly to challenges and embracing changes
• Technical Proficiency with Computers; for example, knowledge of terminal commands and GitHub, with the ability to navigate command-line interfaces
• Excellent troubleshooting skills with an ability to identify issues with both software and hardware
• Contributes to a positive and professional work environment while working with people from diverse backgrounds
• A strong sense of responsibility and reliability—show up on time, ready to work every day
• Takes initiative to resolve issues and make decisions independently, using available tools and expertise effectively
• Actively seeks out opportunities and takes ownership without needing direction or prompting
• Curiosity and excitement about learning new technologies

Nice to have:

• Prior experience in technical driving, fleet operations, or vehicle testing environments where compliance and adherence to procedures were crucial.

Learn more about Latitude’s team, mission and career opportunities at lat.ai !

The expected hourly pay range for this contract position in California is $29.15 - $43.73/hour USD. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level.

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.