Vehicle Technician – Autonomous Vehicle Fleet (Contract)

truckingpeople; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

truckingpeople in San Francisco, CA is seeking a hands-on Vehicle Technician for our autonomous fleet. This contract role focuses on maintenance, diagnostics, and operational readiness of autonomous vehicles, with a lab/shop setting.

The candidate will perform scheduled and corrective maintenance, diagnose complex issues, document findings, and support engineering teams. A strong automotive background and safety compliance are essential; travel may be required locally.

Qualifications

• 2–4+ years of professional experience as a Vehicle Technician or Engineering Technician.
• Extensive knowledge of vehicle systems, diagnostics, tools, and repair techniques.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance, inspections, and repair coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation and service procedures.
• Comfortable using shop tools, diagnostic equipment, and test tools.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass background check, MVR, and drug screening.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/sit for 8+ hour shifts.
• Forklift and/or gantry operation experience.
• Current forklift certification compliant with Cal/OSHA standards.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and documentation discipline.
• Reliable, safety-focused, and team-oriented work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled, preventative, and corrective maintenance on autonomous fleet vehicles.
• Configure, set up, maintain, diagnose, and sign off vehicles for safe on-road operation.
• Conduct advanced diagnostics, system checks, and multi-point inspections.
• Perform quality control (QC) inspections on completed work.
• Diagnose issues, perform root cause analysis, and elevate complex problems to engineering teams.
• Execute vehicle reworks, repairs, and component replacements.
• Support vehicle readiness for testing, demonstrations, and validation activities.
• Create and execute diagnostic test plans as required.
• Maintain accurate service records, inspection reports, and quality documentation.
• Assist with tools, parts inventory, and shop organization.
• Maintain lab and shop facilities in excellent working condition.
• Operate shop equipment safely while following OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and hazardous waste regulations.
• Travel locally (and occasionally nationally) to support fleet operations.

Skills

Vehicle diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Reading technical documents

Shop tools usage

Strong communication

Education

Automotive certificate or Associate degree

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

CAN bus knowledge

Job description

Vehicle Technician – Autonomous Vehicle Fleet (Contract)

Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite)

Pay: $46-$53/hour

Schedule: Full-time (30+ hours per week)

Contract Role | Panel Interview Process

Overview

We are hiring an engineering-focused Engineering Technician – Vehicle Systems to support the maintenance, diagnostics, and operational readiness of autonomous fleet vehicles for an on-demand ride-hailing platform.

This is a hands-on, lab-based role supporting vehicle configuration, testing, inspections, and fleet reworks in a fast-paced autonomous vehicle environment. The ideal candidate has strong automotive, mechanical, and electrical troubleshooting experience and is comfortable working directly with engineering teams to keep vehicles road-ready.

This is not a desk role. Hands-on experience is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled, preventative, and corrective maintenance on autonomous fleet vehicles
• Configure, set up, maintain, diagnose, and sign off vehicles for safe on-road operation
• Conduct advanced diagnostics, system checks, and multi-point inspections
• Perform quality control (QC) inspections on completed work
• Diagnose issues, perform root cause analysis, and elevate complex problems to engineering teams
• Execute vehicle reworks, repairs, and component replacements
• Support vehicle readiness for testing, demonstrations, and validation activities
• Create and execute diagnostic test plans as required
• Maintain accurate service records, inspection reports, and quality documentation
• Assist with tools, parts inventory, and shop organization
• Maintain lab and shop facilities in excellent working condition
• Operate shop equipment safely while following OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and hazardous waste regulations
• Travel locally (and occasionally nationally) to support fleet operations

Core Requirements (Must-Have)

• 2–4+ years of professional experience as a Vehicle Technician, Automotive Technician, or Engineering Technician
• Extensive knowledge of vehicle systems, diagnostics, tools, and repair techniques
• Experience performing preventative maintenance, inspections, and repair coordination
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation and service procedures
• Comfortable using shop tools, diagnostic equipment, and test tools
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to pass background check, MVR, and drug screening
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/sit for 8+ hour shifts
• Forklift and/or gantry operation experience
• Current forklift certification compliant with Cal/OSHA standards
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and documentation discipline
• Reliable, safety-focused, and team-oriented work ethic

Highly Preferred Experience (Nice-to-have)

• 5+ years automotive or vehicle technician experience
• Experience in an engineering lab, R&D environment, or automotive research facility
• Knowledge of CAN bus systems, wiring diagrams, soldering, and electrical diagnostics
• Automotive technical trade school certificate or Associate Degree in Automotive Technology
• Experience towing vehicle haulers or large trailers
• Exposure to autonomous vehicles, EV systems, or advanced vehicle platforms
• Ability to travel locally and nationally on occasion