Vehicle Testing Specialist
Location: Sunnyvale, CA / Contract (W2) / Full-time / On-site / Pay: $40/hr
About the role
Our client is an autonomous vehicle (AV) and ADAS software company in Sunnyvale. It’s hiring a Vehicle Testing Specialist to support its daily live testing programs, working directly with development vehicles and turning real-world observations into technical feedback that shapes how the autonomy software develops.
You’ll prepare development vehicles for testing each day, making sure both the software and the sensor hardware are fully configured. You’ll then execute test plans safely and efficiently. AV and ADAS testing of this kind typically takes place on closed courses and public roads, and involves capturing and reviewing data logs, often in formats such as ROS bags or CAN logs, to understand how the system behaved.
A key part of the role is telling hardware problems apart from software problems. When something doesn’t behave as expected, you’ll work out whether the cause is a sensor calibration issue or physical connection, or a software issue such as feature behavior or a build anomaly. You’ll then document it clearly. That calls for solid working knowledge of the core AV sensor suite, including cameras, radar, LiDAR, and GPS/IMU, and how each feeds the autonomy stack.
You’ll work closely with software engineers and operations teams to coordinate and improve testing procedures, keep detailed testing logs, and give structured feedback on software and hardware performance. Safety comes first throughout. You’ll work with vehicle operators to maintain safe, professional operating protocols across all testing activities.
Main responsibilities
- Execute test plans safely and efficiently on AV and ADAS development vehicles
- Work with software engineers and operations teams to coordinate, refine, and improve vehicle testing procedures
- Maintain detailed testing logs and document anomalies
- Deliver clear, structured technical feedback on software and hardware performance
- Prepare development vehicles for daily testing, ensuring software systems and sensor hardware are fully configured
- Promote safety across all vehicle testing activities, working with vehicle operators to maintain safe operating protocols
Requirements
- 2+ years of technical hardware/software testing, data logging, or hands-on AV/ADAS/automotive testing experience
- Strong working knowledge of common AV sensors (cameras, radar, LiDAR, GPS/IMU) and their roles within an autonomous stack
- Proven ability to diagnose and distinguish between hardware issues (e.g. sensor calibration, physical connections) and software issues (e.g. feature behavior, build anomalies)
- Excellent documentation skills and the ability to explain complex technical observations clearly to engineering teams
- US citizen or green card holder, authorized to work on a W2 basis without sponsorship (C2C not permitted)
- Based in the Bay Area
Nice to have:
- Familiarity with Linux environments and command-line interfaces
- Experience with collaboration and issue-tracking tools such as Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Google Workspace
- Familiarity with standard software development and release cycles
The offer
- $40/hr, full-time W2 contract
- Benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, FSA, disability and life insurance, and 401(k)
- On-site in Sunnyvale, CA
- Hands-on work with AV and ADAS development vehicles
This role suits a hands-on tester with AV or automotive experience who can spot the difference between a sensor fault and a software bug and explain it clearly. If that sounds like you, apply below.