Associate Operations Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Engineering team is responsible for validating the safety, functionality, and performance of self-driving technology through rigorous, system-level testing. As an Associate AV Test Engineer (Level 1), you will focus on the execution of daily test operations, initial fault triage, and accurate reporting across virtual, closed-course, and public road environments.

Working under the guidance of lead and senior engineers, you will perform hands-on testing, isolate minor software and hardware defects, and assist in updating test artifacts. This entry-level role is designed for a detail-oriented technical candidate eager to build foundational expertise in autonomous systems validation, logging workflows, and system-level troubleshooting.

• Execution Quality: Accountably execute daily AV testing operations diligently and accurately across virtual, synthetic, or physical environments as tasked by the lead engineer.
• Initial Triage: Perform independent troubleshooting for minor platform stability issues, clearly isolating and documenting the specific environmental conditions or triggers that caused the fault.
• Defect Clarity: Isolate and document minor software or hardware defects with complete detail (including detailed reproduction steps, logs, and system environment data) to enable immediate action by senior staff or development teams.
• Reporting Integrity: Maintain high data integrity by conducting preliminary log analysis and preparing accurate, complete documentation within all assigned test run reports under supervision.
• Artifact Contribution: Create and update assigned components of test cases, test plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure operational best practices are up to date.
• Process Assistance & Support: Proactively assist senior engineers in the design and development of test plans and validation strategies, focusing on absorbing system architecture and design rationale. Serve as a reliable resource supporting the execution efforts of the broader test team.
• Information Flow: Efficiently and clearly communicate troubleshooting findings, log files, and initial analysis to the lead test engineer for prioritization and higher-level escalation.
• Tools & Collaboration: Utilize platforms such as Jira, Confluence, and GitLab to document technical findings, track issues, and maintain test artifact traceability.
  

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a relevant technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience: 0-2 years of experience in software QA, hardware/systems testing, robotics projects, or engineering operations.
• Technical Skills:
• Basic proficiency in Linux environments and foundational scripting abilities in Python or Bash/Shell.
• Familiarity with reading technical documentation, logs, and structured test procedures.
• Domain Exposure (Preferred):
• Basic exposure to automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) or simulation tools (e.g., Applied Intuition, CARLA, IPG Carmaker).
• Hands-on experience with hardware/mechatronic assembly, field testing, or academic robotics projects.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical mindset with a structured approach to logical troubleshooting and defect isolation.
• Adaptability & Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow detailed operational instructions and learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and at times for long periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic. The team member is regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts. The team member is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles. The noise level in the environment is low to moderate.

Motional AD LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and we welcome all qualified applicants. All applicants will receive impartial consideration regarding race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or another legally protected status. Motional AD LLC is a Drug-free workplace.