Autonomous Vehicle Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Autonomous Vehicle Operator - Data Collection

Location: San Francisco, CA (Fully Onsite – Bay Area / Local Candidates Only)

Pay: $28/hour, with a $0.50/hour increase every 6 months based on tenure

Assignment Length: 12-month rolling contract (ongoing, stable position with no fixed end date)

Schedule: Full-time with overnight shift available

JHCareers is partnering with a leading technology company driving the future of autonomous vehicles and self-driving innovation. We are hiring Autonomous Vehicle Operators, Vehicle Operators - Data Collection, and AV Safety Drivers (also known as Autonomous Vehicle Test Operators or Self-Driving Car Operators) to collect critical real-world data and support testing of advanced autonomous driving systems in the Bay Area.

As an Autonomous Vehicle Operator, you'll drive test vehicles on public roads in San Francisco and Mountain View, monitor performance, ensure safety, and provide detailed feedback to help refine cutting-edge technology. This role suits safety-conscious drivers with strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and comfort with extended driving who want to contribute to the next era of mobility in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Weekend shifts add 5% per hour in bonus pay! Night shifts starting at 1 p.m. or later add an additional 2% per hour in bonus pay (7% total on weekends)!

Hours:

• 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Wed-Sun | Thur-Mon | Sat-Wed

• 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Tue-Sat | Wed-Sun | Thur-Mon | Fri-Tue | Sat-Wed | Sun-Thu

Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do:

• Safely operate autonomous test vehicles and self-driving vehicles on predefined routes for 4–8 hours daily, demonstrating defensive driving, road safety awareness, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Conduct routine vehicle inspections and basic maintenance checks to confirm roadworthiness using basic vehicle knowledge.
• Monitor and perform basic software operations / software operation for real-time data collection and data logging.
• Accurately document observations, anomalies, issues, and system performance through precise data documentation, written communication, and reporting.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and report issues in real time.
• Provide constructive feedback to engineers via clear verbal communication to improve autonomous drivingsystems.
• Assist with vehicle logistics, storage coordination, and preparation while maintaining multitasking and a proactive mindset.

Requirements – Skills & Qualifications We Need:

• Active California driver's license (in-state) with no gaps in the last three years.
• Clean driving record: No moving violations in the past 12 months, no DUIs, and no criminal record.
• Typing skills 45 wpm or faster (typing test will be conducted)
• Preferred: Professional driving experience or prior exposure to autonomous vehicle testing / AV testing.
• Proven comfort with extended driving (4–8 hours daily) in varied Bay Area traffic.
• Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and safe driving practices.
• Excellent written communication and verbal communication for accurate documentation and team collaboration.
• Solid critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to follow detailed instructions / strict safety guidelines.
• Comfort with technology: Basic software skills, laptop proficiency, handheld device usage, and quick typing skills (for logging data).
• Following safety protocols and maintaining high road safety awareness at all times.
• Must be Bay Area-local and available for onsite work in San Francisco and Mountain View.

Bonus Skills That Help You Stand Out:

• Data collection / data logging experience.
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicle experience or ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
• Multitasking in dynamic environments.
• Resourcefulness and a proactive mindset.

Why This Autonomous Vehicle Data Collection Role?

• Competitive $28/hr pay in a full-time, ongoing contract.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Employer-subsidized healthcare benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare.
• Employer-covered short- and long-term disability + life insurance.
• 401k package.

Join the booming autonomous vehicle industry in the Bay Area and make a real impact on self-driving technology. If you have a clean driving record, strong situational awareness, and enthusiasm for tech-driven innovation, this is an ideal opportunity.

Apply Now as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator, AV Safety Driver, or Self-Driving Test Operator! Bay Area locals with an active California driver's license and matching skills – we want to hear from you!

JH Careers, LLC is a staffing solutions provider dedicated to connecting premier organizations across the United States with highly skilled professionals. We offer contract, contract-to-hire and full-time staffing solutions to premier organizations nationwide that require quality candidates on demand.

JH Careers, LLC specializes in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicle industries.