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Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

UAS Test Site Research Operator

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

... vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ... Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 ...

$70K - $75K/yr

The Glydways system is a groundbreaking network of carbon-neutral, interconnected transit pathways powered by standardized autonomous vehicles on dedicated roadways. Operating 24/7 with on-demand ...

$60K/yr

The Glydways system is a groundbreaking network of carbon-neutral, interconnected transit pathways powered by standardized autonomous vehicles on dedicated roadways. Operating 24/7 with on-demand ...

Showing results 41-60

Autonomous Vehicle Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$23

$30

How much do autonomous vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous vehicle operator in Virginia is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an autonomous vehicle operator?

To thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of road safety regulations. Familiarity with data logging systems, onboard diagnostics, and autonomous vehicle software platforms is typically required, and some employers may prefer candidates with technical certifications or experience in vehicle technology. Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills ensure the safe operation and accurate monitoring of autonomous vehicles during testing or deployment, which is critical to both public safety and the advancement of autonomous driving technology.

What is an autonomous vehicle operator?

Autonomous vehicle operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the safe operation and testing of self-driving vehicles. They typically monitor the vehicle’s systems, take control when necessary, and report data or issues to engineering teams. Their role is essential in ensuring that autonomous vehicles perform safely during testing and development phases, often on public roads or closed tracks. Operators also help troubleshoot technical problems and contribute feedback to improve vehicle performance.

What are common challenges faced by autonomous vehicle operators during their daily tasks?

Autonomous Vehicle Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring complex vehicle systems while maintaining consistent focus during long periods of testing. They must quickly respond to unexpected situations on the road, like erratic drivers or changing weather conditions, to ensure safety and accurate data collection. Effective communication with engineering and safety teams is essential, as operators regularly provide feedback and report anomalies to improve vehicle performance. Adaptability and strong attention to detail help operators excel in this dynamic, fast-evolving field.

What is the difference between Autonomous Vehicle Operator vs Delivery Driver?

AspectAutonomous Vehicle OperatorDelivery Driver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, safety training, sometimes certification in vehicle operationDriver's license, route knowledge, delivery-specific training
Work EnvironmentMonitoring autonomous vehicles, remote or on-site, in urban or suburban areasDriving vehicles to deliver goods, often on fixed routes or schedules
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, autonomous vehicle services, logistics firmsRetail, food services, courier companies

While both roles involve vehicle operation, Autonomous Vehicle Operators focus on overseeing and monitoring autonomous systems, often remotely or in controlled environments, whereas Delivery Drivers are responsible for physically delivering goods using traditional driving skills. The roles differ mainly in technology use and work setting, but both require valid licenses and safety awareness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,298 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Experienced Fault & Autonomy Engineer - Experimental Space Programs

Boeing

Herndon, VA

$147K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Experienced Fault & Autonomy Engineer - Experimental Space Programs

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Experimental Systems Group (ESG) has an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Fault & Autonomy Engineer to join our team located in Seal Beach, CA, with potential options to work from El Segundo, CA, Aurora, CO, or Herndon, VA based on candidate eligibility. As a Fault & Autonomy Engineer in ESG, you will have the opportunity to personally contribute to the development of new first-of-kind space vehicles and missions. The ESG portfolio consists of a range of platforms and technologies including the X-37B, the world's first fully autonomous reusable spaceplane, which is continuing to shape the future of space technology while currently flying its eighth mission.

As a member of our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) Mission Design team, you will join a diverse team of system architects, Concept of Operations (ConOps) developers, fault and autonomy designers, and recommended operating procedure (ROP) authors.

As a Fault and Autonomy Engineer, you will be expected to lead coordination across all internal and external stakeholders to drive development and implementation of an optimal fault and autonomy architecture for your assigned program(s). You will serve as a core point of contact for customers and will work directly with subject matter experts across the business to quickly iterate and converge on achievable solutions that meet our customers' needs. Our development timelines are aggressive and you will be asked to develop solutions to previously unsolved problems.

In this role, you will work in multidisciplinary teams to bring concept of operations to fruition in support of our customers' mission objectives. You will work both as an individual contributor and as a project lead. An ideal candidate has a strong technical background across all spacecraft subsystems with particular depth in Attitude Control Systems (ACS)/Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC), flight software, or spacecraft operations as well as a strong system background spanning both space and ground domains. You will need to be able to dive into broad, minimally-defined design spaces and effectively lead integrated efforts.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Support technology integration for and development of first-of-kind space vehicles and missions
  • Develop and present review packages to internal and external senior leadership
  • Work proactively and independently in a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere
  • Ensure system hardware designs have adequate redundancy for required levels of fault tolerance
  • Develop autonomy aligned with customer risk tolerance in the presence of anomalies
  • Analyze system failure modes (via failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) or fault tree analysis)
  • Develop software requirements for onboard fault protection to detect and isolate failures and transition to spacecraft safing modes
  • Design autonomy or ground procedures to recover from failures
  • Provide occasional on-call support for system anomalies

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

BasicQualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires an active U.S.Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.
  • 1+ years of direct experience with Satellite Systems Engineering groups.
  • 1+ years of experience in systems engineering, systems integration, and/or software engineering.
  • 1+ years of experience with failure analysis (performing or review).

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Master's degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry
  • 3 years of systems engineering experience
  • 2 years of project management experience
  • Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and external customers
  • Experience in spacecraft, launch vehicles, or highly autonomous unmanned systems
  • Experience with failure analysis techniques (e.g, Fault Tree, FMECA)
  • Experience with spacecraft mission operations
  • Broad knowledge across spacecraft subsystems

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteriaismet as outlined in our policies.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.Note:Basic relocation will be offeredfor eligible internal candidates.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, anda number ofprograms that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range (Experienced - Level 3): $124,100 - $167,900

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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