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Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Medium

Senior Robotics Engineer, Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70 - $200/hr

Experience working with large‑scale or off‑road autonomous vehicles operating in unstructured, real‑world environments. * Strong ability to design and implement computationally constrained ...

FieldAI

Lead Functional Safety Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $300K/yr

... operator to seamlessly take over via an E-Stop/RC unit to unstick a robot, and safely transfer control back to the autonomy stack. * Ensure all vehicle safety states are clearly communicated to on ...

FieldAI

Lead Functional Safety Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

... operator to seamlessly take over via an E-Stop/RC unit to unstick a robot, and safely transfer control back to the autonomy stack. * Ensure all vehicle safety states are clearly communicated to on ...

Onterris

Water Treatment System Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$25/hr

An ability to work autonomously as well as in a team * Must possess a valid driver's license with a ... vehicle record * Must have a reliable form of transportation to travel to job sites Preferred ...

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All JobsAutonomous Vehicle Operator JobsAutonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Riverside, CA

Autonomous Vehicle Operator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$24

$32

How much do autonomous vehicle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous vehicle operator in Riverside, CA is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $27.36 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 popular job titles related to Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings:

Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings in Riverside, CA 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 $51,876 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Vehicle Operator - Irvine, CA

KETT ENGINEERING CORPORATION

Irvine, CA

$26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Our Test and Development team is growing and we are looking for Vehicle Operators. In this role, you will be responsible for operating, driving, troubleshooting, and evaluating our prototype test vehicles and documenting product development feedback to our engineers. This takes the form of operating test vehicles statically, driving on public roads, or private test facilities, conducting safety inspections, and performing specialized test procedures.

Responsibilities
  • Safely operate test vehicles in a wide range of testing conditions up to 8 hours/day
  • Perform vehicle prep work, including basic vehicle inspections and diagnostics before and after driving
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software issues
  • Collect data via data acquisition systems
  • Complete clear, concise, and detailed post-drive reports and online tickets, working with and escalating to engineers as necessary
  • Assist with training of new vehicle operators
  • Additional work and tasks as needed by the team
Qualifications
  • Prior professional automotive driving or autonomous vehicle experience
  • Self-motivated, organized, and demonstrate good judgment in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
  • Attention to detail and ability to describe events quickly and concisely
  • Good command of the English language with excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in using a smartphone, laptop, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to drive safely in all conditions and alone or with a partner for 6-8 hrs. a day
  • Must be flexible to work overtime as needed
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to pass an MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) background check and onsite road test examination

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