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Autonomous Vehicle Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an experienced autonomous vehicle test operator to help us test our autonomous technology. This position requires shift flexibility withs days or nights and works onsite at our ...

As an Autonomous Vehicle Operator (AVO) , you aren't just behind the wheel, you are the pilot of a ... Safety Specialist: You will undergo rigorous training through Guident, learning to manage remote ...

Autonomous Specialist

Atwater, CA · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Transdev's Autonomous Specialist's are critical to the success of delivering safe autonomous ... Operate autonomous vehicles on both defined and undefined routes, including a variety of ...

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Autonomous Vehicle Specialist information

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How much do autonomous vehicle specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous vehicle specialist in the United States is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges autonomous vehicle specialists face when integrating new technology into autonomous systems?

Autonomous Vehicle Specialists often encounter challenges related to integrating new sensors, software, and hardware components while ensuring reliability and safety standards are met. Managing compatibility between legacy systems and emerging technologies requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with engineers, data scientists, and regulatory teams. Additionally, keeping up with rapid advancements and regulatory changes in the autonomous vehicle industry can make staying current a continual learning process. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful implementation of new technologies.

What is an autonomous vehicle specialist?

Autonomous Vehicle Specialists are professionals who work with self-driving or driver-assist vehicle technologies. Their main responsibilities include installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and testing autonomous vehicle systems. They may also support data collection, software updates, and ensure the vehicles operate safely and efficiently. Autonomous Vehicle Specialists often collaborate with engineers, software developers, and fleet managers to improve vehicle performance and address technical issues. This role is essential for advancing autonomous transportation and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

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

To thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Specialist, you need a solid background in robotics, computer science, and systems engineering, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in these areas. Proficiency with programming languages like Python and C++, experience with ROS (Robot Operating System), and familiarity with sensor technologies (such as LiDAR and radar) are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These competencies ensure the safe development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicles in a rapidly evolving industry.

What is the difference between Autonomous Vehicle Specialist vs Autonomous Vehicle Engineer?

AspectAutonomous Vehicle SpecialistAutonomous Vehicle Engineer
Required CredentialsRelevant certifications in autonomous systems, computer vision, or robotics; often a degree in engineering or computer scienceDegree in engineering, robotics, or related fields; advanced certifications in autonomous systems are common
Work EnvironmentField testing, vehicle diagnostics, client interaction, and system troubleshootingDesign, develop, and test autonomous vehicle algorithms and hardware in labs and testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by automotive companies, tech firms, and research institutions focusing on autonomous vehicle deploymentEmployed mainly by automotive manufacturers, tech companies, and R&D labs developing autonomous vehicle technology

While both roles focus on autonomous vehicle technology, the Autonomous Vehicle Specialist primarily handles system implementation, diagnostics, and client support, whereas the Autonomous Vehicle Engineer concentrates on designing and developing autonomous systems and algorithms. Both roles require technical expertise but differ in their focus areas within the autonomous vehicle industry.

More about Autonomous Vehicle Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Autonomous Vehicle Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Autonomous Vehicle Specialist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Autonomous Vehicle Specialist jobs? The top employers for Autonomous Vehicle Specialist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,897 per year, or $25 per hour.

Autonomous Vehicle Test Specialist

Kodiak

Lancaster, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

We are looking for an experienced autonomous vehicle test operator to help us test our autonomous technology. This position requires shift flexibility withs days or nights and works onsite at our Lancaster, TX facility.
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak's sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate's application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
In this role, you will:

  • Complete driving reports and tests in order to provide essential feedback to the hardware and software teams
  • Manage testing priorities in a fast-paced setting
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software systems
  • Assist in developing new procedures and policies for the development of Texas operations
  • Monitor AV system to ensure safe and efficient operations


What you'll bring:

  • Great communication skills and a team player
  • Flexibility for day, night, and/or weekend shifts
  • Occasional travel is required
  • Safety first mindset, we are never in a hurry at the cost of safety


What we offer:

  • A place with big goals that we trust we can achieve.
  • A fast paced environment where we work with talented, committed and supportive teammates.
  • Equity and competitive pay. Every employee is a stakeholder in Kodiak's success.
  • Excellent medical, dental and vision benefits.
  • Generous PTO and parental leave policies.
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate's residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak's sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate's application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
We use a third-party AI tool (Endorsed) to assist in the initial screening of applications. As part of the evaluation process, we provide Endorsed with job requirements and candidate-submitted applications. Final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team, and no automated system makes the ultimate decision regarding hiring. Certain features of the platform may qualify it as an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) under applicable regulations. We began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. You can review the independent bias audit report covering our use of Endorsed [here](https://endorsed.com/local-law-144). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your application may be processed by AI systems as part of the screening and selection process. If you have any questions or would like to request a separate review of your application, please contact careers@kodiak.ai with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.