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Autonomous Vehicle Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Express Dedicated LLC

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Level 3 Vehicle Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$29/hr

On-site OVERVIEW We are seeking experienced, safety-focused Level 3 Autonomous Vehicle Operators to support real-world autonomous vehicle operations and testing in San Francisco, CA. This role is ...

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Autonomous Vehicle Tester information

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$10

$38

$62

How much do autonomous vehicle tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous vehicle tester in the United States is $38.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Autonomous Vehicle Tester vs Vehicle Safety Technician?

AspectAutonomous Vehicle TesterVehicle Safety Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications in autonomous systems, driving experienceAutomotive safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentTesting on roads, labs, simulation environmentsVehicle inspection sites, repair shops, labs
Industry UsageAutonomous vehicle development, tech companiesAutomotive manufacturing, safety compliance
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on autonomous systems testing, tech rolesFocus on vehicle safety, inspection roles

Autonomous Vehicle Testers primarily evaluate self-driving systems in real-world and simulated environments, requiring knowledge of autonomous tech and driving skills. Vehicle Safety Technicians focus on inspecting and ensuring vehicle safety standards, often working in repair shops or safety labs. While both roles involve vehicle testing and safety, their environments and certifications differ, catering to distinct aspects of automotive testing and safety compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by Autonomous Vehicle Testers during real-world testing, and how are they addressed?

Autonomous Vehicle Testers often encounter challenges such as unexpected road scenarios, rapidly evolving software updates, and the need to maintain high safety standards. Testers must stay vigilant to monitor both the vehicle's performance and surrounding traffic, intervening when necessary to prevent safety issues. Effective communication with engineering teams is essential to report anomalies and help refine algorithms. Continuous training and adherence to strict testing protocols help address these challenges and ensure the reliability of autonomous systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Tester, you need a solid understanding of vehicle systems, safety protocols, and often a background in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with testing tools, data logging systems, simulation software, and sometimes certifications like a commercial driver’s license are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately reporting issues and collaborating with development teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and continuous improvement of autonomous vehicle technologies.

What are Autonomous Vehicle Testers?

Autonomous Vehicle Testers are professionals responsible for evaluating and validating the performance, safety, and reliability of self-driving vehicles. They conduct tests on public roads, test tracks, and in simulated environments to monitor how autonomous systems handle real-world scenarios. These testers report anomalies, collect data, and help engineers improve vehicle software and hardware. They play a crucial role in ensuring that autonomous vehicles meet regulatory standards and are safe for public use.
More about Autonomous Vehicle Tester jobs
What cities are hiring for Autonomous Vehicle Tester jobs? Cities with the most Autonomous Vehicle Tester job openings:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Vehicle Tester jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Vehicle Tester jobs are:
Autonomous Vehicle Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle Tester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 59% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,791 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver

Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver

JH Careers, LLC.

Austin, TX • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver – Austin, TX | $25/hr | Flexible Shifts | Self-Driving Car | Passenger Transport | AV Safety Driver

Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver – Austin, TX Pay: $25 per hour

Location: Austin, TX (In-person / On-site – Local Austin area candidates only)

Schedule: Full-time, ongoing 12-month rolling contract (no end date – potential for long-term extension)

Shifts: Multiple Options Available

JH Careers is hiring detail-oriented Autonomous Vehicle Safety Drivers and Self-Driving Vehicle Operators to join our client's innovative autonomous vehicle testing and passenger transport program right here in Austin, TX. As an AV Safety Driver Austin TX or Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing self-driving technology by safely operating vehicles, monitoring systems, collecting real-world data, and ensuring the highest safety standards on public roads while transporting riders around the Austin area.

This is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about autonomous driving innovation—ideal for candidates with excellent driving and customer service backgrounds looking to break into the fast-growing AV field.

What You’ll Do as an Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver / Self-Driving Car Safety Driver:

  • Safely operate autonomous vehicles in compliance with traffic laws to collect critical performance and environmental data.
  • Monitor vehicle behavior during in-field testing and be prepared to intervene quickly if needed.
  • Perform daily pre-trip vehicle preparations, including comprehensive safety checks and system readiness.
  • Interact professionally with riders, engineers, and operations teams to provide clear feedback and insights.
  • Submit detailed, accurate reports to support ongoing advancements in autonomous systems.
  • Remain highly alert, distraction-free, and ready for unexpected road events, pedestrian actions, or adverse conditions.
  • Anticipate hazards and respond decisively in dynamic traffic scenarios across Austin roads.

Requirements for Autonomous Vehicle Operator Austin / AV Safety Driver Roles:

  • Valid U.S. in state driver's license held continuously for 1+ years.
  • Clean driving record: No DUIs, drug/alcohol-related offenses, or major violations in the last 5 years.
  • Strong knowledge of local Texas/Austin traffic regulations and defensive driving principles.
  • Operations, administrative, customer service, or technical experience
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal for team interactions, written for reporting).
  • High attention to detail and ability to stay focused during long shifts.
  • Comfort driving in various weather conditions and on diverse road types (urban, highway, etc.).
  • High personal responsibility and ownership mindset—must remain distraction-free at all times.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience or knowledge of vehicle technology, ADAS features, or autonomous systems.
  • Certification in defensive driving, safe driving courses, or related training.
  • Tech-savvy with comfort using apps, software, or logging tools.
  • Previous ride share experience (ie, Uber / Lyft / DoorDash)

Key Skills Required / Preferred (to Match Your Profile):

  • Excellent Driving Skills / Advanced Driving Skills
  • Clean Driving Record
  • Defensive Driving / Safe Driving Practices
  • Situational Awareness / Strong Situational Awareness
  • Hazard Anticipation / Quick Decision-Making in Hazards
  • Knowledge of Traffic Regulations / Local Traffic Laws
  • Vehicle Safety Checks / Pre-Trip Inspections
  • Autonomous Vehicle Monitoring / Monitoring Autonomous Systems
  • Attention to Detail
  • Distraction-Free Focus / High Alertness
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Data Collection / In-Field Reporting
  • ADAS Knowledge / Vehicle Technology (preferred)
  • Problem-Solving / Adaptability in Adverse Conditions

Benefits:

  • Pre-tax commuter benefits.
  • Employer-subsidized healthcare options.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare expenses.
  • Employer-covered short-term/long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) package.

This full-time, onsite contract position is open only to qualified local candidates in the Austin, TX area—no visa sponsorship available. JH Careers is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all eligible U.S. workers.

Ready to contribute to the future of self-driving cars? Apply today for this Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver role in Austin and join the AV testing revolution!

Company Description

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.