Drive Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mission Summary:

The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Engineering team at Motional is responsible for validating the safety, functionality, and performance of our self-driving technology through rigorous, system-level testing. As an AV Test Engineer, you will take a lead role in the strategy, planning, and execution of comprehensive test campaigns that span perception, planning, and control systems across virtual, closed-course, and public road environments.

Motional is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior/Mid-Level AV Test Engineer to join our AV Test Engineering team. You will play a lead role in validating the safety, functionality, and performance of our self-driving technology through rigorous, system-level testing across virtual, closed-course, and public road environments, with a direct focus on commercial readiness of our robotaxi service.

This role requires a proven technical leader who can guide test development, drive continuous improvements to our infrastructure, and ensure high standards for release readiness and safety assurance as we move towards mass deployment.

What you'll work on:

• Own the planning, design, and execution of comprehensive validation campaigns across Perception, Planning, and Control systems using simulation, SIL, HIL, and on-vehicle environments, specifically targeting scenarios critical for robotaxi service reliability and rider experience.
• Drive test execution and documentation to meet the highest standards, ensuring system compliance with safety-critical standards (ISO26262, ISO21448 (SOTIF)), with an emphasis on Operational Design Domain (ODD) limits and safe fallback behavior.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance robust, scalable test infrastructure and automation frameworks using Python, Shell, and relevant platforms to support high-volume, fleet-wide software rollouts.
• Serve as a technical lead for scenario-based testing (using tools like Applied Intuition) and AV capability campaigns, focusing on testing for end-to-end mission performance and service uptime.
• Service Readiness Validation:
  • Design and execute testing for non-driving features critical to the commercial service, including rider interactions, remote assistance handoffs, fleet operations protocols, and over-the-air (OTA) update verification.
  • Define and track Service Quality Indicators (SQI) and KPIs related to rider experience and operational efficiency during validation.
• Conduct detailed log analysis, support root-cause investigations across AV software and hardware, and utilize CAN-based tools for subsystem verification, particularly diagnosing issues impacting fleet efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Lead QA review cycles, define release readiness gates for commercial software, represent Test Engineering in cross-functional forums, and mentor junior engineers.

What we're looking for:

• 5+ years in software QA or system testing, specifically within AV, ADAS, robotics, or safety-critical systems.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Robotics, ECE, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Technical Expertise:
• Demonstrated expertise in test strategy, automation, and end-to-end testing for complex mechatronic/autonomous systems.
• Experience planning and executing tests in a simulated environment, both HIL and SIL
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and integrating quality gates for production-grade software releases.
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts, mentor, operate with minimal oversight, and drive cross-functional alignment with teams like Fleet Operations and Product.

Bonus points:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Deep familiarity with CAN-based tools (CANalyzer/CANoe) and logging/debugging techniques.
• Working knowledge of industry safety standards (ISO26262, SOTIF).
• Familiarity with AV safety case development or safety validation workflows.
• Experience with robotaxi service features (e.g., in-cabin HMI testing, rider support systems).
• Experience with ROS, cloud telemetry systems, or AV data pipelines.
• Experience in a cross-site or global engineering organization.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and at times for long periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic. The team member is regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts. The team member is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles. The noise level in the environment is low to moderate.