Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Company Overview

Kett Engineering is a well-established company with over 60 years of experience, specializing in automotive testing and development. Our team supports leading automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers in managing comprehensive vehicle testing programs across various facilities worldwide.

Opportunity

Kett Engineering is working with a major EV manufacturer, and we are hiring multiple Autonomous Systems Validation Operators on 1st and 2nd shift in Chicago, IL. This is an extended data collection and validation project and excellent opportunity to engage with where autonomous vehicle technology is going.

Role Overview

The Autonomous Systems Validation Operator plays a critical role in the development, testing, and safety validation of advanced self-driving and autonomous vehicle technology. Operating at the intersection of hands-on vehicle testing and systems engineering, this role is responsible for driving, evaluating, and troubleshooting prototype vehicles equipped with cutting-edge autonomous software and hardware suites.

You will execute precise test procedures across public roads and private testing tracks, gather crucial data streams for engineering analysis, and provide detailed operational feedback to accelerate the deployment of safe autonomous driving features.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across diverse traffic, road, and weather conditions for up to 8 hours daily.
• Maintain constant vigilance and situational awareness; execute safety protocols and intervene or manual disengage seamless when necessary to ensure complete vehicle safety.
• Perform pre-defined autonomous test cases, edge-case evaluations, and specialized driving scenarios on both public roads and closed-course test facilities.
• Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor platform anomalies using system diagnostic tools.
• Work directly with hardware and software engineering teams to communicate system behavior, reproduce edge cases, and escalate critical issues via online ticketing systems.
• Manage onboard logging equipment, record system performance data, and verify data transfer for engineering analysis.
• Perform and verify Over-The-Air software updates and system flashes across vehicle ECUs and autonomous control units.
• Conduct vehicle pre-trip inspections, basic system checks, and sensor calibration/setup prior to test routes.
• Compose clear, concise, and thorough post-drive reporting, operational logs, and safety feedback for cross-functional stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Driver's License in the state of residence.
• Clean driving record: No suspensions/revocations within the last 3-5 years.
• No drug or alcohol-related driving incidents within the last 3 years.
• No more than 1 serious moving violation within the last 3 years.
• Willingness to undergo continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Prior professional automotive driving, vehicle fleet operations, or autonomous vehicle (AV) testing experience.
• Ability to maintain focus while operating or monitoring autonomous vehicles independently or with a partner for 6-8 hours per day.
• Ability to travel up to 50% for off-site field testing and trips.
• Flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as needed.
• Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and collaboration software (Google Docs, Sheets, Maps).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to concisely articulate technical events and system anomalies.
• Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and composure in high-stress or fast-paced testing environments.
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs.

Bonus Skills

• Hands-on experience with Jira or equivalent engineering ticketing platforms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting, flashing, and debugging embedded automotive software and CAN/hardware networks.
• Experience operating 16 ft+ commercial vehicles, medium-duty trucks, or large fleet platforms.
• Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).