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Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Alabama

Our team develops computer vision, navigation, and autonomy capabilities for unmanned vehicles operating in GNSS-contested environments. As an intern, you'll contribute to software algorithm ...

... operating system. Additionally, OAR serves as the primary steward for the RTEMS open-source software and community. Founded in 1978, OAR specializes in aviation, autonomous vehicles, and space ...

Software Developer VI

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$158K - $184K/yr

... operating system. Additionally, OAR serves as the primary steward for the RTEMS open-source software and community. Founded in 1978, OAR specializes in aviation, autonomous vehicles, and space ...

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns ... Experience in startups, tech, and relevant software domains (Autonomous Vehicles, Aerospace ...

... vehicle maintenance and safety regulations • Ability to pass a DOT and Hazmat physical ... to work autonomously on projects without direct supervision • Ability interpret and follow ...

... and vehicle maintenance and safety regulations Ability to pass a DOT and Hazmat physical ... to work autonomously on projects without direct supervision Ability interpret and follow written ...

... and vehicle maintenance and safety regulations · Ability to pass a DOT and Hazmat physical ... autonomously on projects without direct supervision · Ability interpret and follow written and ...

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Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator information

What is a freelance autonomous vehicle operator?

Freelance autonomous vehicle operators are professionals who are hired on a contract or project basis to monitor, test, or operate self-driving vehicles. Their responsibilities typically include overseeing the vehicle's performance, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and sometimes taking control in specific situations. They often work with companies developing autonomous technology, providing feedback and reporting issues encountered during test drives. These operators may work with cars, trucks, or delivery robots, and usually possess a clean driving record and a strong understanding of vehicle systems.

What does a freelance autonomous vehicle operator do?

As a Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator, your day often involves preparing vehicles for testing, monitoring autonomous systems during operation, and meticulously logging data or anomalies. Operators frequently collaborate with engineering and software development teams by providing detailed feedback and reporting any irregularities observed during test drives. This communication is essential for refining algorithms and improving vehicle safety. Flexibility is key, as schedules may vary depending on project needs and test routes. Being adaptable and detail-oriented enhances your effectiveness and helps foster strong working relationships with technical teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance autonomous vehicle operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator, you need a solid understanding of vehicle operations, situational awareness, and often a valid driver's license or specialized training in autonomous systems. Familiarity with proprietary vehicle monitoring software, telematics systems, and sometimes specific safety certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing unexpected situations and coordinating with remote teams. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient operation and reliable reporting in the evolving field of autonomous vehicle technology.

What is the difference between Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator vs Autonomous Vehicle Technician?

AspectFreelance Autonomous Vehicle OperatorAutonomous Vehicle Technician
CredentialsDriver's license, basic knowledge of vehicle operation, possibly certifications in autonomous systemsTechnical certifications, degrees in automotive or electrical engineering
Work EnvironmentOn-road testing, remote monitoring, flexible locationsWorkshops, garages, maintenance facilities
Employer & IndustryFreelance, startups, autonomous vehicle companiesAutomotive manufacturers, tech companies, service centers
Search & Comparison IntentYesNo

The Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator primarily focuses on operating and testing autonomous vehicles in real-world environments, often on a freelance basis. In contrast, Autonomous Vehicle Technicians handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical repairs of autonomous systems. While operators need driving skills and some certifications, technicians require technical certifications and engineering knowledge. Both roles are essential in the autonomous vehicle industry but serve different functions and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Alabama?

For Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings:

Robotics Engineer Intern

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$48K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 499 rated business services


Job description

Join the Leidos Contested Autonomy and Navigation (CAN) branch as a summer intern in Huntsville, AL. Our team develops computer vision, navigation, and autonomy capabilities for unmanned vehicles operating in GNSS-contested environments. As an intern, you'll contribute to software algorithm development, simulation and analysis, and hardware and software integration. Our team supports research and development, as well as advanced prototyping and integration, for customers including DARPA, NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Office of Naval Research. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with programming experience who are excited about working in autonomy and navigation.

Primary Responsibilities

* Support development and integration of various autonomous vehicle navigation algorithms, including Kalman filters and computer vision algorithms

* Develop and utilize simulation testbeds to support algorithm testing and assessment

* Test and integrate sensors and hardware

* Support system data collections and field tests involving a variety of platforms, including unmanned air vehicles, ground vehicles, and aquatic vessels

Basic Qualifications

* Working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar

* GPA of at least 3.3

* Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++

* Must be a US citizen due to data restrictions associated with these projects

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS) and the OpenCV computer vision library

* Experience developing software on Linux operating systems

* Experience with autonomous system development through coursework, team projects, or robotics competitions

Note: Expertise in particular areas can compensate for lack of experience in others, as long as you are excited and willing to take on new tasks and learn new skills as needed.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:August 20, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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