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Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Virginia

UAS Test Site Research Operator

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

... vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ... Experience with piloting autonomous and/or uncrewed aircraft FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 ...

Senior Accountant

Sterling, VA · On-site

$81 - $100/hr

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, May develops and deploys autonomous vehicles (AVs) powered by our ... Flexibility and ability to display sound judgment while operating in a fast-paced environment ...

AI Data Systems Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$123K - $135K/yr

... the future operating environment. What if you could use your data engineering knowledge and ... Recognition, Autonomous Vehicle Orchestration, and AI-enabled command and control efforts.

AI Data Systems Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$123 - $135/hr

... the future operating environment. What if you could use your data engineering knowledge and ... Recognition, Autonomous Vehicle Orchestration, and AI-enabled command and control efforts.

AI Data Systems Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$123K - $135K/yr

... the future operating environment. What if you could use your data engineering knowledge and ... Recognition, Autonomous Vehicle Orchestration, and AI-enabled command and control efforts.

$70K - $75K/yr

The Glydways system is a groundbreaking network of carbon-neutral, interconnected transit pathways powered by standardized autonomous vehicles on dedicated roadways. Operating 24/7 with on-demand ...

$60K/yr

The Glydways system is a groundbreaking network of carbon-neutral, interconnected transit pathways powered by standardized autonomous vehicles on dedicated roadways. Operating 24/7 with on-demand ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Lead Fault & Autonomy Engineer - Experimental Space Programs

Boeing

Herndon, VA

$105K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 616 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Lead Fault & Autonomy Engineer - Experimental Space Programs

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Experimental Systems Group (ESG) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Fault & Autonomy Engineer to join our team located in Seal Beach, CA, with potential options to work from El Segundo, CA or Aurora, CO, or Herndon, VA based on candidate eligibility. As a Fault & Autonomy Engineer in ESG, you will have the opportunity to personally contribute to the development of new first-of-kind space vehicles and missions. The ESG portfolio consists of a range of platforms and technologies including the X-37B, the world's first fully autonomous reusable spaceplane, which is continuing to shape the future of space technology while currently flying its eighth mission.

As a member of our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) Mission Design team, you will join a diverse team of system architects, Concept of Operations (ConOps) developers, fault and autonomy designers, and recommended operating procedure (ROP) authors.

As a Fault and Autonomy Engineer, you will be expected to lead coordination across all internal and external stakeholders to drive development and implementation of an optimal fault and autonomy architecture for your assigned program(s). You will serve as a core point of contact for customers and will work directly with subject matter experts across the business to quickly iterate and converge on achievable solutions that meet our customers' needs. Our development timelines are aggressive and you will be asked to develop solutions to previously unsolved problems.

In this role, you will work in multidisciplinary teams to bring concept of operations to fruition in support of our customers' mission objectives. You will work both as an individual contributor and as a major project lead. An ideal candidate has a strong technical background across all spacecraft subsystems with particular depth in Attitude Control Systems (ACS)/Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC), flight software, or spacecraft operations as well as a strong system background spanning both space and ground domains. You will need to be able to dive into broad, minimally-defined design spaces and effectively lead integrated efforts.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Support technology integration for and development of first-of-kind space vehicles and missions
  • Develop and present review packages to internal and external senior leadership
  • Work proactively and independently in a fast-paced, demanding atmosphere
  • Ensure system hardware designs have adequate redundancy for required levels of fault tolerance
  • Develop autonomy aligned with customer risk tolerance in the presence of anomalies
  • Analyze system failure modes (via failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) or fault tree analysis)
  • Develop software requirements for onboard fault protection to detect and isolate failures and transition to spacecraft safing modes
  • Design autonomy or ground procedures to recover from failures
  • Provide occasional on-call support for system anomalies

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

BasicQualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires an active U.S.Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.
  • 3+ years of direct experience with Satellite Systems Engineering groups.
  • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, systems integration, and/or software engineering.
  • 3+ years of experience with failure analysis (performing or review).

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Master's degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry
  • 7 years of systems engineering experience
  • 5 years of project management experience
  • Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams and external customers
  • Experience in spacecraft, launch vehicles, or highly autonomous unmanned systems
  • Experience with failure analysis techniques (e.g, Fault Tree, FMECA)
  • Experience with spacecraft mission operations
  • Broad knowledge across spacecraft subsystems

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteriaismet as outlined in our policies.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.Note:Basic relocation will be offeredfor eligible internal candidates.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, anda number ofprograms that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range (Lead - Level 4): $153,000 - $207,000

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US