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Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing Jobs in California

Ascent Placement Partners

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Autonomous Vehicle Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Vehicle Operator - Data Collection (Autonomous Technology) $28-$31/hour Full-Time | Contract About ... Opportunity to build highly transferable skills in vehicle testing, data collection, and technical ...

Ami Arroyo

Vehicle Operator

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Previous experience in data collection , Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) , or autonomous vehicle testing. Perks & Benefits * Pre-tax commuter benefits. * Employer-subsidized healthcare ...

Kett Engineering

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Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

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.

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Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing information

What is an independent contractor autonomous vehicle tester?

Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testers are professionals hired on a contract basis to evaluate and monitor the performance of self-driving vehicles. They are responsible for operating autonomous vehicles in real-world environments, observing system behavior, and reporting any issues or irregularities. These contractors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technology before it is deployed to the public. Often, they need to have a clean driving record, technical aptitude, and the ability to follow detailed protocols. Their feedback helps manufacturers improve autonomous vehicle systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor in autonomous vehicle testing?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor in Autonomous Vehicle Testing, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, strong observational skills, and ideally some technical or engineering background. Familiarity with vehicle diagnostic tools, data logging systems, and proprietary AV testing software is typically required, along with any specific safety certifications mandated by employers. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately reporting issues and collaborating with engineering teams. These competencies ensure safe, reliable data collection and contribute to the successful development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractors in autonomous vehicle testing, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractors in autonomous vehicle testing often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing technology, adhering to strict safety protocols, and managing variable schedules. Staying up-to-date with the latest software updates and testing procedures is essential, as is maintaining clear communication with engineering teams and project managers. Contractors can manage these challenges by participating in ongoing training, familiarizing themselves with company-specific tools, and practicing meticulous documentation to ensure accurate feedback. Building strong professional relationships within the team also helps foster a collaborative environment and smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing vs Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer?

AspectIndependent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle TestingAutonomous Vehicle Software Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications, driving licenses, safety trainingComputer science, software engineering degrees, coding skills
Work EnvironmentOn-road testing, fieldwork, testing sitesOffice, lab, or remote software development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by testing companies, automakers, startups for real-world testingEmployed by tech firms, automakers for software development

While both roles involve autonomous vehicle technology, Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing focuses on real-world testing and data collection, often on a contractual basis. Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineers develop and maintain the software systems that enable autonomous driving. The roles differ in credentials, work environment, and industry application, but both are essential in advancing autonomous vehicle technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Vehicle Testing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Autonomous Vehicle Testing jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing job openings:

Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Autonomous Vehicle Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator - San Francisco, CA

KETT ENGINEERING CORPORATION

South San Francisco, CA

$30 - $33/hr

Full-time, Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

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 South San Francisco, CA. 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).

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