Prototype Vehicle Test Driver Jobs in Detroit, MI

🚗 Vehicle Test Driver | Prototype & Autonomous Vehicle Testing

We look for experienced prototype vehicle test drivers with extensive driving experience and advanced driving skills to conduct public road and test track test drives, day and night shifts, including scenarios that require emergency braking and other autonomous drive feature test scenarios. The goal of the project is to collect the sensor data for different set of environmental conditions and different vehicle models. Project duration is up to 2 years and require full-time engagement with possible night shift, weekend and overtime hours. For the test track work, it may require additional support to create a scene (involving dummy object placement, etc.) to simulate certain rare conditions.

Responsibilities:

The Vehicle Test Driver is responsible for safely operating development, prototype, and production vehicles while supporting vehicle validation, diagnostics, and engineering activities. The role combines professional driving expertise with advanced automotive technical knowledge to identify, troubleshoot, document, and communicate vehicle system issues. The position requires working closely with engineering and development teams in a fast-paced automotive environment to support vehicle evaluation, testing, and quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Operate development and test vehicles on public roads, proving grounds, and controlled test environments.
• Perform vehicle evaluations under various driving, road, traffic, and environmental conditions.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot vehicle system faults and performance concerns.
• Use automotive diagnostic tools to monitor, capture, and analyze vehicle data.
• Support engineering teams by reproducing reported issues and validating corrective actions.
• Monitor vehicle behavior, safety-critical systems, and communication networks during testing activities.
• Accurately document test results, defects, vehicle conditions, and engineering observations.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to engineers, technicians, and project stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, testing protocols, and legal driving requirements.
• Maintain vehicles in a test-ready condition and report any mechanical or electrical concerns.
• Support root-cause investigations and provide feedback to facilitate product development and validation.

Mandatory Skills Description:

Technical Requirements:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience diagnosing and repairing modern vehicle system faults.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience using modern automotive diagnostic tools and technologies.
• Strong understanding of modern vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
• Experience with vehicle communication protocols and network architectures, including:
• CAN (Controller Area Network)
• Automotive Ethernet
• Other vehicle bus systems and architectures
• Ability to interpret diagnostic information, fault codes, network traces, and vehicle data logs.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities.

Driving Requirements:

• Valid U.S. driver's license with the appropriate license class/category for the vehicles being operated.
• Clean driving record.
• Possession of a Chauffeur Driver License/Qualification or equivalent advanced driver certification.
• Availability to drive across the region/country/continent
• Completion of advanced driver training, including:
• Emergency braking
• Obstacle avoidance
• Vehicle dynamics and handling
• Driving in unusual or adverse conditions
• Defensive driving techniques

Professional Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced vehicle development environment.
• Ability to remain efficient and maintain quality under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Nice-to-Have Skills Description:

• Familiarity with High-Voltage (HV) automotive systems and electrified powertrains.
• Experience with Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs), or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs).
• Experience supporting automotive R&D, validation, or vehicle development programs.
• Familiarity with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
• Experience using vehicle data acquisition, logging, and analysis tools.
• ASE certifications or equivalent automotive technical qualifications.
• Previous experience working with prototype or pre-production vehicles.

📩 Apply now and become part of the team testing the future of mobility.