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Prototype Vehicle Test Driver Jobs in Riverside, CA

NVH Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $93K/yr

Evaluate, Test and Develop the Total Vehicle performance / Noise and Vibration performance / Ride ... Plan, organize, and execute ride‑and‑drive activities for prototype and pilot Hyundai, Kia, and ...

Build and assemble Prototype vehicles to meet stated requirements Qualifications * 5+ years of fabrication work experience in the automotive industry. * Valid driver license with clean record.

Build and assemble Prototype vehicles to meet stated requirements Qualifications * 5+ years of fabrication work experience in the automotive industry. * Valid driver license with clean record.

Showing results 41-60

Prototype Vehicle Test Driver information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do prototype vehicle test driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype vehicle test driver in Riverside, CA is $19.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prototype vehicle test driver?

A Prototype Vehicle Test Driver evaluates pre-production vehicles to assess performance, safety, and durability. They follow test plans on tracks, public roads, or controlled environments, collecting data for engineers. Drivers provide detailed feedback on handling, braking, ride comfort, and other factors to help refine the vehicle before mass production. The role requires strong driving skills, attention to detail, and sometimes mechanical knowledge to identify issues accurately.

What does a prototype vehicle test driver do?

A typical day for a Prototype Vehicle Test Driver involves operating prototype vehicles on test tracks or public roads to evaluate performance, safety, and overall functionality. Drivers work closely with engineers and technicians, providing detailed feedback and documenting results from various test scenarios, including acceleration, braking, handling, and environmental conditions. The role may require flexible hours to accommodate different test schedules and conditions, including driving in varying weather and road environments. Being part of a collaborative team, you’ll attend regular briefing sessions and contribute valuable insights to help guide vehicle development and improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prototype vehicle test driver?

To thrive as a Prototype Vehicle Test Driver, you need advanced driving skills, automotive technical knowledge, and a valid driver's license, often complemented by experience in vehicle testing or engineering. Familiarity with vehicle diagnostics tools, data logging systems, and sometimes specialized certifications such as high-performance or commercial driving credentials are common requirements. Sharp attention to detail, adaptability, and clear written and verbal communication are crucial soft skills in this position. These skills are essential for ensuring safe and accurate vehicle evaluations, effective feedback for design improvements, and detailed documentation during the prototype testing process.

How to become a prototype vehicle test driver?

To become a prototype vehicle test driver, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience driving various vehicle types. Relevant skills include mechanical knowledge, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to provide detailed feedback on vehicle performance. Some positions may require a background in automotive engineering or related fields and physical fitness to handle demanding testing environments.

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What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,529 per year, or $20 per hour.

Total Vehicle Evaluation Test Planning Analyst

Irvine, CA • On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Total Vehicle Evaluation Test Planning Analyst
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is currently looking for a Total Vehicle Evaluation Test Planning Analyst at our Irvine, California facility.
  • The Total Vehicle Evaluation Test Planning Analyst role will manage the vehicle testing fleet and department budgets, as well as the coordination of vehicle testing among the various development teams.
  • The Total Vehicle Evaluation (TVE) Team is involved throughout the vehicle development process to ensure the competitiveness of Hyundai Motor Group products in North America.
  • TVE works closely with all other development teams in order to manage and facilitate testing that needs to occur at various stages of vehicle development.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Support vehicle testing and vehicle management activities within Vehicle Test Development Division and at the Hyundai California Proving Ground.
  • Manage the test vehicle fleet throughout the vehicle lifecycle, consisting primarily of vehicle check-in/purchase, inventory checks, M-plate management, DMV registration/renewal, key management, vehicle tracking, and disposal.
  • Coordinate test vehicle access requests from HATCI Teams, vehicle shipping between locations, and vehicle loan requests from affiliates.
  • Manage testing priorities with various teams and coordinate vehicle test usage between teams.
  • Organize benchmarking activities on competitive vehicles.
  • Department budget tracking, as well as Fixed asset tracking, transfer, and disposal.
  • Input and track project-related Purchase Requests, Purchase Orders, and Invoices.
  • Summarize Consumer Reports vehicle evaluations upon their release, and IQS/APEAL information for Engineers/management.
  • Track the development status of Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia vehicle projects.
  • Support special projects from Managers, Coordinators, and Engineers.
  • Interface with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis affiliates in North America.
  • Support other technical groups as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Accounting, or a related field
  • 3 ~ 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Proficiency in planning and monitoring projects
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Strong analytical skills, data-driven decision-making abilities
  • Proficient in SAP or other similar budget software
  • Excellent written, communication and presentation skills
  • Experience in the automotive industry a plus
  • Work in a team environment as well as independently
  • Korean language skills a plus
  • Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
  • 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
  • Competitive Salaries
    • $53,000 ~ $72,000/Year
  • A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
  • Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
  • Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Flexible Work Hours

OTHER DETAILS
Physical Demands, Work Environment, Travel Expectations:
  • Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment and in harsh climate conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 14,000 ft)
  • Travel up to 10%, domestically and internationally to support product development and testing

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.