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Prototype Vehicle Test Driver Jobs in Riverside, CA

Hyundai Motor Company

NVH Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80 - $93/hr

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 ...

Rivian

Prototype Fabricator, Special Projects

Irvine, CA · On-site

$47.33 - $59.16/hr

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.

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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 Aug 22, 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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For Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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:

Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,529 per year, or $20 per hour.

NVH Engineer II

Hyundai Motor Company

Irvine, CA • On-site

$80 - $93/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Evaluate, Test and Develop the Total Vehicle performance / Noise and Vibration performance / Ride & Handling performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
  • Perform subjective evaluations & objective testing, investigate problem root causes, develop appropriate countermeasures, and summarize findings in reports from the perspective of Total Vehicle performance, NVH and Wind Noise, or Ride and Handling.
  • Evaluate test vehicle performance with the North American Customer perspective in mind.
  • Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles, and manage supplier activities.
  • Plan, organize, and execute ride‑and‑drive activities for prototype and pilot Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
  • Benchmark competitor vehicle performance and establish development direction and performance targets.
  • Analyze customer feedback results from internal and external media sources (J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, traditional media, and internal & external customer clinics).
  • Utilize experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software (Matlab, LMS Test Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS, ...).
  • Conduct experimental Noise, Vibration and Aeroacoustic investigations including Sound Quality Analysis, Transfer Path Analysis, and Modal Analysis in support of prototype and pilot vehicle development.
  • Develop the ride and handling performance through tire testing, spring & bar selection, damper tuning, electric steering calibration, and countermeasure development of prototype vehicles at various stages of development.
  • Interface regularly with Engineering Design departments and with counterparts in our R&D Headquarters in Korea.
  • Support vehicle testing activities at the Hyundai California Proving Ground.
  • Support the identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving the performance of current and future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
  • Create and present clear & concise project status and technical reports.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
  • 4-7+ years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive industry
  • Coursework in Vehicle Dynamics, Signal Analysis, Noise & Vibrations Analysis, Controls, and Human Factors, a plus
  • Good understanding of vehicle dynamics, chassis systems, and powertrain systems
  • Experienced with experimental test data acquisition systems and analysis software including Matlab, LMS Test.Lab, HEAD Acoustics ArtemiS
  • Knowledgeable with CAE analysis
  • Experience in root cause analysis and problem‑solving methods
  • Good written communication and presentation skills
  • Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • 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
  • Hybrid Work Schedule
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
  • Range of Position: $80,000 ~ $93,000/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 35%, 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.

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