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Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Technician

Middleburg Heights, OH ยท On-site +1

$90K - $115K/yr

Remote equipment includes, but is not limited, to the following; Low Latency microwave equipment ... Maintain company resources such as; vehicle inventory, tools, vehicle, test equipment to ensure ...

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Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver information

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$15

$26

$50

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

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote prototype vehicle test driver in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges faced by Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers, and how can they be managed?

Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers often work with cutting-edge technology and unreleased vehicle models, which means dealing with unexpected software or mechanical issues is common. Communication with engineering teams is frequently done virtually, so maintaining detailed logs and providing clear feedback is crucial. Managing confidentiality and adhering to strict safety protocols are also essential aspects of the job. Building strong remote teamwork skills and staying adaptable to rapidly changing test scenarios can help drivers succeed in this unique environment.

What are Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers?

Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Drivers are professionals who test experimental or pre-production vehicles, often working from remote locations or on closed test tracks. Their main role is to evaluate vehicle performance, identify issues, and provide feedback to engineers and designers before a vehicle goes to the mass market. They may conduct tests on handling, safety, electronics, and more, often documenting their findings in detailed reports. This position requires a high level of driving skill, technical knowledge, and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver vs Remote Vehicle Operator?

AspectRemote Prototype Vehicle Test DriverRemote Vehicle Operator
CredentialsDriving licenses, technical knowledgeDriving licenses, operational training
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, prototype vehicles, remote setupsRemote control centers, simulation platforms
Industry UsageAutomotive R&D, testing new prototypesAutonomous vehicle operation, fleet management

The Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver focuses on testing new vehicle prototypes, often in controlled environments, requiring technical driving skills. The Remote Vehicle Operator manages remote control systems for vehicles, typically in autonomous vehicle operations, emphasizing remote operation skills. Both roles involve vehicle handling but differ in environment and specific responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, advanced driving skills, and a solid understanding of vehicle systems and mechanics. Familiarity with data logging equipment, vehicle diagnostics software, and sometimes certifications like ASE or specialized automotive training are typically required. Excellent attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to follow precise instructions distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe operation of experimental vehicles, and effective feedback for engineering teams during vehicle development.
More about Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs? Cities with the most Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs? The most popular types of Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Remote Prototype Vehicle Test Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,312 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Hardware Engineer, LIDAR Performance Validation

Hardware Engineer, LIDAR Performance Validation

Waymo

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$159K - $196K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

Hardware Engineering is an innovative and collaborative group of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software and vehicle engineers. We design, build, and perfect the products which are the eyes and ears of Waymo's autonomous driving technology, and integrate those products into vehicle platforms. We're seeking curious and talented teammates to keep us moving in the right direction.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule (at least 3 fixed days in the office) and reports to the LiDAR performance lead.

You will:

  • Work closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing and reliability engineers to develop and characterize high performance LiDAR systems and electro-optical subsystems
  • Develop bench characterization methods and accompanying physics-based software models to ensure the design is on track to achieve top level performance goals. Develop and maintain performance validation plans that scale appropriately with the design lifecycle from early bench prototypes to high volume production
  • Support definition of appropriate test and calibration procedures to ensure LiDAR data quality at scale. Work with design and test engineers to develop appropriate testing procedures and performance acceptance criteria.
  • Design and oversee execution of LiDAR field measurements and structured tests. Assess impact of environmental conditions on Lidar performance, help develop methods to detect and mitigate data quality impact of adverse environmental factors through experimental design, data mining and analysis
  • Interface with LiDAR software engineers, perception software engineers and systems engineers to help triage field issues related to LiDAR data quality, and aid in requirement derivation to ensure the LiDAR module upholds system-level performance and safety goals
  • Comfortably transition between physics modeling, simulation, large-scale data analysis and hands-on prototyping & testing in the lab

You have:

  • Masters of science with 5+ years experience or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or equivalent
  • Strong knowledge of depth sensing technologies and hands on experience prototyping/characterizing precision optical, electrical, or mechanical components and assemblies
  • Experience with developing and maintaining physics-based computational models to describe and quantify performance bounds of LiDAR or other optical sensing hardware
  • Track record of innovation and solving challenging technical problems
  • Excellent data analysis, presentation and technical communication skills

We prefer:

  • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field
  • Proficiency with data analysis in Python or C++
  • Experience with designing studies / experiments and hypothesis testing. Previous product development experience is a plus.
  • A track record of working across multiple physics disciplines and hands-on experience with from-scratch analytical physics modeling (e.g. Matlab/Python)
  • Strong understanding of optical semiconductors and optical systems

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.

Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Salary Range
$159,000โ€”$196,000 USD