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Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Role Overview The Autonomous Systems Validation Operator plays a critical role in the development ... Operating at the intersection of hands-on vehicle testing and systems engineering, this role is ...

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Role Overview The Autonomous Systems Validation Operator plays a critical role in the development ... Operating at the intersection of hands-on vehicle testing and systems engineering, this role is ...

Transdev

L3 - Training Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29 - $32/hr

The Training Specialist will work closely with trainees to assess their needs, set development ... Minimum 3 months operating and testing autonomous vehicle required. Required Knowledge Skills and ...

Transdev

L3 - Training Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$29 - $32/hr

The Training Specialist will work closely with trainees to assess their needs, set development ... Minimum 3 months operating and testing autonomous vehicle required. Required Knowledge Skills and ...

Transdev

L2- Operator- TAS

Chicago, IL

$25 - $28/hr

This dynamic role encompasses autonomous vehicle operations, fleet logistics, and field recovery ... You will be responsible for operating and evaluating self-driving vehicles, providing ride-hail ...

Transdev

L2- Operator- TAS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

This dynamic role encompasses autonomous vehicle operations, fleet logistics, and field recovery ... You will be responsible for operating and evaluating self-driving vehicles, providing ride-hail ...

Aquaamerica

Facility Operator Trainee

Crete, IL

$30/hr

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas ... Driver's License, company Pool Vehicle will be provided for work purposes only. * Trainees hired ...

Transdev

Operations Supervisor - TAS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Autonomous vehicles are the cornerstone of a rapidly changing mobility landscape. Transdev is at ... Ability to read, understand, and interpret system operating rules, regulations, policies, phases ...

Transdev

Operations Supervisor - TAS

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Autonomous vehicles are the cornerstone of a rapidly changing mobility landscape. Transdev is at ... Ability to read, understand, and interpret system operating rules, regulations, policies, phases ...

Transdev

Safety and Security Manager

Chicago, IL

$80K - $90K/yr

Ensure compliance with Transdev's Autonomous Vehicle Division zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of alcohol or drugs by self-driving vehicle operators during a shift in coordination with the TAS ...

Transdev

Safety and Security Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Ensure compliance with Transdev's Autonomous Vehicle Division zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of alcohol or drugs by self-driving vehicle operators during a shift in coordination with the TAS ...

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All JobsAutonomous Vehicle Operator JobsTrainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator JobsTrainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26.3K

$44.8K

$65.4K

How much do trainee autonomous vehicle operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee autonomous vehicle operator in Chicago, IL is $44,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator vs Autonomous Vehicle Technician?

AspectTrainee Autonomous Vehicle OperatorAutonomous Vehicle Technician
Required CredentialsBasic driver’s license, training in vehicle operationTechnical certifications, vehicle repair skills
Work EnvironmentOn-road testing, vehicle monitoringGarage, maintenance facilities, repair shops
Employer & Industry UsageTransport companies, autonomous vehicle startupsManufacturers, service centers, R&D labs

The main difference is that a Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator focuses on testing and monitoring autonomous vehicles on the road, requiring driving skills and basic training. In contrast, an Autonomous Vehicle Technician specializes in maintaining and repairing autonomous systems, requiring technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the autonomous vehicle industry but serve different functions in vehicle deployment and support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator job openings:

Trainee Autonomous Vehicle Operator jobs near you

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator

Chicago, IL • On-site

Kett Engineering Corporation
Engineering Professional Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Kett Engineering Corporationexternal

$24 - $27/hr

Other

Posted 12 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 Chicago, IL. 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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