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Vehicle Test Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vehicle Test Technician

Wittmann, AZ · On-site

$32.54 - $40.67/hr

The Vehicle Test Technician will join Rivian's Autonomy Systems Validation team working cross ... Travel up to 10%. Qualifications * 2+ years of hands-on experience operating, instrumenting ...

Vehicle Test Driver

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

For questions, Please email recruiting-usa@formeld.com Vehicle Test Driver Location: Phoenix, AZ ... operator training program. • Proficiency working with PCs, with good working knowledge of ...

Role Overview As a Vehicle Test Operator , you will be responsible for operating test vehicles, collecting data, and providing detailed feedback on performance and environmental conditions. You may ...

Role Overview As a Vehicle Test Operator , you will be responsible for operating test vehicles, collecting data, and providing detailed feedback on performance and environmental conditions. You may ...

Role Overview As a Vehicle Test Operator , you will be responsible for operating test vehicles, collecting data, and providing detailed feedback on performance and environmental conditions. You may ...

Vehicle Test Driver

Phoenix, AZ

$16 - $19.75/hr

Vehicle Test Driver Location: Phoenix, AZ Full Time, Mon - Fri: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (subject to ... operator training program. • Proficiency working with PCs, with good working knowledge of ...

Seaglider Test Operator

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider ... Role Overview As a Seaglider Test Operator, you will serve as the primary test crew member (Captain ...

Autonomous vehicle Operator with CDL

Dallas, TX

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

Seaglider Test Operator

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider ... Role Overview As a Seaglider Test Operator, you will serve as the primary test crew member (Captain ...

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

... vehicles. With presence in 22 countries, we offer job positions around the world and internal ... Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is ...

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Vehicle Test Operator information

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How much do vehicle test operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle test operator in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are car tester jobs in demand?

Vehicle test operator jobs are generally in demand due to the ongoing need for vehicle safety and quality testing in the automotive industry. Employment opportunities depend on the automotive sector's growth, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements, often requiring skills in vehicle inspection and familiarity with testing equipment.

How much do driver testers get paid?

Vehicle test operators typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer additional benefits or overtime pay, especially for night or weekend shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by Vehicle Test Operators during on-road testing, and how can they be managed?

Vehicle Test Operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable road conditions, adapting to rapidly changing test protocols, and ensuring accurate data collection while maintaining safety standards. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-test planning, clear communication with engineering teams, and staying attentive to both the vehicle's behavior and the surrounding environment. Operators must also be comfortable with technology, as many tests involve advanced driver-assist or autonomous systems that require quick troubleshooting and feedback.

How do you become a car tester?

To become a vehicle test operator, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and sometimes a background in automotive technology or engineering. Relevant skills include attention to detail, the ability to follow safety protocols, and familiarity with vehicle systems; some positions may require specific certifications or training. Experience in driving different vehicle types and comfort with testing environments are also beneficial.

What are Vehicle Test Operators?

Vehicle Test Operators are professionals responsible for testing vehicles, often under real-world or controlled conditions, to ensure they meet safety, performance, and quality standards. They may drive vehicles on test tracks or public roads, monitor systems, and collect data for engineers. Their work helps manufacturers identify issues and improve vehicle designs before mass production. Vehicle Test Operators play a critical role in the automotive development process, especially for new technologies like autonomous vehicles and electric cars.

How much do Lamborghini test drivers make?

Lamborghini test drivers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of testing tasks. These roles often require specialized automotive knowledge, driving skills, and sometimes engineering or technical certifications.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Test Operator, you need a valid driver’s license, a solid understanding of vehicle mechanics, and strong attention to safety protocols. Familiarity with data logging systems, diagnostic tools, and sometimes proprietary autonomous vehicle software is often required. Excellent observational skills, clear communication, and the ability to work independently make candidates stand out in this position. These skills and qualities ensure accurate vehicle testing, uphold safety standards, and support effective collaboration in the development process.

What is the difference between Vehicle Test Operator vs Vehicle Inspector?

AspectVehicle Test OperatorVehicle Inspector
Required CertificationsDriver's license, safety trainingVehicle inspection certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentTest tracks, laboratories, testing facilitiesInspection stations, repair shops, testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive testing companies, manufacturersGovernment agencies, automotive service centers
Common Search & ComparisonVehicle Test OperatorVehicle Inspector

Both roles involve working with vehicles in testing or inspection environments. Vehicle Test Operators focus on conducting tests on vehicles to assess performance and safety, often requiring driving and safety certifications. Vehicle Inspectors primarily evaluate vehicle conditions for compliance and safety standards, often in inspection stations. While their environments and certifications overlap, their core responsibilities differ: testing vs. inspection.

More about Vehicle Test Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Test Operator jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Test Operator job openings:
What states have the most Vehicle Test Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Test Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Test Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Test Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Test Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 65% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Vehicle Test Technician

Vehicle Test Technician

Rivian

Wittmann, AZ • On-site

$32.54 - $40.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
We are looking for a highly motivated technically-minded individual to support vehicle -level testing of our ADAS and Autonomy features. The Vehicle Test Technician will join Rivian's Autonomy Systems Validation team working cross-functionally with engineers and technicians and will be responsible for in-vehicle testing & data acquisition, test vehicle instrumentation and bring-up, robotic platform upkeep and robot operations. They will assist validation engineers with ADAS and Functional Safety vehicle testing on track. The successful candidate will have a background in vehicle testing, electronics, robotics and/or electric vehicle architecture, light fabrication work and be organized, learn quickly and take pride in getting things done to a high standard in a fluid environment.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with preparation of vehicles for testing, including flashing software, instrumentation installation and troubleshooting of data loggers, test equipment and ADAS test robots.
  • Support validation engineers with vehicle tests and data capture to evaluate prototype vehicles and systems.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot test vehicle and robot hardware and software, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
  • Assist senior technicians with the design, build and modification of vehicle instrumentation, mounting systems, test equipment, wiring harnesses and data acquisition systems as needed.
  • Document setup, troubleshooting and test results, communicate issues and propose improvements.
  • Manage inventory and liaise with suppliers, test labs and proving grounds as needed.
  • Fabricate, modify or repair test equipment, brackets, mounts and hardware as needed.
  • Travel up to 10%.

Qualifications
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience operating, instrumenting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced electronics, mechatronics, robotics or vehicle systems.
  • Hands-on experience with in-vehicle data acquisition and logging systems.
  • Experience with ground truth equipment (Oxford OXTS, Novatel, dGPS, Racelogic VBOX).
  • Understanding of automotive electrical systems and communication protocols (CAN, Flexray, XCP, Ethernet, LIN) and relevant debug tools (Vector CANalyzer, Vehicle Spy, Python, etc.).
  • Experience flashing and debugging vehicle systems.
  • Excellent technical, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work autonomously and effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • CAD, 3D printing, welding, machining, electronics and wiring harness repair skills are desirable but not essential
  • Experience with steering, braking and acceleration robots, robot test targets, tow targets (Moshon, AB Dynamics, 4A, Messring, Humanetics) a plus.
  • Experience with ADAS, autonomous vehicles, functional safety, regulatory testing, vehicle dynamics or a related field (ex. US NCAP, EU NCAP, IIHS, ISO26262 / IEC61508, Automotive SPICE) a plus.
  • Experience driving prototype vehicles, including proving grounds a plus.
  • Associate degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Management or a similar technical discipline a plus.

Requirements:
  • Valid US driver's license in the state of residence that you will be driving/operating a vehicle
  • Minimum age of 21
  • No driving related suspensions or revocation of Driver License (within a 3-5 year period)
  • No drug or alcohol related driving incidents in the last 3 years
  • No more than 1 serious moving violation in the last 3 years
  • Will be subject to continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring

Pay Disclosure
The Hourly Pay range for this role is $32.54 - $40.67 for Arizona based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee).
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009