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# Vehicle Operator II, Autonomy Systems Validation (2nd Shift)

- **Company:** Rivian
- **Location:** South San Francisco, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Confluence, JIRA, CAN Bus, Software Debugging, Embedded Software, Google Docs, Data Logging, Laptops
- **Published:** October 19, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d494970396e29a65

## About the Role

Must be able to work 1st Shift (4:30p - 1:00a)

 * 2+ years of professional automotive driving, autonomous vehicle testing, or vehicle fleet operations, with demonstrated informal or formal experience coaching, mentoring, or training peers.
 * Excellent interpersonal, coaching, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to deliver constructive feedback and explain complex technical concepts simply.
 * Proven ability to maintain high focus while driving or monitoring autonomous systems (solo or with a partner) for 6-8 hours per day in a fast-paced environment.
 * Ability to lift, maneuver, and move up to 50 lbs and remain active across shop floors, proving grounds, or field testing sites.
 * Willingness to travel up to 20% for off-site field testing campaigns and flexibility to work overtime, non-standard shifts, or weekends as testing schedules require.
 * Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and enterprise collaboration tools (Google Docs, Sheets, Maps).

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications

 * Prior formal experience as a Driver Trainer, Lead Safety Driver, or Operations Lead in AV testing, proving grounds, or commercial fleet environments.
 * Hands-on experience with Jira, Confluence, or equivalent engineering ticketing platforms.
 * Familiarity with Linux/Unix navigation, embedded software flashing, CAN networks, and hardware/electrical diagnostics.
 * Prior experience testing or supporting Level 4 autonomous driving systems.

## Description

Operator Training, Coaching & Mentorship

 * Assist the Operations Coordinator in preparing training materials, conducting onboarding programs, and delivering hands-on driving and safety instruction for new vehicle operators.
 * Continuously evaluate vehicle operator performance, provide real-time coaching on disengagement protocols, defensive driving, and test procedures, and reinforce high safety standards.
 * Guide operators on standard operational workflows, proper logging procedures, software flashing methods, and vehicle prep standards.
 * Act as the primary on-shift floor point of contact for driver questions, fostering a culture of continuous learning, psychological safety, and open feedback. Testing Operations
 * Safely operate prototype test vehicles in autonomous, semi-autonomous, and manual modes across diverse weather, traffic, and road conditions for up to 8 hours daily.
 * Maintain constant situational awareness and safety vigilance, executing manual disengagements and safety interventions seamlessly when necessary.
 * Perform pre-defined test cases, specialized driving scenarios, and edge-case evaluations on public roads and closed-course test facilities.

Ground Support & Fleet Operations

 * Support the Operations Coordinator by assisting with daily shift handovers, driver shift readiness, route assignments, and vehicle allocations.
 * Conduct and supervise pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, basic system checks, hardware setups, and sensor calibrations/cleanings prior to test runs.
 * Track vehicle health, coordinate routine maintenance or repair appointments with service technicians, and manage fleet charging logistics to ensure maximum vehicle availability.
 * Oversee the daily end-of-shift data logging process, managing onboard hardware, offloading system data to local edge hardware/cloud servers, and verifying transfer integrity for engineering analysis.
 * Maintain site/shop floor readiness, test equipment, tooling, and sensor platforms to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient testing environment.

System Diagnostics & Technical Escalation

 * Perform basic system diagnostics, guide operators through initial troubleshooting and perform/verify Over-The-Air software updates.
 * Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor anomalies, creating detailed tickets (via Jira/issue-tracking systems) and escalating critical issues to cross-functional engineering teams.
 * Compose clear, thorough, and concise post-drive reports, operational logs, and safety feedback to communicate system behavior and edge cases.