AV Test Engineer

Mission

Summary:

The Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Engineering team at Motional is responsible for validating the safety, functionality, and performance of our self-driving technology through rigorous, system-level testing. As an AV Test Engineer, you will take a lead role in the strategy, planning, and execution of comprehensive test campaigns that span perception, planning, and control systems across virtual, closed-course, and public road environments.

• Own the planning, design, and execution of comprehensive validation campaigns across Perception, Planning, and Control systems using simulation, SIL, HIL, and on-vehicle environments, specifically targeting scenarios critical for robotaxi service reliability and rider experience.
• Drive test execution and documentation to meet the highest standards, ensuring system compliance with safety-critical standards (ISO
  26262, ISO
  21448 (SOTIF)), with an emphasis on Operational Design Domain (ODD) limits and safe fallback behavior.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance robust, scalable test infrastructure and automation frameworks using Python, Shell, and relevant platforms to support high-volume, fleet-wide software rollouts.
• Serve as a technical lead for scenario-based testing (using tools like Applied Intuition) and AV capability campaigns, focusing on testing for end-to-end mission performance and service uptime.
• Service Readiness Validation:
  • Design and execute testing for non-driving features critical to the commercial service, including rider interactions, remote assistance handoffs, fleet operations protocols, and OTA update verification.
  • Define and track Service Quality Indicators (SQI) and KPIs related to rider experience and operational efficiency during validation.
• Conduct detailed log analysis, support root-cause investigations across AV software and hardware, and utilize CAN-based tools for subsystem verification, particularly diagnosing issues impacting fleet efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Lead QA review cycles, define release readiness gates for commercial software, represent Test Engineering in cross-functional forums, and mentor junior engineers.

• 5+ years in software QA or system testing, specifically within AV, ADAS, robotics, or safety-critical systems.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Robotics, ECE, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Demonstrated expertise in test strategy, automation, and end-to-end testing for complex mechatronic/autonomous systems.
  • Strong proficiency in AV simulation platforms and scenario-based validation.
  • Deep familiarity with CAN-based tools (CANalyzer/CANoe) and logging/debugging techniques.
  • Working knowledge of industry safety standards (ISO
    26262, SOTIF).
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and integrating quality gates for production-grade software releases in a ride-hailing/fleet context.
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts, mentor, operate with minimal oversight, and drive cross-functional alignment with teams like Fleet Operations and Product.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with AV safety case development or safety validation workflows.
• Experience with robotaxi service features (e.g., in-cabin HMI testing, rider support systems).
• Experience with ROS, cloud telemetry systems, or AV data pipelines.
• Experience in a cross-site or global engineering organization.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and at times for long periods; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here represent those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, road conditions, and pedestrian traffic. The team…