Kett Engineering Corporation

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 an Autonomous Systems Validation Operator on 1st shift in Palo Alto. 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.
Schedule : Monday to Friday - 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Key Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Maintain constant vigilance and situational awareness; execute safety protocols and intervene or manual disengage seamless when necessary to ensure complete vehicle safety.</li>
<li>Perform pre-defined autonomous test cases, edge-case evaluations, and specialized driving scenarios on both public roads and closed-course test facilities.</li>
<li>Identify, isolate, and debug hardware, software, and sensor platform anomalies using system diagnostic tools.</li>
<li>Work directly with hardware and software engineering teams to communicate system behavior, reproduce edge cases, and escalate critical issues via online ticketing systems.</li>
<li>Manage onboard logging equipment, record system performance data, and verify data transfer for engineering analysis.</li>
<li>Perform and verify Over-The-Air software updates and system flashes across vehicle ECUs and autonomous control units.</li>
<li>Conduct vehicle pre-trip inspections, basic system checks, and sensor calibration/setup prior to test routes.</li>
<li>Compose clear, concise, and thorough post-drive reporting, operational logs, and safety feedback for cross-functional stakeholders.</li>
</ul>
Minimum Qualifications
<ul>
<li>High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.</li>
<li>Valid driver's license in the state of residence.</li>
<li>Clean driving record</li>
<li>Prior autonomous vehicle testing, vehicle operations, professional driving, field testing, or a related operational environment testing experience is required.</li>
<li>Proficiency with laptops, smartphones, and collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Maps.</li>
<li>Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail while operating or monitoring autonomous vehicles for extended periods (6–8 hours per day).</li>
<li>Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a structured testing environment.</li>
<li>Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to accurately document observations, incidents, and system behavior.</li>
<li>Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain composed in fast-paced testing environments.</li>
<li>Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.</li>
</ul>
Bonus Skills
<ul>
<li>Hands-on experience with Jira or equivalent engineering ticketing platforms.</li>
<li>Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting, flashing, and debugging embedded automotive software and CAN/hardware networks.</li>
<li>Experience operating 16 ft+ commercial vehicles, medium-duty trucks, or large fleet platforms.</li>
<li>Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).</li>
</ul>
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
<ul>
<li>401(k)</li>
<li>Dental insurance</li>
<li>Health insurance</li>
<li>Life insurance</li>
<li>On-the-job training</li>
<li>Paid time off</li>
<li>Vision insurance</li>
</ul>
Education:
<ul>
<li>High school or equivalent (Required)</li>
</ul>
Ability to Commute:
<ul>
<li>Palo Alto, CA 94304 (Required)</li>
</ul>
Willingness to travel:
<ul>
<li>50% (Preferred)</li>
</ul>
Work Location: In person

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator - Morning shift

Autonomous Systems Validation Operator - Morning shift

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