Test Control Engineer

Motional’s Las Vegas office is located less than 10 miles from the Las Vegas strip at 730 E Pilot Road and is home to one of the largest fleets of self-driving vehicles. The city’s grid system of roads and being one of America’s “smart cities” allows for extensive research and development testing.

Mission Summary:

We are seeking a motivated Test Control Engineer to join our Team. In this strong intermediate level role, you will take full ownership of assigned tasks within defined test execution procedures and support the broader Test Engineering team in validating sophisticated autonomous systems. Working under the guidance of senior engineers, you will ensure our vehicles and systems are mission-ready through rigorous readiness checks, real-time monitoring, and low-level subsystem validation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Test Execution & Readiness: Take full ownership of assigned tasks within defined test procedures, including specific checklist items and system monitoring. Perform all pre- and post-test readiness checks completely, accurately, and on time. 
• Set up, configure, and operate AB Dynamics systems (GST, Launchpad), including target preparation and robot operation.
• Execute structured scenario-based testing using track infrastructure and robotic platforms.
• Subsystem Validation: Execute and support fault injection and low-level control testing for critical subsystems, including actuator-level behavior (throttle, brake, steering) against expected control responses and safety constraints.
• System Monitoring: Provide timely and accurate real-time monitoring of assigned system statuses during testing to ensure safe and successful execution.
• Technical Support: Execute basic configuration and setup of instrumentation and telemetry. Assist in on-vehicle and off-vehicle tests focusing on critical components such as control systems and perception.
• Utilize Vector tools (CANalyzer/CANoe) for live debugging, signal tracing, and post-test analysis.
• Documentation & Triage: Maintain accurate, organized, and complete logs of all test activities. 
• Analyze vehicle logs (CAN, telemetry, system logs) to identify anomalies and support root cause analysis (RCA).
• Collaborate directly with developers to reproduce issues and validate fixes.
• Issue Escalation: Promptly and clearly escalate all anomalies or issues to a senior engineer immediately upon detection.
• Simulation Support: Support testing within virtual environments, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platforms.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with laptop computers, GSuite apps, and touchscreen smartphones. Strong familiarity with Linux environments and a general understanding of low-level vehicle control systems.
• Hardware & Tools: Basic exposure to automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) and tools like CANalyzer or CANoe for bus-level debugging.
• Programming & Data: Basic exposure to scripting languages such as Python, Bash/Shell, or SQL. Ability to analyze logs to assess system behavior.
• Communication: Proactive communicator who raises issues early and clearly with minimal prompting. Demonstrated ability to operate as a self-starter in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Professionalism: Punctual, reliable, and a strong team player who works cooperatively as a supportive member of the test execution team.
• Operational Requirements: Must be able to safely maneuver around autonomous vehicles and multitask with various technologies. Ability to work flexible shifts (mornings, evenings, weekends, or overnights) and travel up to 15% with short notice. Hands-on work at test track environments is a core part of this role. Comfortable working around vehicles, hardware, and test equipment daily.
• Physical Demands: Must be able to sit for extended periods and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Must be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver's license is required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• General awareness of industry safety standards such as ISO 26262 and ISO 21448 (SOTIF).
• Experience with automated test case execution.
• Experience with track-based testing using robotics platforms.
• Experience testing low-level vehicle control systems (body-controls, braking, steering)
  
  

Physical Demands:

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.

Working Environment:

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 member is regularly exposed to mechanical and computer parts. The team member is occasionally exposed to fumes and airborne particles.  The noise level in the environment is low to moderate.

Motional AD LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and we welcome all qualified applicants.  All applicants will receive impartial consideration regarding race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or another legally protected status.  Motional AD LLC is a Drug-free workplace.