Senior AV Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Motional is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior/Mid-Level AV Test Engineer to join our AV Test Engineering team . You will play a lead role in validating the safety, functionality, and performance of our self-driving technology through rigorous, system-level testing across virtual, closed-course, and public road environments, with a direct focus on commercial readiness of our robotaxi service.

This role requires a proven technical leader who can guide test development, drive continuous improvements to our infrastructure, and ensure high standards for release readiness and safety assurance as we move towards mass deployment .

What you'll work on:

• 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 ( ISO26262, ISO21448 (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 over-the-air (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 .

What we're looking for:

• 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.
• Experience planning and executing tests in a simulated environment, both HIL and SIL
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and integrating quality gates for production-grade software releases.
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts, mentor , operate with minimal oversight, and drive cross-functional alignment with teams like Fleet Operations and Product.

Bonus points:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Deep familiarity with CAN-based tools (CANalyzer/CANoe) and logging/debugging techniques.
• Working knowledge of industry safety standards ( ISO26262, SOTIF ).
• 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.

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.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors including but not limited to specific skills, experience and expertise, role location, certifications, licenses, and business needs. The estimated compensation range listed in this job posting reflects base salary only. This role may include additional forms of compensation such as a bonus or company equity. The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.

Candidates for certain positions are eligible to participate in Motional's benefits program. Motional's benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, health saving accounts, life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Salary Range

$125,000—$167,000 USD

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We're driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We're creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it's not only good for our business, it's the right thing to do.

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We're driven to scale; we're moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.