Senior AV Test Engineer – Virtual Testing

Role Overview

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of validation campaigns across simulation, SIL, HIL, and on-vehicle environments, with a focus on perception, planning, and control systems.
• Serve as the technical lead for scenario-based testing, utilizing platforms like Applied Intuition or equivalents for synthetic and re-simulation use cases.
• Lead AV capability campaigns, employing AB Dynamics equipment for system-level validation and performance benchmarking.
• Own the creation and execution of test plans for complex mechatronic and software systems, including drive-by-wire (DBW), braking, steering, and system integrations.
• Develop and maintain robust test infrastructure using Python, Shell, and automation frameworks, ensuring modular, reusable, and scalable test architecture.
• Conduct detailed analysis of logs and system behavior, supporting root-cause investigations across AV software and hardware components.
• Participate in and lead QA review cycles, helping to define entry/exit criteria, regression coverage, and release readiness gates.
• Ensure traceability and compliance by documenting procedures, results, and outcomes using Jira, GitLab, and Confluence.
• Contribute to compliance with safety-critical standards such as ISO26262, ISO21448 (SOTIF), and ISO9001.
• Represent the Test Engineering function in cross-functional planning meetings, collaborating closely with perception, planning, controls, and safety teams.
• Mentor and support junior Test Engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Continuously adapt and optimize test strategies in response to evolving product requirements, architectural shifts, and real-world findings.
• Support after-hours testing or incident triage as needed by fleet or field operations.
• Travel domestically on occasion to support on-site testing or operational deployments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Robotics, ECE, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in software QA or system testing, including AV, ADAS, robotics, or safety-critical systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in test strategy, test case development, test execution, and automation for complex mechatronic or autonomous systems.
• Experience leading end-to-end testing across software stacks and physical systems, including SIL, HIL, and real-world deployments.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in debugging, log parsing, and root cause analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional alignment and effectively report technical findings.
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts, mentor junior engineers, and operate with minimal oversight.
• High level of initiative, ownership, and accountability in a fast-paced, startup-style engineering environment.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to support late meetings, night shifts, or urgent test activities as required.

Tech Stack

• Python

Benefits

• 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.