Senior Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver - Los Angeles

Senior Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver - Los Angeles

Job ID:  21678
Company:  Volkswagen ADMT, LLC
Location: 

Belmont, CA, US, 94002

Department:  Autonomous Driving
Career Level:  Direct Workforce
Working Model:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Unlimited
Remote Working:  Mobile Work not possible
Posting Date:  Feb 19, 2026

Senior Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver - Los Angeles

As ADMT, we develop and realize fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. Our mission is to make mobility-and transportation-as-a-service safe, accessible and most attractive for society. For that, we cover the entire ground from strategy and business development, software development and end-2-end integration, fleet operations to next-generation self-driving systems. Being the driver in Volkswagen Group initiative for mobility solutions, we’re an integral part of Volkswagen Group's future success.

Brief Role Description

The Senior Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver is responsible for operating autonomous vehicles on public roads in autonomous or manual mode with the objective of providing feedback to the software development teams on disengagements of the system and the environment via voice recording while driving. As a senior driver, testing responsibilities may include executing special vehicle tests for software and hardware that are in the early development or pre-release stage. This role is critical to ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant testing of AV technologies in real-world and public-road environments.

 

You will collaborate closely with the technology developers, test engineers and other partners to refine test requests into vehicle operations ensuring clear and proper test execution while following applicable processes. You will ensure that road tests are monitored through various communication channels. At the end of the test, you will ensure that the team complete all post processing activities adequately and collaborate with the test owners that their objectives are fulfilled.

 

Prior to operating an AV, all safety drivers will undergo a rigorous training program which teaches them about the specific components within the vehicle itself, the underlying technology, and safe driving techniques which are exercised on public roads daily. As a senior member of the team, you will also coach and mentor safety drivers and, if needed, you will personally provide vehicle operations and related support services.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Test Execution - 50% of time

  • Safely operate an AV through diverse traffic conditions for an extended period of time in Self-Driving mode or in Manual mode
  • Collect autonomous vehicle performance data while supervising vehicle behavior through diverse road environments, traffic conditions and weather for an extended period of time.
  • Execute vehicle tests with non-approved software on public roads (dev drops, release candidates, etc.).
  • Execute new or non-standard tests on public roads, including establishing safe test parameters.
  • Perform special driving maneuvers for sensor calibration per process description.
  • Execute Vehicle Acceptance Tests to determine vehicle test readiness of new prototypes.
  • Conduct product demos with VW top management, customers, and investors.

 

Test Preparation and Planning – 30% of time

  • Perform pre-mission vehicle inspections, vehicle startup procedures as needed.
  • Review assigned test requests for completeness and clarity.
  • Specify and continuously improve routes on public roads to efficiently execute test requests and demos per management requirements.
  • Participate in daily safety and planning briefings.
  • Mentor and support new safety drivers in their development.

 

Post-processing of Test Data – 20% of time

  • Shut down vehicles according to configuration-specific checklists, and upload test data collected in vehicles.
  • Document test results within test tickets after execution - provide verbal feedback with test requesters as needed.
  • Post-process and triage collected test data on computer.
  • Communicate results to test engineering, mapping teams, suppliers and partners as needed.
  • Report vehicle issues and other errors for resolution by development or service teams.
  • Collaborate with training teams to continuously improve content, operator skills and safety.

Qualification requirements

Years of Relevant Experience

  • 5 years of experience professionally operating a vehicle with a clean driving record
  • 2 years of experience testing a vehicle equipped with ADS or ADAS

 

Education (Required)

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent

 

Education (Desired)

  • Associate or bachelor’s Degree

 

Skills

  • Clear and effective communication skills
  • Attention to detail and sound judgment necessary to handle public road testing
  • Professional and courteous manner
  • Flexible mindset to test new workflows and logistics pertaining to commercial pilot operations
  • Strong interest in technology and software and the ability to adapt to its ever-changing developments and improvements
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clear record
  • Must have a valid US Passport

 

Specialized Skills

Required

Desired

  • Experience with vehicle testing and data collection, review and processing
  • Skills to monitor for anomalous system behavior in a vehicle with automated driving functions
  • Understanding of disengagement protocols and data logging procedures.
  • Ability to anticipate critical traffic and critical system behavior to ensure safety
  • Self-motivated to perform independent troubleshooting work in vehicle.
  • Experience with fleet management tools, data annotation tools and operational dashboards.
  • Physical ability to drive a vehicle and familiarity with local driving regulations.

 

  • Desire to be a part of a fast paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and flexibility are essential
  • Knowledge or desire to learn autonomous vehicle technology
  • Basic technical knowledge of complete vehicle components and functions

 

 

Work Flexibility

  • Physically able to drive a vehicle for an extended period.
  • Ready and able to travel (international and domestic) to remote offices, training facilities or other testing cities if the need arises.
  • Ability to adhere to a flexible work schedule which may include varying shift times and weekends with reasonable advance notification.

Compensation Data

In Los Angeles, the salary range for this role will be $75,000 - $90,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience.

 

Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly. 

ADMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

 

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

 

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

As ADMT, we develop and realize fully autonomous mobility and transportation services. Our mission is to make mobility-and transportation-as-a-service safe, accessible and most attractive for society. For that, we cover the entire ground from strategy and business development, software development and end-2-end integration, fleet operations to next-generation self-driving systems. Being the driver in Volkswagen Group initiative for mobility solutions, we’re an integral part of Volkswagen Group's future success.

Brief Role Description

The Senior Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver is responsible for operating autonomous vehicles on public roads in autonomous or manual mode with the objective of providing feedback to the software development teams on disengagements of the system and the environment via voice recording while driving. As a senior driver, testing responsibilities may include executing special vehicle tests for software and hardware that are in the early development or pre-release stage. This role is critical to ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant testing of AV technologies in real-world and public-road environments.

 

You will collaborate closely with the technology developers, test engineers and other partners to refine test requests into vehicle operations ensuring clear and proper test execution while following applicable processes. You will ensure that road tests are monitored through various communication channels. At the end of the test, you will ensure that the team complete all post processing activities adequately and collaborate with the test owners that their objectives are fulfilled.

 

Prior to operating an AV, all safety drivers will undergo a rigorous training program which teaches them about the specific components within the vehicle itself, the underlying technology, and safe driving techniques which are exercised on public roads daily. As a senior member of the team, you will also coach and mentor safety drivers and, if needed, you will personally provide vehicle operations and related support services.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Test Execution - 50% of time

  • Safely operate an AV through diverse traffic conditions for an extended period of time in Self-Driving mode or in Manual mode
  • Collect autonomous vehicle performance data while supervising vehicle behavior through diverse road environments, traffic conditions and weather for an extended period of time.
  • Execute vehicle tests with non-approved software on public roads (dev drops, release candidates, etc.).
  • Execute new or non-standard tests on public roads, including establishing safe test parameters.
  • Perform special driving maneuvers for sensor calibration per process description.
  • Execute Vehicle Acceptance Tests to determine vehicle test readiness of new prototypes.
  • Conduct product demos with VW top management, customers, and investors.

 

Test Preparation and Planning – 30% of time

  • Perform pre-mission vehicle inspections, vehicle startup procedures as needed.
  • Review assigned test requests for completeness and clarity.
  • Specify and continuously improve routes on public roads to efficiently execute test requests and demos per management requirements.
  • Participate in daily safety and planning briefings.
  • Mentor and support new safety drivers in their development.

 

Post-processing of Test Data – 20% of time

  • Shut down vehicles according to configuration-specific checklists, and upload test data collected in vehicles.
  • Document test results within test tickets after execution - provide verbal feedback with test requesters as needed.
  • Post-process and triage collected test data on computer.
  • Communicate results to test engineering, mapping teams, suppliers and partners as needed.
  • Report vehicle issues and other errors for resolution by development or service teams.
  • Collaborate with training teams to continuously improve content, operator skills and safety.

Qualification requirements

Years of Relevant Experience

  • 5 years of experience professionally operating a vehicle with a clean driving record
  • 2 years of experience testing a vehicle equipped with ADS or ADAS

 

Education (Required)

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent

 

Education (Desired)

  • Associate or bachelor’s Degree

 

Skills

  • Clear and effective communication skills
  • Attention to detail and sound judgment necessary to handle public road testing
  • Professional and courteous manner
  • Flexible mindset to test new workflows and logistics pertaining to commercial pilot operations
  • Strong interest in technology and software and the ability to adapt to its ever-changing developments and improvements
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clear record
  • Must have a valid US Passport

 

Specialized Skills

Required

Desired

  • Experience with vehicle testing and data collection, review and processing
  • Skills to monitor for anomalous system behavior in a vehicle with automated driving functions
  • Understanding of disengagement protocols and data logging procedures.
  • Ability to anticipate critical traffic and critical system behavior to ensure safety
  • Self-motivated to perform independent troubleshooting work in vehicle.
  • Experience with fleet management tools, data annotation tools and operational dashboards.
  • Physical ability to drive a vehicle and familiarity with local driving regulations.

 

  • Desire to be a part of a fast paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and flexibility are essential
  • Knowledge or desire to learn autonomous vehicle technology
  • Basic technical knowledge of complete vehicle components and functions

 

 

Work Flexibility

  • Physically able to drive a vehicle for an extended period.
  • Ready and able to travel (international and domestic) to remote offices, training facilities or other testing cities if the need arises.
  • Ability to adhere to a flexible work schedule which may include varying shift times and weekends with reasonable advance notification.

Compensation Data

In Los Angeles, the salary range for this role will be $75,000 - $90,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience.

 

Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly. 

ADMT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

 

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

 

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Job ID:  21678
Company:  Volkswagen ADMT, LLC
Location: 

Belmont, CA, US, 94002

Department:  Autonomous Driving
Career Level:  Direct Workforce
Working Model:  Full-time
Contract Type:  Unlimited
Remote Working:  Mobile Work not possible
Posting Date:  Feb 19, 2026

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Are you an innovator? Do you thrive as part of a committed team? Do you love to find creative solutions to old challenges? Do you want to make an impact and help your company and your career advance together? Are you passionate about helping customers go further, faster? If so, this just may be the kind of place for you.

We are committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in all facets of our organization. We strive to create an environment where every colleague feels safe and empowered to bring their authentic self to work and where everyone is treated with fairness and equality, irrespective of their background, identity, or beliefs.

About us

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For more information contact: vwgroupcareers@vw.com ✉️


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Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland