General Motors

Autonomous Vehicle Test Engineer

General Motors • $98K — $150K *
Sunnyvale, CA 94087In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 2-4 years of experience in automotive, consumer, or AV engineering
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (mechanical, electrical, computer, or related) or equivalent experience
  • Exposure to testing AV systems/robotics or relevant internships/projects
  • Familiarity with software-defined vehicle platforms
  • Introductory programming skills in Python, Java, C++, or TypeScript/JavaScript is desired.
  • Understanding of basic system software concepts on Linux or QNX.

Responsibilities

  • Execute defined AV test scenarios while ensuring safety and data accuracy.
  • Triage and diagnose basic software and hardware issues for effective escalation.
  • Analyze vehicle and autonomy data, transforming logs into validation reports and assessments.
  • Support setup and use of test tools, including Vector, Intrepid, and d-Space.
  • Assist in managing cross-functional test pipelines and communication among teams.
  • Ensure quality and completeness of test documentation using Jira and Confluence.
  • Contribute to verification tasks, integrating new builds and validating performance against criteria.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts available.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions offered.
  • Paid vacation and holiday time to support work-life balance.
  • Tuition assistance programs for continuing education.
  • Employee assistance programs for personal support.
  • Discounts on GM vehicles for employees.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Overview:

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Engineer (AVTE) is responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on autonomous vehicle testing activities across established and evolving test scenarios. The AVTE works closely with the AV Test Lead, Systems Engineering, vehicle integration engineers, software engineering, and cross-functional teams to perform AV scenario testing, regression testing, and system validation. This role contributes technical support and hands-on execution under the guidance of senior engineers and leads and is not expected to serve as a technical lead or mentor.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Execute defined AV test scenarios on vehicles, following safety procedures and ensuring data accuracy and alignment with program test objectives.
  • Triage and diagnose basic software and hardware issues, reproducing issues and escalating complex findings to developers, systems engineering, and vehicle integration for root-cause analysis.
  • Analyze vehicle and autonomy data at a foundational level, transforming logs into clear observations and contributing to validation reports, defect tracking, and release-readiness assessments.
  • Support the setup and use of test tools and logging systems, including Vector, Intrepid, INCA, d-Space, and other measurement/automation platforms.
  • Assist with cross-functional test pipelines-tracking requests, test execution status, and progress updates in collaboration with software engineering, operations, and systems engineering.
  • Ensure test quality and documentation completeness by maintaining accurate test cases, results, and traceability in tools such as Jira, Confluence, and other test management platforms.
  • Execute verification tasks for new builds, validate integration points across the autonomy stack, and confirm performance against acceptance criteria with guidance from senior team members.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance test coverage, automation, data workflows, and operational efficiency, and by adopting best practices and standards.

Recommended Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills:
  • Solid cross-functional collaboration skills; able to work effectively with software and hardware teams.
  • Ability to follow and help develop detailed test plans and procedures; familiarity with writing test cases.
  • Working knowledge of integration processes, validation methods, and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
  • Fundamental troubleshooting, data analysis, and test result reporting skills.
  • Familiarity with test management and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack).
  • Foundational understanding of automotive networks and protocols (CAN, Ethernet, LIN).
  • Basic understanding of vehicle/autonomy data and integration testing; ability to learn new tools and methods quickly.
  • Exposure to software integration and logging tools (Vector, Intrepid, INCA, dSpace) is preferred; willingness to upskill is expected.
  • Ability to assist in debugging software stacks and to partner with developers on issue resolution.
  • Knowledge of hardware/software interfaces and the autonomy software stack for assigned systems (introductory to intermediate level).
  • Familiarity with software release tools and environments (e.g., Jenkins, Artifactory, SPR, Linux).
  • Experience contributing to development from early build through launch (coursework, internships, or prior roles).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • testing AV systems/robotics (or equivalent internships/co-op/project experience)
  • Internship or project experience in vehicle or subsystem integration.
  • Exposure to software-defined vehicle platforms.
  • Level 2 driving certification or ability to obtain.
  • Desired: Introductory programming skills in Python, Java, C++, or TypeScript/JavaScript.
  • Desired: Basic understanding of system software concepts (drivers, filesystems, sockets) on Linux and/or QNX.

Required:
  • 2-4 years overall in automotive, consumer, or AV engineering experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, or related field) or equivalent practical experience.

Professional Skills:
  • Strong organization and prioritization for managing assigned test tasks and requests.
  • Clear, concise communication and effective collaboration with engineering, operations, and technician teams.
  • Proactive problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn in evolving test scenarios.
  • High attention to detail and adherence to safety and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with guidance from senior staff.


Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance
with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

The salary range for this role is $98,300 to $150,200. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and
accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance
programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

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As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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