Senior R&D Technician

About the Role

Uber is launching AV Labs to accelerate the autonomous technology ecosystem. We're building out a high-velocity team of multi-disciplinary experts to turn real-world operations into high-quality data for our autonomous partners. This team is focused on the hardest problem in AV today: unlocking real-world, long-tail driving data. Autonomy is now a data race—and Uber has an edge: We collect rare, real-world driving data at a scale and capital efficiency no one else can match.

As an R&D Technician, you will work alongside hardware and systems engineers to build, modify, test, and troubleshoot prototype data collection vehicles and hardware systems.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working on vehicles, building things, solving mechanical and electrical problems, and learning new technologies. You will help turn engineering concepts into working hardware through vehicle integration, fabrication, wiring, troubleshooting, and rapid prototyping.

What You'll Do

• Build and modify prototype data collection vehicles and test hardware.
• Install cameras, radar, LiDAR, compute systems, networking equipment, wiring, brackets, and other AV hardware.
• Build, modify, repair, and route automotive wire harnesses and cable assemblies.
• Perform basic electrical troubleshooting using DMMs, power supplies, continuity testing, and other diagnostic tools.
• Assist with troubleshooting CAN, wiring, power, sensor, and vehicle integration issues.
• Remove and reinstall vehicle interiors, bumpers, trim, body panels, doors, fenders, and other components as required for prototype integration.
• Perform vehicle modifications including drilling, cutting, tapping, trimming, and fitting components.
• Perform basic bodywork and modifications to vehicle panels and structures to support prototype hardware installations.
• Build and modify brackets, mounts, fixtures, and other prototype hardware.
• Use 3D printers and other rapid-prototyping tools to create functional prototype parts.
• Follow mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, engineering instructions, and build documentation.
• Support prototype vehicle bring-up, testing, hardware upgrades, and engineering experiments.
• Document builds, modifications, issues, and test results.
• Work with engineers and senior technicians to identify and resolve mechanical and electrical problems.
• Maintain tools, equipment, parts, and a safe and organized R&D workspace.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on technical experience in automotive repair, automotive body shop/bodywork, collision repair, vehicle upfitting, motorsports, robotics, manufacturing, aerospace, mechanical fabrication, or a similar hands-on environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and extensive experience working with hand tools and power tools.
• Experience disassembling and reassembling vehicles, mechanical systems, or complex electromechanical equipment.
• Experience removing, modifying, fitting, and reinstalling vehicle interior and exterior components.
• Basic understanding of automotive mechanical and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Experience using a digital multimeter for basic voltage, resistance, and continuity measurements.
• Ability to read and follow mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, technical instructions, and build documentation.
• Experience with basic wiring, connectors, crimping, soldering, or electrical assembly.
• Comfortable performing vehicle modifications including drilling, cutting, trimming, fastening, and fitting prototype components.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset and willingness to learn unfamiliar systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-moving R&D environment where designs and processes may change frequently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive dealership, independent repair shop, body shop, collision repair, vehicle upfitting, motorsports, EV, ADAS or robotics experience.
• Experience performing automotive bodywork, panel removal/replacement, bumper modifications, or fabrication.
• Familiarity with CAN bus and automotive diagnostic tools.
• Experience installing or replacing LiDAR, radar, cameras, GNSS, compute hardware, or other vehicle electronics.
• Experience building or modifying automotive wire harnesses.
• Experience with 3D printing.
• Basic machining, welding, sheet-metal, or fabrication experience.
• Computer hardware troubleshooting experience.
• Experience building custom vehicles, prototype vehicles, race cars, robots, or other electromechanical systems.