Autopilot Test Specialist & Driver

Job Description

<p>We are looking for a hands-on driver who wants to spend most of their working day behind the wheel of a Tesla, executing both homologation tests (UNECE and similar regulated procedures) and exploratory scenarios designed to challenge Autopilot in development.  </p><p>The right person is a confident, technically-minded driver who stays genuinely calm when a prototype system misbehaves at speed. When something goes wrong - an unexpected vehicle response, a rig that won’t cooperate, a scenario that isn’t reproducing - you are creative, solution-oriented, and inspiring to the people around you on the track. You are motivated by driving and by testing - not by the desire to design test frameworks or analyse fleet data yourself. </p><p>The role is full-time and on-site, and requires flexibility to travel (up to 40%) to domestic and international test tracks, proving grounds, and public-road test locations on a fluid schedule. </p><p><b>Please note:</b> </p><p>We require an English version of your CV to be submitted with your application. </p><p>This is a hands-on operational role, not a software, data, or systems engineering position. If you want to design test methods, analyse fleet data, or develop Autopilot algorithms, this is not the right role.</p>

Job Responsibilities

• Spend approximately 70% of your working day behind the wheel - executing homologation procedures (UNECE and similar) and exploratory Autopilot scenarios on the proving ground and on defined public-road routes. System misbehaviour is expected; keeping the vehicle, yourself, and the equipment safe when it happens is the core skill of this job. 

• Set up and tear down test scenarios on-track - position and operate soft-target dummies (pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles), and configure lane markings, cones, and props to match the test plan. 

• Operate specialist test equipment - self-moving platforms, steering and brake robots, and data-logging tools. When a rig misbehaves or a setup doesn’t quite fit the scenario, work the problem on the spot rather than stopping the campaign. 

• Follow test scripts precisely and repeatably 

• Report observed system behaviour cleanly and factually to the engineering team so the data is actually usable. 

• Keep the test fleet, targets, sensors, and rigs in ready-to-use condition so testing isn’t held up. Tow trailered equipment to and from test locations as needed. 

• Maintain confidentiality with respect to prototype hardware and software, unreleased vehicle programs, or any other Tesla internal information 

• Follow all track safety protocols and contribute to a safety-first culture on site. 

• Pitch in on other Autopilot engineering test activities as campaigns shift  
  

Job Requirements

• Advanced driving skill, demonstrably beyond a standard road licence. Strong indicators: track-day experience, regular go-karting, racing or rally licence, professional driver training, emergency-services or military driving background, or a documented advanced-driving qualification. 

• A calm, methodical temperament under pressure, paired with a creative, solution-oriented mindset when things go wrong - able to react correctly at speed and to problem-solve when a rig, procedure, or vehicle doesn’t behave as expected. Inspiring to work with on a hard test day. 

• Comfort operating technical equipment and following written test procedures precisely and repeatably. Comfortable with repetitive vehicle manoeuvres 

• Basic familiarity with vehicle mechanics or electronics - enough to spot when something is off before you drive it, and to communicate the symptom clearly. 

• Technical vocational training or a Bachelor’s in a technical field is a nice foundation, but neither is required if you can show the right hands-on driving and equipment background. 

• Highly organized and self-directed - comfortable with a schedule that shifts week to week (sometimes day to day), including occasional night or weekend work. 

• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather and to lift and position test equipment (up to ~20 kg). 

• Fluent English (working language of the team); Spanish is a plus. 

• Valid EU driver’s licence and clean driving record. A valid EU trailer licence (BE class or equivalent) is required, or willingness to obtain one shortly after joining. 

Nice to have 

• Prior experience with ADAS or vehicle test equipment (steering/brake robots, data acquisition systems, or similar). 

• Motorsport, driving-instructor, or professional-driver background. 

• Familiarity with UNECE active-safety regulations (R79, R152, R171, or similar).