Autonomous Vehicle Operator, Santa Clara; AM Shift

This is a temporary, full‑time position with full benefits, expected to end 12 months from hire. The position is based at the Santa Clara, CA site (95054).

Founders launched Nuro in 2016 with the goal of making autonomous vehicles safe, accessible and scalable. We are building a universal autonomy platform that powers everything from robotaxis to personal vehicles, and are committed to deploying Level 4 technology responsibly across a wide range of use‑cases.

The operations team is growing and we are looking for Autonomous Vehicle Operators (AVOs) to join us. In this role you will operate our autonomous test vehicles that run proprietary software and hardware, while helping train our self‑driving technology. You will be expected to adhere to our safety culture and standards of conduct, and must pass multiple training checkpoints.

• Operate a vehicle in manual and autonomous mode up to 8 hours per day in diverse traffic conditions while following proper safety and operational driving procedures.
• Use proprietary ground‑breaking software to collect data in real‑world situations, providing detailed and accurate feedback to engineers.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in real time and collaborate with Mission Operations (dispatch) to resolve problems quickly and meet mileage collection targets.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspection checks before and after missions.
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks such as washing, inflating tires, etc.
• Occasionally interact with the public to educate them about autonomous vehicle technologies and behaviors.
• Occasionally serve as a company ambassador, conducting high‑profile ride‑alongs for senior leadership, investors, and stakeholders. You will balance safe operations with professional communication, fielding general questions and deferring technical inquiries to the appropriate points of contact.
• Monitor onboard safety and navigational systems while maintaining constant situational awareness and adhering to safety protocols throughout the drive.

• You are able to work 5 days a week on one of the following shifts:
• Morning: 6:00 am – 2:30 pm PT (Wed‑Sun)
• Morning: 6:00 am – 2:30 pm PT (Thu‑Mon)
• Morning: 6:00 am – 2:30 pm PT (Sat‑Wed)
• You have a current valid California driver’s license and have held a U.S. license for 3+ years.
• You have a clean driving record and can pass a criminal background check and drug test.
• You have a passion to learn about processes and autonomous vehicles.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills and can comfortably use modern online collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Google Meet).
• You are comfortable operating standard field equipment—including laptops, tablets, and smartphones—critical for documentation, training, and real‑time workflow.
• You exhibit strong problem‑solving skills, remaining calm and resourceful under pressure to troubleshoot operational issues.
• You have strong collaboration and time‑management skills and are able to work independently or in small groups without direct supervision.
• You are self‑driven and able to stay focused and goal‑oriented while adapting to frequent changes and evolving conditions.
• You have a proven record of reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.

• Sitting for 3 to 4 hours at a time for up to 8 hours per day in an enclosed vehicle, alone or occasionally with a co‑driver.
• Bending, squatting, stretching, and lifting up to 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Side and up/down movement of the head, neck, back, and shoulders necessary to operate a vehicle safely.
• Ability to work in a vehicle that may brake, swerve, slow, or stop abruptly.
• Holding and grasping with hands and frequently using foot/feet to operate foot pedals while driving.

The total compensation package includes a base pay of $27 per hour for the Morning shifts, with a weekend differential for hours worked on Saturdays and Sundays. Employees may receive a discretionary bi‑annual contract‑completion bonus based on company and individual performance, along with a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, daily meal reimbursement, paid time off, and limited company holidays.

At Nuro, we celebrate differences and are committed to a diverse workplace that fosters inclusion and psychological safety for all employees. Nuro is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.