AV Safety Operator at JSAN Consulting Inc – Detroit, Michigan

The AV Safety Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, and supporting autonomous vehicle (AV) development in real-world conditions. This role includes mapping routes, collecting high-quality driving data, and training the vehicle’s perception and decision-making systems by demonstrating safe, predictable driving behaviors. The operator ensures the safety of vehicle occupants, surrounding road users, and the testing environment at all times.

This is a mission-critical position requiring exceptional driving skills, focus, judgment, and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities
Vehicle Operation & Safety

Safely operate autonomous vehicles in both manual and autonomous modes in a variety of urban, suburban, and highway environments.

Maintain full situational awareness and be prepared to take over vehicle control immediately when necessary.

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is safe, fully functional, and ready for testing.

Monitor vehicle behavior, system alerts, and performance indicators while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Follow all federal, state, and local traffic laws and company safety standards at all times.

Mapping & Data Collection

Drive assigned routes to support high-definition mapping, sensor calibration, and environmental data capture.

Document route changes, road construction, obstacles, and dynamic factors that may affect the AV’s operation.

Collect and annotate data required for mapping accuracy and system improvements.

Report any anomalies or mapping discrepancies to engineering teams.

Training & System Improvement

Demonstrate safe and consistent driving behavior to support AV behavioral training.

Provide detailed, high-quality driver feedback to support software, perception, and mapping teams.

Identify system performance issues and communicate observations clearly through logs, reports, and debriefings.

Participate in test case execution to support validation and performance benchmarking.

Documentation & Reporting

Complete daily shift logs, incident reports, vehicle health checklists, and route summaries.

Record environmental conditions, system behaviors, and deviations from expected outputs.

Communicate effectively with safety leads, engineers, and project managers.

Required Qualifications

Valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Minimum of 5 years of driving experience preferred.

Comfortable driving 6–8 hours per day.

Strong situational awareness and ability to stay focused for long periods.

Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety protocols.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to use tablets, onboard interfaces, and basic computer systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience as an AV Safety Operator, Test Driver, or Professional Driver.

Experience with HD mapping, telematics, or data collection systems.

Familiarity with road testing, robotics, or vehicle testing environments.

Technical knowledge of sensors, vehicle systems, or diagnostics.

Military, emergency response, or commercial driving background a plus.

Work Environment

Work performed in controlled AV test routes, public city streets, and highways.

Shifts may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or overtime based on test schedules.

Must be able to sit for extended periods and perform repetitive driving tasks.

Occasional travel may be required based on project locations.

Company Values

We prioritize safety, integrity, data quality, and continuous improvement. Every AV Safety Operator plays a critical role in advancing safe, reliable autonomous vehicle technology.