Senior Test Engineer - Autonomy Behavior

Mission Summary

We are seeking a highly driven and technically adept Senior Test Engineer in our Test Strategy team to lead the development and execution of vehicle-level test strategies focused on validating the scenario-based performance of our autonomous vehicles (AVs). This role bridges the gap between Systems Engineering and Test Engineering, ensuring that complex AV behaviors are rigorously validated under real-world and simulated conditions.

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will be at the forefront of validating AV decision-making in real-world scenarios, leading on-vehicle behavior testing efforts, supporting continuous development cycles, and providing proactive feedback to shape AV behaviors and performance. You will work cross-functionally with Systems Engineering, Test Engineering and Autonomy teams to ensure the end-to-end performance of our AV system meets functional and safety expectations.

What you will be doing:

• Design and own vehicle-level test strategies for evaluating AV behavior, decision-making, and scenario-level performance across a range of operating conditions.
• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering to align AV behavioral testing and V&V efforts with system requirements, and verification goals.
• Establish proactive testing workflows to identify gaps in AV behaviors, provide targeted feedback, and influence development roadmaps.
• Translate system-level requirements and behavioral expectations into measurable test cases and success criteria. 
• Author test plans and work directly with test engineers, test operators to ensure execution fidelity and test quality. 
• Design and conduct scenario-based tests in simulation environments to inform and enhance real-world test strategies and execution.
• Analyze test results to uncover system-level issues, behavioral inconsistencies, and regressions; collaborate with development and systems teams to drive resolution.
• Support readiness reviews and milestone gates by presenting validation evidence and testing outcomes to leadership and stakeholders.

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
• 5+ years of experience in system-level testing and validation of autonomous vehicles or ADAS features. 
• Strong understanding of AV system architecture, scenario-based testing, and V-model verification and validation frameworks.
• Proficiency in developing test plans based on system requirements and safety goals.
• Hands-on experience with closed course, on-road and simulation testing. 
• Experience in data analysis and dashboard generation using tools such as Python, MATLAB, SQL, or equivalent for post-test analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Bonus Points (not required):

• Experience in operating structured closed-course testing tools such as AB Dynamics GST, LaunchPad or Humanetics UFO. 
• Experience in CAN bus communication and networking using tools such as Vector CANoe, dSPACE, or NI hardware.
• Familiarity with safety standards like SOTIF and ISO 26262.
• Experience using issue tracking and configuration management tools (E.g: Atlassian Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket, Git.)

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is frequently required to convey and detect communication. The employee is occasionally required to remain stationary at times for up to 50% of working time, move in designated working areas; & operate and use office equipment. The employee may occasionally move up to 50 pounds. You will be responsible for domestic traveling as per the requirements of the business (less than 1 week per quarter).

Motional is a driverless technology company making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. We’re driven by something more.

Our journey is always people first.

We aren't just developing driverless cars; we're creating safer roadways, more equitable transportation options, and making our communities better places to live, work, and connect. Our team is made up of engineers, researchers, innovators, dreamers and doers, who are creating a technology with the potential to transform the way we move.

Higher purpose, greater impact.

We’re creating first-of-its-kind technology that will transform transportation. To do so successfully, we must design for everyone in our cities and on our roads. We believe in building a great place to work through a progressive, global culture that is diverse, inclusive, and ensures people feel valued at every level of the organization. Diversity helps us to see the world differently; it’s not only good for our business, it’s the right thing to do.  

Scale up, not starting up.

Our team is behind some of the industry's largest leaps forward, including the first fully-autonomous cross-country drive in the U.S, the launch of the world's first robotaxi pilot, and operation of the world's longest-standing public robotaxi fleet. We’re driven to scale; we’re moving towards commercialization of our technology, and we need team members who are ready to embrace change and challenges.

Formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, Motional is fundamentally changing how people move through their lives. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia. For more information, visit  www.Motional.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Motional AD Inc. is an EOE. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To comply with Federal Law, we participate in E-Verify. All newly-hired employees are queried through this electronic system established by the DHS and the SSA to verify their identity and employment eligibility.