Description
This is a project-based employee role supporting the initial development phase of our autonomous vehicle platforms. Development phases of this nature typically span up to project completion (typically 2-4 years), though scope and duration are driven by business needs.
About Us
At Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), we are a global leader in vehicle automation solutions. Our technology enables safe, efficient, and scalable automation for industries such as solar, agriculture, construction, landscaping, and more. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, ASI continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous technology. Our Mission is to help you reach your potential through innovative robotic solutions. We pride ourselves in our core values: Safe, Simple, Transparent, Growth, Humble, and Attention to Detail.
Role Overview
The Heavy Equipment Operator in Test role blends traditional heavy equipment operation, hands-on system testing, and customer-facing instruction to support the development, validation, and fielding of ASI's semi-autonomous and autonomous robotic systems.
In this role, operators apply real-world equipment expertise to shape system design, calibration, testing, and deployment. This position sits at the intersection of operations, testing, and training, ensuring ASI's robotic solutions are safe, reliable, and ready for real-world use across industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, and logistics.
As levels progress (I-V), the role expands from execution-focused testing to technical leadership, advanced instruction, and operational influence across programs and customers.
Core Responsibilities (All Levels)
- Operate heavy equipment manually, via tele-operation, semi-autonomously, and autonomously to evaluate system performance, reliability, and usability
- Champion a safe testing and fielding environment by adhering to company safety standards, industry regulations, and site-specific protocols
- Collaborate with engineering, program, and test teams to understand concepts of operation (CONOP), use cases, and customer requirements
- Execute and support test activities to assess system functionality, durability, and readiness
- Document inspections, test procedures, results, findings, and maintenance activities with clarity and accuracy
- Perform routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs to ensure safe and reliable equipment operation
- Assist with calibration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting of robotic systems and integrated equipment
- Support on-site configuration, acceptance testing, and fielding activities
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of test processes, safety practices, and operational workflows
Training & Customer Engagement (Level II+)
Starting at Level II, this role becomes increasingly customer-facing and instructional:
- Deliver hands-on equipment and system training to internal teams and external customers
- Support the development and execution of training plans, curriculum, and field documentation
- Represent ASI professionally in customer environments, job sites, and demonstrations
- Assist customers and partners in safely adopting and operating autonomous systems
Leveling Framework
Note: Level placement considers years of experience, equipment type, industry context, and test complexity.
Experience may vary by vehicle/use case (e.g., yard trucks vs. general construction equipment).
Level I - Entry Operator in Test
Experience:
Focus:
- Safe equipment operation
- Test execution under guidance
- Learning robotic systems, testing processes, and safety protocols
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- OSHA 10 (or willingness to obtain)
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to follow procedures
Level II - Intermediate Operator in Test
Experience:
Focus:
- Independent test execution
- Calibration and troubleshooting support
- Customer-facing instruction and training
Requirements:
- Manufacturer, company, or vocational certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Prior test, QA, training, or coaching experience
- Strong communication and instructional capability
Level III - Senior Operator in Test
Experience:
- 5-10 years operating heavy equipment and/or
- 3-5 years in testing, validation, or field deployment roles
Focus:
- Complex test execution
- Multi-system troubleshooting
- Mentoring junior operators
- Leading customer-facing field activities
Requirements:
- Experience across multiple equipment types or industries
- Strong testing discipline and documentation habits
- Demonstrated training or teaching effectiveness
Level IV - Lead Operator in Test
Experience:
- 10+ years operating heavy equipment and/or
- 5-10 years in testing, validation, or field leadership roles
Focus:
- Operational leadership across programs
- Test planning and execution strategy
- Customer stabilization and acceptance efforts
Requirements:
- Leadership, foreman, or supervisory experience
- Associate degree, vocational certificate, or equivalent experience
- Strong test and training background
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, robotics, agriculture, or related field
- OSHA 30 (or willingness to obtain)
Level V - Principal Operator in Test
Experience:
Focus:
- Technical authority for equipment operation in test environments
- Influence on system design, CONOP, safety strategy, and deployment readiness
- Lead complex customer engagements and high-risk fielding efforts
- Act as a subject matter expert across equipment classes and use cases
- Advise engineering and program teams on real-world operational constraints
- Set best practices for testing, safety, and training across teams
Requirements:
- Proven leadership across large-scale or high-risk operations
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- OSHA 30 required
- Deep experience with autonomous or robotic systems preferred
Physical Requirements (All Levels)
- Traverse indoor and outdoor environments for 6-10 hours per day
- Enter and exit equipment multiple times per shift
- Frequently bend, stoop, crouch, and reach to inspect and install equipment
- Work safely in varied weather conditions and uneven terrain
- Document work using laptops and mobile devices
- Detect and respond to environmental and operational safety risks
Benefits
ASI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 401K Retirement Plan
- PTO and Holiday Pay
- Medical, Dental, Vision Plan
- Options for Life Insurance benefits
- Short-term and Long-term Disability Plan
EEO Statement
At Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees and applicants have equal opportunities. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic. ASI complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination in employment and is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.
Your employment with ASI will be "at-will", meaning that either you or ASI may terminate your employment at any time for any reason, with or without cause.
