Lead Autonomous Vehicle Engineering Technician

About the position

The Lead Technician will support the build, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of vehicle and hardware test platforms. In addition to hands-on technical responsibilities, this role will serve as a primary technical resource for the technician team, coordinating day-to-day work, establishing priorities, maintaining quality standards, and helping drive issues to resolution.

The Lead Technician will work closely with engineering and other cross-functional teams to translate engineering requirements into technician-level execution, identify blockers, coordinate resources, and ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.

This is an in-person position in Atlanta, GA and will start as a one year contract. The role will start with an in-person 4-6 week training in Richmond, CA

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day technical activities of technicians supporting test platforms, vehicles, lab equipment, and associated hardware
• Coordinate technician workloads, establish priorities, assign work, and track tasks through completion
• Provide hands-on technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and mentorship to technicians
• Serve as a primary point of contact between technicians and engineering teams for technical execution and issue escalation
• Support and maintain configuration control of various configurations and generations of test platforms
• Use lab tools such as soldering irons, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and other diagnostic equipment
• Integrate network and vehicle system components into server racks
• Assemble custom hardware to enable Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair test hardware and equipment
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex or recurring hardware, electrical, networking, and system-level issues
• Build cable harnesses based on schematics and drawings
• Review harness builds, installations, repairs, and modifications to ensure they meet engineering requirements and quality standards
• Occasionally move computer equipment weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve complex hardware and software issues
• Coordinate with engineering teams to plan hardware changes, test-platform updates, retrofits, and system upgrades
• Assist with engineering/marketing demos, including system preparation, transport, setup, and technical support
• Lead technician-side preparation and readiness for engineering tests, demonstrations, and other critical events
• Create and manage tickets in various ticketing systems to track issues, incidents, hardware changes, and performed work
• Ensure technician work is properly documented, including repairs, modifications, configuration changes, troubleshooting results, and parts usage
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for parts receiving, installations, upgrades, and decommissioning efforts
• Identify tooling, parts, equipment, documentation, and process gaps that could impact technician productivity or system readiness
• Develop and improve technician procedures, troubleshooting guides, work instructions, and best practices
• Promote safe work practices and ensure technicians follow applicable shop, electrical, HV, and equipment safety procedures
• Provide feedback on technician performance, training needs, workload, and opportunities for process improvement

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate, and provide technical direction to other technicians
• Ability to review completed work for quality, accuracy, and adherence to drawings, procedures, and engineering requirements
• Ability to prioritize work, assign tasks, and drive technical issues through resolution
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with engineering and cross-functional teams
• Proficiency with general shop, automotive, and diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeter, oscilloscope, soldering iron)
• Experience building, troubleshooting, and diagnosing computers, PCBs, and related systems
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to crouch, bend, or work in low-clearance areas for wiring tasks
• Experience building cable harnesses and managing cable routing
• Working knowledge of computer and networking hardware
• Familiarity with automotive mechanical and electrical systems (OEM or equivalent)
• Ability to independently diagnose complex electrical, mechanical, computer, and network-related issues
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, and engineering documentation
• Ability to lift and carry 25-50 lb boxes
• Occasional work travel may be required (Up to 30%)

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience in a Lead Technician, Senior Technician, Shop Lead, or similar technical leadership role
• Experience with Google Workspace, Fleetio, JIRA, Confluence, or similar programs
• Knowledge of network equipment setup and diagnosis
• Experience running scripts and working with Linux-based systems
• Experience working on fully electric vehicle systems and high-voltage (HV) systems; formal HV training/certification preferred
• Experience driving trucks and trailers
• Experience supporting prototype, development, test, or engineering vehicle environments
• Experience coordinating shop/lab activities, parts, tooling, equipment, and technician workloads
• B.S. in an Engineering field (bonus qualification)