$110,000–$130,000 Per Year
Description
**LOCATIONS: Sunnyvale, CA, and Paso Robles, CA
We’re hiring a Vehicle Operator to support our unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) programs and ensure our platforms are ready for mission execution. As a Vehicle Operator, you will handle the day-to-day operation, upkeep, and field readiness of Scout’s ground robots and sensor payloads. You will spend your week in the field, running mock missions, collecting high-quality datasets, and operating UGVs in diverse environments. This role is hands-on: driving the platform, configuring sensors, troubleshooting issues, and keeping the vehicle in peak condition. Your work enables reliable data collection, autonomy testing, and rapid iteration on cutting-edge ground systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate UGVs during testing and mock mission data collection
- Help with basic maintenance tasks, pre- and post-mission inspections, and simple repairs under guidance
- Support Mission Operators by preparing vehicles, equipment, and sensors for field missions
- Assist with logistics including vehicle loading and unloading, trailering support, fueling, and field setup and breakdown
- Identify basic mechanical, electrical, or software issues and promptly escalate them
- Share observations with engineering and operations teams to support data quality and vehicle performance improvements
- Follow all safety protocols and contribute to safe field operations
Qualifications
- Experience operating off-road vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, or other heavy equipment
- Comfortable driving in rugged terrain, towing trailers, and working outdoors for extended periods of time
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot issues and perform basic repairs
- Strong situational awareness and a commitment to safe field operations
- Clear, reliable communication skills, especially during active or fast-moving field tasks
- Physically active and motivated to spend most of the week in hands-on field work
- Mission-driven and excited to support development and testing of autonomous defense systems
- Ability to lift 50lbs and handle physical tasks in the field
- Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Certain job duties may involve access to U.S. export-controlled information
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Meaningful equity
- Premium medical, dental, and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
- Competitive PTO and company holiday calendar
- Catered lunch daily and fully stocked kitchen
- EV charging
- Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility)
Why Join Us?
- Work on the world’s most important frontier, ensuring U.S. dominance in the age of intelligent machines
- Be a core part of a team building the first defense-specific robotic foundation model
- Collaborate with some of the top engineers in autonomy, AI, and national security
- Help define the future of intelligent defense systems
- Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors