Mission Analyst - Palo Alto, CA (Contract)

Latitude AI ( lat.ai ) develops automated driving technologies, including L3, for Ford vehicles at scale. We’re driven by the opportunity to reimagine what it’s like to drive and make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to making a real, positive impact on the driving experience for millions of people. As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif. Meet the team: The Mission Analyst is a senior-level technical role responsible for executing complex vehicle evaluation missions independently. You will serve as the primary link between the field and the engineering team, managing the vehicle’s software state, troubleshooting system failures in real-time, and providing high-fidelity data. This role eliminates the need for an engineer to be present in the vehicle during most test cycles and requires a degree of technical literacy regarding vehicle software architecture. What you’ll do: Independent Mission Execution: Lead and execute comprehensive test routes and maneuvers based on engineering test plans without on-site supervision. Precisely document test cases and suggest product improvements based on field observations Software Management & Diagnostics: Utilize in-house and industry-standard diagnostic tools (e.g., CANalyzer, Vehicle Spy) to perform software updates, module flashing, and configuration changes Technical Triaging & Bug Reporting: Identify and document software defects in Jira. Create detailed tickets including reproduction steps and environmental conditions; manage the bug lifecycle by verifying fixes with the development team System Validation & Maintenance: Test and validate prototype firmware across platforms. Service and maintain instrumentation systems, firmware interfaces, sensor installations, and vehicle wire harnesses Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot system level Issues, documenting & escalating clear reproduction steps for failure modes. May require the ability to rapidly learn new tools and technologies in a fast-paced, evolving environment Advanced Data Acquisition: Monitor and manage onboard data logging equipment to ensure all necessary signals are captured correctly. Execute commands or scripts in a Linux terminal to gather diagnostic data Leadership & Coaching: Oversee small shifts or groups, providing coaching and feedback to team members to ensure efficiency and a culture of safety Operational Execution: Drive test vehicles for long-distance missions (up to 400 miles) and travel missions (up to 20%), including occasional rotating schedules & shifts. Air travel required for travel missions Professional Representation: Represent the organization professionally and responsibly while driving in public environments, prioritizing the safety of all road users What you'll need to succeed: Experience: Minimum 3+ years of experience in vehicle testing, automotive technology, or prototype systems validation Education: High School Diploma required; Degree in Automotive Technology, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. ASE Certification is a plus Technical Skills: Proficiency with Jira (managing bug lifecycles), Linux terminal/command-line interfaces, GitHub, and automotive diagnostic hardware Hardware Skills: Hands-on proficiency with wiring, sensor installation, and electrical system troubleshooting Soft Skills: A strong sense of responsibility and reliability & an exceptional ability to follow multi-step instructions and maintain focus during repetitive tasks Safety & Compliance: Valid driver’s license with a clean record; abilit…