Prototyping Service Technician (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Prototyping Service Technician (Contract)

Company: Latitude AI

Location: Long Beach, CA

Job Type: Contract

Category: Operations - Service Operations / Technical Support

Date Posted: 2026-08-10T13:36:45

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide essential mechanical maintenance and support for electric and hybrid vehicles within a dedicated Service Operations team.

• Execute independent project tasks, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to technical challenges.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering and external partners, on complex electrical, electronic, and autonomous control systems.

• Assemble, modify, and repair intricate wiring harnesses from schematics, adhering strictly to documented procedures and utilizing precision hand tools.

• Conduct system validations for Driver Assist Technologies (DAT), Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Vehicles (AV), and Electric Vehicles (EV), ensuring functionality and safety compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Prototyping Service Technician," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role focused on the practical, hands-on maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of advanced vehicle systems, with a significant emphasis on electrical and autonomous components. This is distinct from a pure "prototyping" role which might involve more design or fabrication. The role sits within Service Operations, implying a focus on keeping operational fleets or test vehicles running and documenting their performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Accurately document all diagnostic findings, maintenance performed, and time spent on tasks, ensuring detailed record-keeping for engineering analysis.

• Diagnose complex vehicle issues utilizing a combination of supplied hardware, specialized diagnostic software, and advanced troubleshooting techniques.

• Communicate technical findings, system behaviors, and potential issues clearly to cross-functional teams, including electrical, electronic, and autonomous control system engineers.

• Assemble, modify, and repair wiring harnesses from detailed schematics, employing proper hand tool usage, assembly techniques, and rework procedures to ensure high-quality connections.

• Perform flashing and re-flashing of automotive control modules and demonstrate a solid understanding of Controller Area Network (CAN) bus operation and diagnostics.

• Strictly adhere to documented work instructions, ensuring complete and accurate execution of all assigned tasks and procedures.

• Validate the functionality of Driver Assist Technologies (DAT), Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Vehicle (AV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) systems through rigorous testing and performance checks.

• Collaborate within small, agile teams to efficiently complete engineering requirements and project-specific tasks, fostering a cooperative and results-oriented environment.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, adhering to all laboratory and workshop protocols to ensure efficient operations and prevent safety hazards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on mechanical and electrical work with crucial documentation and communication aspects. The emphasis on ADAS, AV, and EV systems points to a need for specialized knowledge beyond traditional automotive repair, requiring an understanding of complex integrated systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology or a similar technical field is considered a strong plus. Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional employment experience, with a significant portion dedicated to vehicle maintenance and repair.

• Proven professional experience working on vehicles, ideally including electric or hybrid platforms. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in vehicle diagnostics, including the use of specialized hardware and software tools.

• Demonstrated experience with automotive control module flashing and re-flashing procedures.

• Solid understanding of Controller Area Network (CAN) bus operation and diagnostic principles.

• Skilled in wiring harness assembly, modification, and repair from schematics, using appropriate hand tools and techniques.

• Familiarity with the use of oscilloscopes or picoscopes for detailed electrical system analysis.

• Ability to follow documented work instructions completely and accurately.

• Experience validating Driver Assist Technologies (DAT), Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), Autonomous Vehicle (AV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) systems.

• Strong independent work ethic coupled with the ability to function effectively as part of a collaborative team.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for clear technical reporting and team interaction.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and meet Latitude AI’s minimum driving record requirements.

• Ability to meet Latitude AI’s Vehicle Operator safety screening requirements, including drug screening and criminal background checks. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Google Suite programs, including Documents, Sheets, and Gmail, for documentation and collaboration.

• Experience with the function, installation, repair, and replacement of autonomous vehicle systems or active safety equipment.

• Familiarity with vehicle integration software and data collection methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement emphasizes practical, hands-on automotive work. The skills list is quite specific, indicating that candidates with direct experience in EV, ADAS, and AV systems, alongside strong diagnostic and electrical skills, will be highly competitive. The emphasis on a valid driver's license and clean record is critical for a role involving vehicle operation and testing.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of detailed technical documentation, including diagnostic reports, repair logs, and system validation summaries.

• Present case studies demonstrating successful troubleshooting and resolution of complex automotive electrical or system issues.

• Include evidence of process adherence, illustrating how you followed documented procedures for assembly, modification, or repair tasks.

• Highlight any experience with system flashing or re-flashing, detailing the process and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation samples that clearly outline diagnostic procedures followed for electrical and electronic systems.

• Demonstrate your approach to validating system functionality for ADAS, AV, or EV components, including any test protocols used.

• Illustrate your methods for assembling, modifying, and repairing wiring harnesses, emphasizing precision and adherence to schematics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technician role, the "portfolio" is less about strategic GTM plans and more about demonstrating practical skills, meticulousness, and the ability to document work accurately. Candidates should prepare to show tangible examples of their technical work, diagnostic reports, and adherence to procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected hourly pay range for this contract position in California is $29.15 - $43.73/hour USD.

• Actual starting pay will be determined based on job-related factors, including exact work location, candidate experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Benefits:

• As a contract position, benefits may vary and are typically not as comprehensive as those for full-time employees. Candidates should inquire directly about any benefits offered (e.g., health insurance options, paid time off, retirement contributions) during the interview process.

• Access to cutting-edge automotive technology and development environments.

• Opportunity to work with leading experts in autonomous driving and electric vehicle technology. Working Hours:

• This is a contract role, with an expected standard work week of approximately 40 hours.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate project needs, potentially including occasional overtime or adjustments to the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($29.15 - $43.73/hour) is specific to California, reflecting the higher cost of living and established automotive industry pay scales in the region. As a contract role, the benefits package will be a key point of inquiry for candidates. The 40-hour work week is standard, but the nature of contract work can sometimes necessitate flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology, Autonomous Driving, Software Development, Engineering. Latitude AI operates within the rapidly evolving autonomous driving sector, leveraging Ford's extensive automotive manufacturing and distribution capabilities while maintaining the agility of a tech startup. This dual nature influences its culture, blending innovation with robust engineering discipline.

Company Size: Latitude AI is a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, operating independently. While specific internal numbers aren't provided, its focus on large-scale deployment of L3 technology suggests a significant operational footprint and a substantial team dedicated to development and testing. The "startup" operational model implies a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Founded: Latitude AI is a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. While the founding date of Latitude AI specifically isn't stated, Ford was founded in 1903, providing a long history of automotive innovation that underpins Latitude's mission. This rich heritage offers stability and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Service Operations team is a critical component of Latitude AI's engineering and testing infrastructure, responsible for maintaining the fleet of vehicles used for development and validation.

• Technicians will likely work under a Service Operations Manager or Lead Technician, with direct reporting lines.

• Close collaboration is expected with various engineering teams, including machine learning, robotics, sensors, compute systems, and safety engineering, to support their testing and development cycles. Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to vehicle maintenance and diagnostics, utilizing collected data to identify trends and optimize repair processes.

• Agile and iterative development methodologies are likely employed, mirroring startup culture, which translates to a flexible and adaptive approach to technical challenges.

• Emphasis on rigorous testing and validation procedures to ensure the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies.

Company Website: lat.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Latitude AI's position as a Ford subsidiary is a significant differentiator, offering the resources and backing of a major automotive manufacturer while operating with the speed and innovation of a tech startup. This creates a unique culture that values both established engineering rigor and cutting-edge technological advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level technician role within Service Operations. It requires foundational automotive mechanical and electrical skills, with an emphasis on specialized knowledge in EV, ADAS, and AV systems. It's a hands-on position focused on execution and documentation.

Reporting Structure: The Prototyping Service Technician will report to a Service Operations Manager or Lead Technician. Collaboration will be extensive with various engineering departments, requiring clear communication and responsiveness to their technical needs.

Operations Impact: Technicians in this role have a direct impact on the pace and success of autonomous driving technology development. By ensuring the operational readiness and functionality of test vehicles, they enable critical data collection, system validation, and engineering iterations, directly contributing to the advancement of Latitude AI's L3 technologies for Ford vehicles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in electric vehicle (EV), Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), or Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technologies, becoming a subject matter expert within the team.

• Skill Advancement: Gain experience with advanced diagnostic tools, vehicle integration software, and data collection systems, enhancing technical proficiency.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated performance and expanded responsibilities, opportunities may arise to take on lead technician roles, mentor junior technicians, or contribute to process improvement initiatives within Service Operations.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with diverse engineering teams, potentially opening doors to roles in test operations, systems engineering, or other technical support functions within Latitude AI or Ford.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for technical growth within a specialized and high-demand field. The "contract" nature means career progression might be more project-based or require a conversion to full-time, but the skills gained are highly transferable and valuable in the automotive tech industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, primarily based in a workshop or laboratory environment dedicated to vehicle service and testing. It will involve significant time spent working directly with vehicles.

Office Location(s): Long Beach, CA. This location likely houses a fleet of vehicles and the necessary infrastructure for their maintenance, testing, and development.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a technical service bay or lab, equipped with specialized tools, diagnostic equipment (including oscilloscopes, picoscopes), and potentially vehicle lifts.

• Expect a collaborative environment where technicians work closely with other service personnel and interact regularly with engineering teams to address vehicle issues and support testing requirements.

• Access to necessary software for vehicle diagnostics, module flashing, and data collection will be provided.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is anticipated to be around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the nature of R&D and testing might occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent vehicle needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is hands-on and technical. Candidates should be comfortable working in a garage/lab setting and understand that the work directly supports advanced R&D efforts. The mention of potential travel up to 25% suggests that flexibility in location might be needed for specific projects or training.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess basic requirements (experience, education, driver's license).

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve detailed questions about your experience with vehicle diagnostics, electrical systems, CAN bus, ADAS/AV/EV systems, and specific tools like oscilloscopes. Be prepared to discuss your troubleshooting methodology.

• Hands-on Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to perform a practical diagnostic task, demonstrate your ability to read schematics, or discuss how you would approach a specific vehicle issue. A portfolio showcasing past work (e.g., detailed repair logs, diagnostic reports) can be highly beneficial here.

• Team/Manager Interview: This stage will assess your fit with the Service Operations team culture, your communication skills, and your ability to collaborate effectively. Questions about how you handle pressure or unexpected challenges are common.

• Final Review: May involve a discussion about the contract terms, benefits, and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Documented Successes: For this role, focus on documenting specific repair successes, diagnostic challenges overcome, and any instances where your work directly contributed to project progress or problem resolution.

• Process Adherence: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to follow detailed work instructions and schematics accurately. Highlight instances where you identified deviations or suggested improvements to existing processes.

• Technical Proficiency: Showcase your familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, diagnostic software, and module flashing. Use clear, concise language to explain your technical approach.

• Data & Reporting: If possible, include anonymized examples of technical documentation, diagnostic reports, or time tracking logs that highlight your thoroughness and accuracy.

• Collaboration Examples: Be ready to discuss how you have communicated technical issues and solutions to engineering teams or other stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Diagnostic Scenarios: Prepare to walk through how you would diagnose common or complex issues on electric, hybrid, or ADAS-equipped vehicles. Think about the steps you'd take, the tools you'd use, and the data you'd collect.

• Schematic Reading: Practice interpreting automotive electrical schematics to understand system layouts and component connections.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific diagnostic tools and software mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a technician role will heavily emphasize practical skills and problem-solving abilities. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates hands-on expertise, meticulous documentation, and adherence to procedures will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Vehicle Diagnostic Hardware & Software: Essential for identifying issues in vehicle systems.

• Oscilloscope/Picoscope: Critical for in-depth analysis of electrical signals and system behavior.

• Hand Tools: Standard and specialized tools for vehicle assembly, modification, and repair.

• CAN Bus Diagnostic Tools: For analyzing and troubleshooting communication networks within the vehicle.

• Module Flashing Tools: For updating or re-flashing automotive control modules.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Technical Documentation Software: Tools for creating and managing detailed service reports, repair logs, and validation summaries.

• Data Collection Systems: Software used to capture and log data from vehicle tests and diagnostics.

CRM & Automation:

• Vehicle Integration Software: Platforms used to integrate various vehicle systems for testing and data acquisition.

• Google Suite (Documents, Sheets, Gmail): For internal communication, documentation, and basic data organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on specialized automotive diagnostic and repair equipment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with these tools and their ability to learn new systems quickly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision and Accuracy: High emphasis on meticulous work in diagnostics, repair, and documentation, as errors can impact critical R&D.

• Collaboration and Communication: A strong need to work effectively with engineers and other technicians, clearly communicating technical findings and needs.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to diagnosing and resolving complex vehicle system issues.

• Safety and Compliance: Strict adherence to safety protocols in the workshop and for vehicle operation, ensuring a secure working environment.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: Commitment to completing tasks efficiently to keep the vehicle fleet operational and support project timelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Technicians are expected to be team players, willing to assist colleagues and share knowledge.

• Close collaboration with engineering teams is vital, requiring clear communication of technical details and responsiveness to their requirements for testing and validation.

• A culture of continuous learning and process improvement is likely, encouraging technicians to share insights and feedback on tools and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances the structured environment of a large automotive company with the innovative, fast-paced spirit of a tech startup. Technicians will need to be adaptable, technically adept, and possess strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Systems: Working with cutting-edge EV, ADAS, and AV technologies presents inherent complexity, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

• Rapid Development Cycles: The fast-paced nature of R&D means technologies and vehicle configurations can change frequently, demanding flexibility.

• Troubleshooting Novel Issues: Diagnosing problems in prototype systems that may not have established repair histories requires advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: The need to support rapid development cycles must be balanced with the critical requirement for accurate documentation and precise execution of tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Gain invaluable practical experience with the latest in electric vehicle, autonomous driving, and advanced driver-assist system technologies.

• Tool Proficiency: Become an expert user of advanced automotive diagnostic tools, oscilloscopes, and vehicle integration software.

• Industry Exposure: Work at the forefront of automotive innovation, contributing to technologies that will shape the future of transportation.

• Potential for Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deeply specialize in specific areas like ADAS calibration, EV powertrain diagnostics, or autonomous system integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers exposure to highly specialized and future-oriented automotive technologies. The challenges are significant but come with substantial opportunities for skill development and career advancement in a rapidly growing field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electrical issue you diagnosed on a vehicle. What steps did you take, what tools did you use, and how did you resolve it?" (Focus on your systematic approach, tool usage, and problem-solving methodology.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy when assembling wiring harnesses from schematics, especially under time pressure?" (Highlight your attention to detail, adherence to procedures, and quality control.)

• "Imagine an ADAS sensor is reporting intermittent faults. How would you approach diagnosing this issue, considering potential software and hardware factors?" (Demonstrate your understanding of integrated systems and diagnostic workflow.)

• "Tell me about your experience with CAN bus diagnostics or flashing automotive control modules." (Be ready to discuss specific examples, tools, and challenges.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with autonomous vehicle technology and Latitude AI specifically?" (Showcase your passion for the industry and research on the company's mission.)

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced R&D environment where priorities can shift quickly?" (Emphasize your adaptability, communication, and ability to manage tasks effectively.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with an engineering team. What was your role, and how did you contribute to their goals?" (Focus on clear communication, technical support, and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: If possible, bring printed examples of detailed diagnostic reports, repair logs, or photos of complex assemblies you've completed.

• Process Walkthrough: For any case study or example you present, walk the interviewer through your process: initial problem identification, diagnostic steps, tools used, resolution, and documentation.

• Highlight Impact: Explain how your work contributed to the successful testing or development of a vehicle system. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "reduced diagnostic time by X%").

• Tool Familiarity: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific tools mentioned, perhaps by showing screenshots or explaining how you utilized them in a past project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare concrete examples that demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of automotive systems. The emphasis will be on practical application and how you contribute to the development lifecycle.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with vehicle diagnostics, electrical systems, wiring harness assembly, ADAS/AV/EV systems, and relevant tools (oscilloscope, CAN bus tools). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of detailed technical documentation, diagnostic reports, repair logs, or case studies that showcase your hands-on skills and problem-solving capabilities.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your diagnostic methodology and collaborative skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tools and technologies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Latitude AI's mission, its role within Ford, and the broader landscape of autonomous driving technology to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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