Autonomous Vehicle Operations Intern
Location: Boston Metro Area (On-Site) Company: GPR Inc. Employment Type: Internship / Contract, Hourly Duration: Flexible based on semester availability
About GPR
GPR is a cutting-edge startup developing proprietary Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology for autonomous vehicles. Our localization platform enables cars, trucks, mining equipment, and construction vehicles to operate accurately in conditions where traditional sensors struggle. Our technology is helping shape the future of autonomy by improving safety, reliability, and operational uptime.
We are seeking a motivated and dependable intern to support field operations and data collection efforts. This role is ideal for students interested in robotics, autonomous vehicles, engineering, computer science, transportation technology, or emerging mobility systems.
What You’ll DoOperate company vehicles on public roads following established test routes throughout the Greater Boston area.Support real-world testing of next-generation autonomous vehicle technology.Start, monitor, and troubleshoot prototype systems during data collection activities.Collect, organize, and validate sensor and vehicle data.Identify, document, and report unusual system behavior or performance issues.Conduct daily vehicle safety inspections, including tires, vehicle systems, and onboard GPR hardware.Follow detailed testing procedures while maintaining accurate records.Consistently demonstrate safe driving practices and adherence to all state and federal traffic laws.Collaborate directly with engineers and technical staff on autonomous vehicle development projects.Preferred QualificationsCurrent student pursuing a degree in:Computer ScienceRoboticsMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringData ScienceTransportation EngineeringRelated technical fieldStrong attention to detail and ability to follow technical procedures.Comfortable working independently in a field-testing environment.Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with data collection tools.Ability to work on-site in the Boston area.Required QualificationsValid U.S. driver’s license.Clean driving record.Ability to pass a DOT medical examination.Comfortable driving larger passenger vehicles, SUVs, or pickup trucks.Authorized to work in the United States without restrictions.Strongly Preferred
Candidates with any of the following will stand out:
Experience with Python programming.Experience working with robotics, sensors, autonomous systems, GIS, mapping, or data collection.Prior delivery, rideshare, fleet, transportation, or commercial driving experience.Experience using GitHub, Linux, or command-line tools.Interest in autonomous vehicles, machine learning, robotics, or advanced sensing technologies.Why Join GPR?Gain hands-on experience with real autonomous vehicle technology.Work directly alongside startup founders and engineers.Contribute to cutting-edge sensor development and vehicle testing.Build experience that is highly relevant to careers in robotics, autonomous systems, software, engineering, and transportation technology.Flexible scheduling around academic commitments when possible.Location Requirement
We are specifically seeking candidates who currently attend college or university in the Greater Boston area and can reliably commute to our testing locations. Local candidates are strongly preferred.
Recommended Handshake Filters
To attract the right candidates, target:
Northeastern UniversityUMass LowellWentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston UniversityUMass BostonTufts UniversityMerrimack CollegeSalem State University
For Handshake, I’d also add “Python”, “Autonomous Vehicles”, “Robotics”, “Computer Vision”, “Data Collection”, and “Engineering” as skills/tags to improve visibility among technical students searching internships. This will attract much stronger applicants than a generic driver posting while still emphasizing the operational nature of the role.