Field Testing Specialist

Department: Navigation

Location: Mapbox Helsinki

Employment Type: FullTime

Mapbox is the leading real-time location platform for a new generation of location-aware businesses. Mapbox is the only platform that equips organizations with the full set of tools to power the navigation of people, packages, and vehicles everywhere. More than 4 million registered developers have chosen Mapbox because of the platform’s flexibility, security and privacy compliance. Organizations use Mapbox applications, data, SDKs and APIs to create customized and immersive experiences that delight their customers. 

What We Do

The Driver Operations team conducts weekly in-vehicle testing to support cross-functional development and validation efforts. Each week, we build a prioritized test plan based on incoming requests, delivery timelines, and business needs. We execute against this plan with tight coordination and clear, real-time communication to ensure test objectives are met and actionable feedback is delivered efficiently. We are constantly behind the wheel, executing test cycles, supporting special R&D activations, and representing the team in high-visibility initiatives for both internal and external stakeholders.

Our geographic footprint continues to grow through a combination of in-house testers and partnerships with professional service providers. We currently maintain direct test coverage in the U.S, Germany, Japan, and the Philippines.

What You’ll Do

As a Drive Testing Specialist, you’ll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing in-vehicle testing across global regions to support product development, executive demos, and field validation. You’ll work closely with engineering, product, and program teams to intake testing requests, clarify requirements, and translate them into actionable test plans. You’ll manage driver resources, both internal and external, to ensure testing is executed accurately and on schedule, while also contributing hands-on support.

Success in this role requires a strong foundation in automotive test coordination, with the ability to troubleshoot both hardware and software systems and a solid understanding of vehicle electronics, navigation, and mapping technologies. We're looking for someone genuinely excited about in-vehicle testing, energized by real-world environments, and eager to test complex systems on the road. You should be comfortable working hands-on, whether behind the wheel or alongside drivers, and skilled at connecting field execution with internal teams to surface issues, ensure alignment, and drive continuous improvement. Experience in advanced development environments within OEMs is a plus, as are sharp observational skills and a passion for delivering quality.

In this role, you will

• Intake and synthesize testing requests from cross-functional teams

• Convert requirements to reliable and detailed test cases

• Define and prioritize weekly test plans based on scope, urgency, and resource availability

• Coordinate global test execution across internal drivers and third-party partners

• Perform in-vehicle drive testing to support quality testing, demo execution, product releases, and ad hoc business needs

• Assist in the management of Mapbox’s domestic and international testing fleet

• Surface bugs, blockers, or feature insights through structured feedback

• Contribute to the tracking and reporting of testing metrics

• Develop deep functional knowledge of Mapbox products through hands-on testing

• Maintain clear, proactive communication with stakeholders throughout the test lifecycle

What We Believe are Important Traits for This Role

• 5+ years of experience – Automotive testing coordination or other relevant testing experience with an automotive focus

• Technical fluency – Comfortable working with both hardware and software in test environments; able to independently troubleshoot, configure, and log issues in-vehicle

• Familiarity with automotive systems – Understanding of typical in-car navigation architectures, CAN, ADAS, sensor inputs, and mapping technologies

• Experience with command-line tools – Proficient using command prompt (Terminal), including tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge), for device communication and diagnostics

• Hands-on problem solving – Proactive and resourceful when diagnosing issues with mobile devices, vehicle interfaces, or other proprietary testing hardware

• Safety-focused driver – Demonstrates safe driving practices at all times and acts as a safety champion during vehicle-based testing activities

• Strong organizational skills – Able to manage multiple test threads, prioritize requests, and track execution across distributed teams

• Effective communicator – Clear, concise communication across Slack, email, and meetings; able to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Tool proficiency – Experienced with collaboration and tracking tools such as Slack, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar), Jira, Confluence, and common bug reporting systems

• Adaptable and detail-oriented – Comfortable shifting between field testing, planning, and coordination; maintains a high standard of accuracy and follow-through

• Valid driver’s license and passport – Willingness and flexibility to perform in-vehicle testing and travel on short notice to support demos and testing in EU locations if needed.

What We Value

In addition to our core values, which are not unique to this position and are necessary for Mapbox leaders:

• We value high-performing creative individuals who dig into problems and opportunities.

• We believe in individuals being their whole selves at work. We commit to this through supportive health care, parental leave, flexibility for the things that come up in life, and innovating on how we think about supporting our people.

• We emphasize an environment of teaching and learning to equip employees with the tools needed to be successful in their function and the company.

• We strongly believe in the value of growing a diverse team and encourage people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations to apply.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge that you have received the Mapbox Non-US Privacy Notice for applicants, which is linked here.  Completing this application requires you to provide personal data, such as your name and contact information, which is mandatory for Mapbox to process your application. 

We are committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not discriminate against any protected class.