Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Software
Timeline
Websites, Portfolios, Profiles
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Jacob Tishgart

Denver,CO

Summary

Detail-oriented professional with four years of hands-on experience in the autonomous vehicle industry, including work at top technology companies such as Waymo and Cruise. Trained and mentored by leading engineers from Cruise and managers from WayMo, I have built a strong foundation in both information technology and autonomous vehicle systems. My background as an Autonomous Service Technician combines expertise in hardware maintenance, software troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering teams. I bring a balanced, well-rounded skill set in physical hardware, digital systems, and computer technologies, ready to contribute to Waymo’s innovation and service excellence.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Autonomous Vehicle Technician

G.M Cruise
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Collaborated directly with engineering teams to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues causing vehicle downtime.
  • Supported fleet of 100+ autonomous vehicles.
  • Specialized in On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), CAN bus analysis, and ECU repair, using advanced diagnostic tools and custom cable/jumper configurations.
  • Skilled in the use of serial cables and network interface cables for autonomous systems integration and debugging.
  • Performed extensive physical repairs, including ECU replacements, high-voltage battery servicing, and mechanical/electrical component repairs.
  • Extensive experience with physical vehicular repair including ECU's, external parts, internal parts, engine parts, high voltage battery replacements, etc.
  • Utilized Linux (Terminal, Python, Bash) via Ethernet RJ45 connectors for computer systems and Windows environments for vehicular system-level diagnostics, data analysis, and ECU interaction.
  • Unique combination of expertise across computer systems, networks, data-driven troubleshooting, and hands-on technical repair.

Manual Driving Instructor

Transdev WayMo
03.2021 - 01.2022
  • Promoted from Instructor to Autonomous Supervisor, ultimately leading Waymo’s MDI training boot camp.
  • Directed program development, data management, and operational improvements for new-hire training.
  • Designed and implemented training materials aligned with Waymo protocols, ensuring new hires exceeded performance and safety standards.
  • Streamlined the content management for our data.
  • Organized onboarding processes, guiding employees through their first weeks and building systems to streamline fleet operations and training structures.
  • Led with a focus on safety, organization, and collaboration, fostering a cohesive, goal-driven team culture.
  • Gained comprehensive exposure to autonomous vehicle technologies, growing my foundation for an Autonomous Vehicle Technician role.

Vehicle Operator & Software Operator/Technician

Zoox
12.2019 - 08.2020
  • Operated and configured autonomous test vehicles, ensuring proper software setup (connections, localization, and system readiness) with a flawless safety record.
  • My daily role included setting up all the autonomous test vehicles software properly (connection, localization, etc.).
  • Conducted daily test runs, monitored software performance, and documented results to support engineering evaluations.
  • Learned to diagnose and resolve software malfunctions, gaining hands-on technical experience that led to a transition toward technician responsibilities.
  • Utilized JIRA extensively for issue tracking, project documentation, and cross-team communication.
  • Collaborated closely with developers and engineers to determine what needed to be changed, and what other tests they wish to have done
  • Gained valuable exposure to software functionality and coding processes in multiple programming languages through direct testing and analysis.

Education

Associate of Arts - Philosophy And Technology

University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA
05.2015

Skills

  • Terminal/Command Line
  • Troubleshooting & diagnostics
  • Python/Bash Computer Languages
  • Electric Vehicle automotive repair
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Incident management
  • Snap-On Toolbox full experience
  • Pinout reading
  • ECU/CAN bus diagnostics
  • Hardware diagnostics
  • Advanced networks
  • JIRA (enterprise level ticketing systems)
  • Vehicular wiring harness installation
  • Linux/UNIX 10 Years
  • Windows 10/11 and Microsoft Office Suite 4 Years
  • Strong Hardware/Software Comprehension

Accomplishments

Ranked top specialist technician at G.M Cruise during my tenure.

Developed MDI program at WayMo, earning a promotion to supervisory role.

Given Autonomous Vehicle production demos to investor groups for Zoox.

Completed CS50X via Harvard University E-Courses.

Software

Terminal

API/Non-GUI

Linux

Windows

Python

Google Suite

Timeline

Autonomous Vehicle Technician

G.M Cruise
06.2022 - 06.2023

Manual Driving Instructor

Transdev WayMo
03.2021 - 01.2022

Vehicle Operator & Software Operator/Technician

Zoox
12.2019 - 08.2020

Associate of Arts - Philosophy And Technology

University of Puget Sound

Websites, Portfolios, Profiles

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-tishgart-autonomous-vehicle-specialist/