KENNETH JOHNSON
San Francisco,CA
Summary
AV and AI data specialist with 4+ years across Tesla, Zoox, and Cruise. Expert in data annotation, edge case documentation, and vehicle safety monitoring. U.S. Navy veteran with strong discipline and operational focus.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
AP Engineer/AV Data Labeling Specialist
Tesla
San Francisco, CA
11.2025 - Current
- Annotated and labeled image datasets using Tesla's intern Al platform to support Vision-Language Model (VLM) training for Autopilot/FSD systems
- Processed high-volume image queues for AI model training, maintaining accuracy and throughput standards
- Reviewed and corrected AI-generated labels, enhancing model accuracy in edge-case scenarios
- Applied bounding boxes, segmentation masks, and 3D annotations to large-scale driving datasets
- Collaborated with ML engineers to maintain labeling quality and improve annotation workflows
- Identified and escalated recurring labeling issues, improving overall data pipeline performance
- Flagged unique driving edge cases, facilitating model retraining and AV system advancements
Rideshare Driver
Uber
San Francisco, CA
12.2022 - 11.2025
- Completed 12,300+ trips maintaining a perfect 5-star rating through professionalism and safe driving
- Navigated complex urban environments daily, reinforcing defensive driving and spatial awareness skills
- Developed deep real-world knowledge of traffic patterns, pedestrian behavior, and road edge cases
- Managed scheduling, route optimization, and vehicle maintenance independently
Advanced Test Operator
Zoox
San Francisco, CA
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Operated autonomous and engineering vehicles 4–8 hours daily with a strong focus on safety and efficiency
- Executed software operations, testing procedures, and troubleshooting to ensure successful vehicle missions
- Collaborated with engineering teams on data collection, vehicle diagnostics, and software validation
- Performed preventative vehicle inspections, maintenance checks, and readiness procedures
- Delivered detailed written and verbal feedback on vehicle behavior and system performance
- Supported logistics operations including vehicle movement, storage, and equipment preparation
- Utilized Jira, Zelendar, and Cordash for issue tracking, operational metrics, and mission reporting
AV Test Operator (AVTO)
Cruise
San Francisco, CA
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Operated autonomous test vehicles in complex urban environments across day and night shifts
- Conducted route testing and system monitoring, ensuring consistent performance across shifts
- Logged software issues, edge cases, and vehicle performance observations for engineering review
- Collected and documented real-world driving data to enhance AV development and validation
- Collaborated with ops and engineering teams to improve vehicle safety and system reliability
- Participated in training and onboarding of new AV Test Operators
- Maintained accurate ride reports, operational documentation, and fleet support tasks
Security Sergeant
Securitas Security Services USA
Bellevue, WA
12.2018 - 10.2020
- Monitored client facilities, enhancing safety and security for personnel, visitors, and property
- Conducted routine patrols, incident response, and access control procedures
- Responded to emergencies including fire alarms, medical incidents, and security violations
- Prepared detailed incident and hazard reports to inform management decisions
- Enforced site policies while maintaining effective communication with staff and visitors
Boatswain's Mate (BM)
United States Navy
Norfolk, VA
05.2016 - 11.2018
- Led ship maintenance, deck operations, and seamanship tasks to maintain operational readiness
- Operated and maintained equipment for cargo handling, fueling, and vessel operations
- Coordinated personnel training and daily operational duties to enhance team readiness
- Implemented shipboard safety procedures and conducted equipment inspections for compliance
- Performed in high-pressure environments requiring discipline, communication, and attention to detail
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Bureau Valley High School
01.2016
Skills
- AV Data Annotation & Labeling
- Computer Vision Dataset Curation
- VLM / ML Training Data Prep
- Autonomous Driving Systems
- Edge Case Documentation
- Vehicle Safety Monitoring
- Quality Assurance
- SW & HW Troubleshooting
- Fleet Logistics
- Defensive Driving
- Technical Reporting
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Completed 12,300+ Uber trips with a perfect 5-star rating over 3 years
- Contributed to AI model improvement through high-volume annotation using Tesla's FLIDE platform
- Supported AV testing and development across three industry-leading companies: Tesla, Zoox, and Cruise
- Identified and documented edge-case scenarios that drove model retraining and AV safety improvements
- Honorably served in the U.S. Navy, bringing military-grade discipline and safety standards to every role
TOOLS
- Jira
- Zelendar
- Cordash
- Microsoft Office Suite
- FLIDE (Tesla AI Labeling)
KEY STATS
- 12,300+ Uber trips completed
- 5-Star Uber Driver Rating
- 4+ Years AV Industry Experience
Timeline
AP Engineer/AV Data Labeling Specialist
Tesla
11.2025 - Current
Rideshare Driver
Uber
12.2022 - 11.2025
Advanced Test Operator
Zoox
06.2022 - 12.2022
AV Test Operator (AVTO)
Cruise
08.2021 - 06.2022
Security Sergeant
Securitas Security Services USA
12.2018 - 10.2020
Boatswain's Mate (BM)
United States Navy
05.2016 - 11.2018
High School Diploma - undefined
Bureau Valley High School