What the Robotaxi Race Means for Autonomous Tech Talent in 2025

Head of Future Mobility

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May 19, 2025

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The autonomous driving industry is gaining more attention, with major developments in robotaxis and OEMs building in-house ADAS capabilities. These technological advances are also shaping the recruitment industry. We look into how hiring is shifting from tier-one suppliers to internal teams, and what skills and profiles are now most in demand.

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What are Robotaxis?

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While discourse around autonomous aviation and flight has fallen flat, largely due to safety concerns and financial losses, robotaxis are gaining renewed attention. Robotaxis are fully autonomous vehicles designed to operate without human intervention. Although development slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, momentum has since picked up, and by 2025, the push for smart, sustainable mobility is reigniting interest in robotaxis, especially electric, emission-free models.

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Regulatory approval for robotaxis spans municipal, state, and federal levels, with each setting its own requirements. Some challenges include hardware specifications and limits on the number of autonomous vehicles a company can operate (up to 2,500 units per year). Despite these hurdles, development continues.

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Leading the charge in the robotaxi space are companies like Waymo, which logs over 1 million miles and more than 200,000 paid robotaxi rides each week, with plans to expand their services this year. Cruise has entered a multi-year partnership with Uber to deploy its robotaxis this year, signalling a major step toward scaling their tech. Meanwhile, Zoox, still in its testing phase, is working toward launching public rides in selected cities, gradually laying the foundation for its future robotaxi services.

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It’s not just Autonomous Vehicles companies getting involved. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Tesla, Toyota, and Hyundai are also evolving their strategies to stay competitive. Tesla is set to unveil a robotaxi model this year, with customer-owned autonomous vehicles planned for 2026. Other OEMs are reinforcing their in-house software development and forming strategic partnerships toward smart mobility.

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OEMs Are Taking ADAS In-House

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OEMs like Volkswagen Group's Cariad and Mercedes-Benz's MBition are bringing the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) internally. This shift from relying on Tier 1 suppliers to developing in-house capabilities is driven by a few key factors. So, why is this happening now?

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Faster Innovation: By developing ADAS internally, OEMs can quicken innovation cycles, allowing for quicker implementation of new features and technologies.

Intellectual Property Ownership: Developing ADAS in-house allows OEMs to retain ownership of critical software and technologies, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

Software Integration: In-house development also allows for seamless integration of ADAS with other vehicle systems, improving overall performance and enhancing the user experience.

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This strategic shift also has important implications for recruitment. With more OEMs taking ADAS development in-house, there’s an increasing demand for skilled professionals, including developers, sensor fusion experts, systems engineers, and simulation specialists. Companies are looking to build cross-functional teams capable of handling complex autonomous vehicle systems. For professionals, this marks a great opportunity for career growth, as companies seek to fill these specialised roles.

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What This Means for Recruitment in the Autonomous Vehicle Space

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The shift toward in-house ADAS development is transforming both the way vehicles are engineered and the way teams are built. Because of this, there’s a rising demand for long-term, in-house roles, as opposed to consultancy-based positions. Companies are now looking for professionals with expertise in hardware/software integration, simulation, and safety validation to build cross-functional teams. Looking into the bigger picture, this reflects a growing emphasis on candidates with collaborative, multi-disciplinary skills.

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The demand for specialised autonomous vehicle roles is particularly high in key markets like the US, especially California and Texas where much of autonomous vehicle testing and development happens. Similarly, in Germany and Sweden, automotive giants like Volkswagen and Volvo are making significant investments in autonomous technology. The UK, too, is seeing a boost in autonomous vehicle development, such as areas in London and Cambridge, where both traditional automakers and innovative tech startups are contributing to the growth of the sector.

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Beyond technical expertise, companies are also looking for professionals who can thrive in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environments. Key skills that are in demand include strong foundations in math and science, programming, collaboration, problem-solving, creative thinking, and active learning.

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What’s Next?

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As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, businesses must adapt by focusing on internal development and building teams that can drive innovation. With demand for skilled professionals in key markets set to rise, now is the time to ensure your workforce is equipped to support the future of autonomous technology.

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Need help building your ADAS or autonomous systems team? Get in touch with Jonathan Russell to explore how Spencer Riley can support your 2025 hiring strategy.

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