IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Google Is Hiring More People for Its Robot Cars (Hint: Not Drivers)

SAN FRANCISCO- Alphabet Inc's self-driving project is advertising dozens of jobs on its website with a special focus on manufacturing expertise. Thirty-six jobs related to the Google X car project were listed including engineers working on motion control, displays, robotics and sensors as well as managers charged with operations, materials and marketing.
Get more newsLiveon

Google parent company Alphabet's self-driving project is advertising dozens of jobs on its website with a special focus on manufacturing expertise.

Thirty-six jobs related to the Google X car project were listed including engineers working on motion control, displays, robotics and sensors as well as managers charged with operations, materials and marketing.

Google, which declined to comment, has denied in the past that it had any interest in making cars. Many industry experts believe the tech giant will partner with an established carmaker, supplying the software that will pioneer the fully autonomous vehicle.

But the jobs listed provide a window into how much hardware Google may build to contribute to the cars of the future. Developing self-driving cars has been a key priority of traditional carmakers, technology companies like Apple, Uber and auto suppliers.

Read More: Here's Why Google's Driverless Car Got Pulled Over, Company Says

A manufacturing process engineer job listing says the post is responsible for "designing factory assembly stations, optimizing production floor layout, automating critical manufacturing processes and approving fixture designs used in the assembly of electronic modules for the self-driving car."

A manufacturing supplier quality engineer will create and approve "manufacturing inspection processes, equipment, tools gauges and fixtures for raw material, mechanical components and mechanical assemblies."

In January, president of the Google self-driving car project, John Krafcik, said he wanted to form partnerships with established carmakers and suppliers in 2016 to accelerate work.

When he was hired in September, Krafcik's prior experience at Hyundai and Ford fueled speculation that Google planned to build its own cars.

Read More: Self-Driving Google Cars Keep Rain Off Sensors With Tiny Wipers