Introducing: Aurora Voices!
Meet Steven Lin, a Dispatcher and Vehicle Operations Specialist on Aurora’s Vehicle Operations team.
At the heart of Aurora’s technology and mission, are the individuals behind it. In our new series, Aurora Voices, we’re sharing the unique voices and stories of the people of Aurora. We’ll focus on Aurorans from all backgrounds, showcasing their personal and professional experiences.
With Veterans Day around the corner, we’re excited and honored to launch our series with Steven Lin, a former Military Police Sergeant, and a two-year veteran of Aurora’s Vehicle Operations team.
Read on to learn about Steven’s experience serving in the US Army Reserve, and his transition from military to civilian life.
What motivated you to join the military?
Steven: It was primarily for two reasons. There was the practical side, which included things like job experience, benefits, and training. The other reason was more emotional: a sense of duty to serve my country. I wanted to do something and be a part of something larger than myself.
How did you choose your branch of service?
Steven: Well, since I can’t swim, that eliminated the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. So, it was between the Army and the Air Force. I ultimately chose the Army because it had more job opportunities that were aligned with what I wanted to do after the military. Plus, the uniforms looked cooler!
What was your job in the Army?
Steven: Military Police, and for those who get a kick out of military codes and acronyms, that’s MOS 31B. I always wanted to pursue law enforcement so Military Police was the obvious choice. After leaving the military, I was a police officer at the Federal Reserve Bank.
Where were you deployed?
Steven: As a reservist, I was activated and deployed to Guantanamo Bay Naval Station. My unit was the first reserve unit to assume responsibilities inside a detention camp. Prior to our arrival, strictly active duty soldiers were managing the camps.
How would you describe your deployment?
Steven: Working at the detention camps in Guantanamo Bay was a profoundly humbling experience. While many people have seen footage and heard news stories about what goes on inside the detention camps, few people have actually stepped foot on Guantanamo Bay, or had first-hand experience of what it’s truly like there.
How does your military experience affect your life today?
Steven: I have a greater appreciation for things we normally take for granted — simple creature comforts such as internet, private showers, and waking up past 6am. One of the most valuable skills I gained from the military that I exercise regularly — and can be applied to any work environment — is how to make quick decisions, even when I’m under stress and the decisions have huge repercussions.
What was the best and worst military food you had?
Steven: The best food were the made-to-order omelettes. All the chow halls had a custom omelette station, where you can craft your own eggy creations. The worst food was also an omelette: the veggie egg omelette MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat). It looked like a dried kitchen sponge and tasted like one, too.
Tell us about your transition to civilian life. What led you to Aurora and self-driving cars?
Steven: After my military service ended, I worked in law enforcement. It was always my civilian goal to enter law enforcement, but the work schedule was rough. I was pulling graveyard shifts and had little-to-no time for friends or a social life. I wanted a job that offered normal work hours, while also providing freedom to operate in the field. I applied to Aurora’s Vehicle Ops team because I was attracted to the idea of not working behind a desk all day. I also had close friends in the self-driving car space, and they had worked with Aurora’s founders (Chris Urmson, Sterling Anderson, and Drew Bagnell). I received consistent feedback that the founders are incredibly knowledgeable of the industry, and equally as important, they are kind and genuine people. I took my friends’ words to heart, and decided to go all in. Here I am, two years later!
Do you have any advice for veterans or soon-to-be veterans who may want to pursue a career in self-driving cars?
Steven: DO NOT be intimidated to apply! I helped organize Aurora’s presence at a recent veterans job fair in the Bay Area. At the event, I heard from numerous veterans that they felt intimidated to apply to a tech company. There is a misconception that there is only demand for engineers at these companies. In reality, all tech companies, including Aurora, have a very diverse set of open roles. In fact, Aurora’s hiring needs mirror those of the military. We have opportunities in human resources, facilities, finance, etc. These roles might be slightly different from the military equivalent, but they all require similar skills and knowledge. Specifically for vehicle operations, there isn’t a specific degree or hard-set requirements to join the operations team. We’re simply looking for people with a “safety first” mindset, great driving skills, and the willingness to learn quickly.
How is Aurora’s veteran community honoring and celebrating Veterans Day?
Steven: Several months ago, we launched an employee resource group called Aurora VetNet. Today, we’re 50 members strong! In addition to fostering mentorship and professional development for Aurora’s veterans, VetNet also organizes events to support the broader veteran community. In honor of Veterans Day, VetNet coordinated collection drives across Aurora’s offices. We’re partnering with military non-profits to collect much needed items to be sent to our brave men and women overseas.
What motivates you to do the work you’re doing?
Steven: I deeply believe in Aurora’s mission to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. My role on the Vehicle Operations team has a critical impact on the safely aspect of our mission. Our team oversees how the cars perform on public roads. We have a huge responsibility to not only keep ourselves and our vehicles safe, but the public, as well. This responsibility is constantly on the top of my mind.
What is the best thing about working at Aurora?
Steven: Definitely the people and culture! A big part of it has to do with our “no jerks” policy — and shout-out to our recruiters who are doing a fantastic job vetting for this policy! All of my interactions with my fellow Aurorans have been really positive. At anytime, you can ask anyone about their role or the projects they’re working on, and they are happy to explain it to you. Even though Aurora is rapidly growing, we still prioritize one-on-one attention. In large part, this is due to our culture. We all work well together, and we have fun doing it. Plus, we genuinely enjoy each other’s company, inside and outside the workplace. We hold monthly happy hours and picnics that foster team bonding and an inclusive environment.
If you’re a veteran interested in joining our mission to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly, visit our Careers page to view open positions and to learn more about life at Aurora.
