The subject disclosure relates to techniques for positioning an autonomous vehicle for sensor calibration. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for positioning an autonomous vehicle along a first axis on a platform in a predetermined environment using guide rails, positioning the autonomous vehicle along a second axis on the platform using one or more elevated platform features, inserting one or more lifting alignment pins of a lifting mechanism into one or more sockets located on an underbody of the autonomous vehicle, and positioning the autonomous vehicle along a third axis using the lifting mechanism. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.