Vehicle Test Driver

Formel D•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vehicle Test Driver will operate autonomous vehicles on designated highway routes to assess and validate the performance of autonomous driving systems under various conditions. This role requires constant vigilance to monitor vehicle behavior, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and check vehicle health daily. Key responsibilities include starting and monitoring vehicle logging equipment, tagging and annotating logged data, handling data collection disks, and completing rigorous training. The driver will execute predefined test plans, gather data on vehicle performance and anomalies, troubleshoot and report issues, and maintain accurate testing documentation. Collaboration with engineers, developers, and researchers is essential to provide feedback and contribute to system refinement. The position demands strict adherence to all safety guidelines and traffic rules, including implementing emergency procedures when necessary. It is a full-time role, primarily Monday through Friday, but requires flexibility for weekends and evenings.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of professional driving experience, including extensive highway driving in the hiring area.
Must be able to pass our internal operator training program.
Proficiency working with PCs, with good working knowledge of productivity tools (MS Office).
Must be in good health, with the ability to remain vigilant and extremely focused for two-hour uninterrupted blocks of time. To this end, a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate will be required for the duration of the assignment.
Excellent driving skills, valid driver's license, and a clean driving record, with a thorough understanding of local traffic laws and safety practices.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess and troubleshoot technical issues during testing.
Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to collect and analyze data accurately.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in the English language to effectively report observations, provide feedback, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high degree of self-motivation and accountability.
Flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities and changing project requirements.
Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate testing schedules.
High school diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Experience with testing or operating autonomous vehicles is highly desirable.
Additional technical education or certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct highway testing: Operate autonomous vehicles on designated highway routes in rotations with a co-driver to assess and validate the performance of autonomous driving systems under various driving conditions.
Monitor vehicle behavior: Maintain constant vigilance during testing to observe the behavior of the autonomous driving system and ensure it adheres to safety protocols and regulatory standards.
Monitor vehicle health: Check that the test vehicle is in proper and safe working order every day and notify the workshop staff of any maintenance/repair items needed.
Collect data: Start vehicle logging equipment and monitor to ensure it is working, tag & annotate logged data with specified edge cases, handle data collection disks.
Receive training: Complete our rigorous training regimen and stay updated on the latest program regulations and requirements.
Execute test plans: Follow predefined test plans and protocols to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of autonomous drive technology on the highway.
Collect data: Gather data on vehicle performance, system failures, and any anomalies encountered during testing.
Troubleshoot and report issues: Identify and document any issues or malfunctions encountered during testing, including software bugs, sensor failures, or environmental challenges. Collaborate with the cross-functional team to resolve technical problems and improve system performance.
Maintain testing documentation: Keep accurate records of test procedures, results, and observations. Prepare detailed reports summarizing testing activities, findings, and recommendations for further enhancements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with engineers, developers, and researchers to provide insights and feedback on system performance and contribute to the refinement and optimization of autonomous drive technology.
Ensure safety and compliance: Adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols during testing, including following traffic rules, monitoring road conditions, and implementing emergency procedures when required.