Vehicle Test Driver

Formel D•Newark, CA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Vehicle Test Driver drives and evaluates new and prototype motor vehicles on predefined routes using primary and secondary roads and in varied weather conditions. The role may also involve transporting customer employees throughout the Bay Area during testing. Drivers follow client testing protocols, perform pre- and post-drive inspections, assess vehicle performance and condition, and document test results and observations. They work with engineering, safety, quality assurance, and customer teams, and report incidents or vehicle issues to the Lead or Drive/Project Coordinator. The position requires flexibility to work different shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

Valid Class C driver's license.
Minimum of 3 years of professional driving experience.
Clean driving record and successful completion of a criminal background check, DMV history report, and pre-employment drug screening.
Able to drive vehicles with both automatic and manual transmissions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise observations and comments.
Computer skills, including SAP, MS Office, and MRS systems.
Team-oriented, flexible, customer-service-focused, and detail-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills.
Able to work independently or in small groups, including periods without direct supervision.
Able to work assigned schedules that may include multiple shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required.
Able to work in varied conditions, including active service centers, unpredictable weather, darkness, and poor road conditions.
Able to sit and drive for up to 10 hours per shift when needed, with regular breaks.
Able to perform physical tasks that may include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lying down, twisting, carrying, reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Frequent use of hands for grasping, using tools, entering data, writing communications, and calling customers or internal partners.
Able to see, read, and interpret documents such as regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and schematics.

Responsibilities

Drive and evaluate new and prototype vehicles on assigned routes and in varied weather and road conditions.
Follow client testing protocols, assigned procedures, duty cycles, routes, and vehicle-related rules and policies.
Complete pre-drive inspections, including checks such as tire pressure, battery levels, and basic system diagnostics, and complete post-drive inspections for wear, damage, or maintenance needs.
Maintain the security and safety of assigned vehicles, lock unoccupied vehicles, and keep vehicles clean and ready for handover.
Record test results, findings, issues, observations, activity logs, and hours in the required format or system; complete all required reports and documentation accurately.
Provide clear feedback on vehicle performance, ride quality, handling, function, comfort, and other required test parameters.
Immediately report incidents, accidents, malfunctions, unusual observations, or deviations to the Lead and coordinate with relevant testing teams as needed.
Refuel or recharge vehicles and clean them as required.
Check in with a Lead or Supervisor at the start and end of shifts to review priorities and confirm completion or handover of tasks.
Work cooperatively with engineering staff, customers, and team members, and transport customer employees in the Bay Area when required.
Adapt to changes in plans, routes, conditions, and additional testing requests.
Train trainees as needed and maintain a positive, customer-focused attitude.
Follow driving safety rules, including no cell phone use or texting while driving and restrictions on eating, drinking (except bottled water), or smoking in vehicles.