Test Driver/Data Collector - traveling

This is a traveling test driving position requiring 10 weeks away from home.

Company Overview

Kett Engineering is a renowned leader in automotive testing and engineering services with over 60 years of industry experience. We support vehicle development, testing, and program management for major automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers, emphasizing quality, customer service, and technical excellence.

POSITION DETAILS

The objective of this data collection program is to acquire data for hands-free operation and verification in real‑world traffic scenarios across the U.S. and Canada public roads, spanning all operational design domain (ODD) conditions, including weather, lighting, and seasonal variability. The primary focus is on capturing data covering diverse road classes, infrastructure configurations, and dynamic behaviors to support ADAS perception, prediction, and system‑level validation. This includes maximizing exposure to diverse traffic conditions, rare events, and edge‑case scenario types essential for ADAS sensor model training and performance benchmarking. Specific POIs and targeted scenario types, such as complex intersections, unique infrastructure elements, structured environments, covered parking facilities, unique road signs, etc. will be integrated into the daily route plan to ensure consistent exposure to high‑value data collection conditions.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Drivers will operate the data collection vehicle with a co-driver and required to initiate, operate, and troubleshoot the client provided ADAS Data Collection system. Previous OTR (over-the-road) driving and data collection experience is preferred and data collection system troubleshooting abilities are a great attribute to possess. Safe packaging and shipping of hard-drives is required. Data collection activities will occur in various cities in the U.S. working Monday-Saturday is required. Sunday is considered a reset day (not paid) but may be required if the project doesn't meet efficiency goals. The project will operate one shift per day but participants need to be flexible since shift times may vary based on data collection environment needed (dawn, dusk, daylight, darkness, etc.) Drive team members will interact with client project manager, engineers, and Kett personnel on a daily basis.

Candidates with VW Training Certification are preferred. Training will be provided to those who have not completed the VW training in AZ.

Traveling to different areas of the U.S. for 10 consecutive weeks at a time. Project ends before Thanksgiving 2026.

• Project kick-off / initial training location: California (company will fly you)
• Schedule/Shift Hours:
• Each vehicle will operate 6 days/week Monday – Saturday
• Shift hours: vary
• Shift times and schedule are subject to change to meet data collection requirements
• Driving locations/Routes:
• Throughout U.S.
• Over the road

Requirements & Desired Skills

• Must be tech savvy
• Must have at least a High School Diploma or GED
• Must have your driver's license for at least 5 consecutive years
• Must have a clear criminal history (no felonies, no misdemeanors)
• Must be able to pass the pre-employment drug screen and background check
• Must be able to travel by plane for training and initial site training
• Preferred candidates with prior test driving experience in their work history
• Preferred candidates with previous traveling job(s)
• Must have and know how to operate a smartphone, tablet, laptop
• Must have experience driving in all types of weather conditions, to include snow
• Must be comfort driving a vehicle for long periods of time
• Must be proficient with MS Excel, Word, and Google Docs/Sheets
• Must be able to maintain professionalism with team members and engineers

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you have any issues with flying? Do you have a Real ID to get through TSA?
• Do you understand this is a traveling position which will require you to be away from home for 10 weeks at a time? Are you available to be away from home for 10 weeks at a time without any issues?
• What previous work experience or schooling do you have which makes you an excellent candidate for this unique position? We are only looking for experienced candidates.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Required)

Work Location: On the road

Benefits:

Salary : $20