Lead CDL Truck Driver - Local

Kett Engineering is seeking a skilled, safety-minded Lead Test Driver to guide our 2nd Shift commercial vehicle evaluation team. This role combines advanced hands-on product testing with leadership responsibilities. You will operate experimental tractor-trailers, mentor shift drivers, and ensure precise technical reporting on vehicle durability, performance, and safety systems.

Core Benefits: No loading or unloading. No commercial freight deliveries.

The full-time Lead TEST DRIVER position requires the test drivers to drive and evaluate advanced test tractor/trailers and other commercial test vehicles for documentation purposes. Drivers will be required to drive safely on a proving ground test track and on city/rural/highway roads.

Test Drivers will will be driving on "real world" durability test routes on various road surfaces throughout an 10 hour shift. During each shift, documentation on feedback will be submitted electronically through smartphone apps. Findings during each shift will be reported in a very clear and concise manner electronically.

Pay rates: 2nd shift $31/hr

Shift hours: Monday - Friday

2nd: 4:30pm - 2:30am

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Serve as the point of contact for 2nd shift drivers, coordinate route assignments, and ensure adherence to track and highway safety protocols.
• Vehicle Evaluation: Drive and evaluate next-generation commercial test vehicles on proving ground tracks and public durability routes.
• Technical Reporting: Consolidate, verify, and electronically submit clear, concise feedback and data logs using smartphone applications.
• Quality Assurance: Monitor team compliance with testing documentation requirements and ensure technical findings are communicated accurately to engineering teams.

Requirements:

• Must have a valid CDL A and DOT Card.
• Must have the ability to travel periodically to perform over the road testing and vehicle transfers to various locations throughout the U.S.
• Must be organized and have the ability to multi-task.
• Must have the ability to drive in adverse extreme weather conditions, including harsh winter conditions.
• Must have a clean driving history for at least the past 3 years. No at-fault accidents, DUIs, DWIs, no moving violations.
• Must have at least 3 years recent tractor trailer experience. 5 years preferred.
• Must have at least 1 year of OTR experience.
• Attention to detail with the ability to communicate findings both verbally and in writing.
• Able to contribute in a team environment.
• Must pass pre-employment drug and background screens.
• Must be tech savvy. Must own a smartphone.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Job requires sitting, standing, and bending for approximately 6-8 hours on a daily basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $31.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• OTR: 1 year (Required)
• tractor trailer: 4 years (Required)
• leadership or trainer: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CDL A (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $31