What are the responsibilities and job description for the Self Driving Vehicle Test Driver position at TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTER INC.?
Position Description: Purpose
Additional Information:
To wow the client by safely operating autonomous vehicles (including the software in the autonomous vehicles and trucks) and providing the client with highly reliable, accurate test data.
Essential Functions*
- Read vehicle test plans and follow written and/or verbal test procedures
- Operate autonomous vehicles running proprietary software and hardware for structured testing in dynamic traffic conditions
- Follow safe work practices and safely operate autonomous vehicles
- Maintain current knowledge and adherence to all operating policies, procedures, and directives, including thorough knowledge of facility operating guidelines
- Communicate to control tower operations through a hand-held radio
- Complete daily reports, document procedures and tests, and provide concise written and oral feedback to the engineering teams
- Monitor software systems with constant focus, recognize issues in software and testing, troubleshoot vehicle and test execution issues with guidance, and escalate accordingly
- Consistently demonstrate situational awareness and a willingness to constantly adjust to changes in the environment
- TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
**Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)
- Represent the team and drive creation or improvements in cross function process
- Communicate and work cross-functionally with various teams to maintain proper software systems operation
- Evaluate the real-world performance of the self-driving system
- Ability to train other vehicle and software operators
- Support TRC Inc.’s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts
Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license and at least 5 years of experience driving on public roads, Motorcycle Endorsement
- Less than six points and/or three moving violations on driving record within last three years
- Must be minimum 18 years old
- Must be able to successfully complete in-house driving course/examination
- High school diploma or GED required
- Able to follow written and verbal directions given by the supervisor or customer
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with a laptop computer and touchscreen smartphone
- Must be able to operate comfortably in a fast-paced environment, navigate through ambiguity, and be capable of responding quickly to changing and potentially high-pressure environments
- Must be able to multitask multiple technologies, including communications devices and vehicle status systems
- Must have good attention to detail and be able to quickly and concisely describe their thoughts
- Able to work on a team environment and ride as a passenger with another person operating a vehicle
- Flexibility with work hours during busy test periods. Must be willing to work overtime, evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to travel (< 25%)
Working conditions
- May be exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees and above 95 degrees
- May be exposed to inclement weather
- May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as gas and oil
- Most work is accomplished outdoors in a vehicle
Physical requirements
- Ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
- Ability to drive for long periods of time on bumps and rough roads resulting in persistent vibration, jarring, and uneven impact to the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands for an extended period of time
- Capable of positioning one’s self into bending, stretching, climbing, or awkward positions
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
- Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
- Ability to enter work times into a computer
- Able to speak and hear proficiently in person and through a hand-held radio
- Able to ride as a driver and/or passenger in an autonomous vehicle, where you may have little control over the vehicle’s operations.
- Ability to stare at/type into a phone or laptop screen for an extended period of time while sitting as a passenger in a vehicle.
- Requires near/far depth and color vision to safely operate a self-driving vehicle and computer
- Able to be in confined seated position to operate vehicle or systems for up to four (4) hours at a time for a total of up to eight (8) hours per day or as overtime is needed.
- Able to operate grip gear shift, brake release and steering wheel requiring coupling forces up to ten (10) lbs.
- Reach to either left or right shoulder to pull seat belt across body