Autonomous Vehicle Safety Operator, CDL A (6 Month Term)

The Company

Outrider is a software company that is automating distribution yards with electric, self-driving trucks. Our system eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive while it improves safety and efficiency. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation. We are a private company founded in 2018 and backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, NVIDIA, and other top-tier investors. Our customers are Fortune 200 companies and our autonomous trucks are already running in distribution yards. For more information, visit www.outrider.ai

The Role

THIS IS A TEMPORARY 6-MONTH POSITION TO START, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION

The Autonomous Vehicle Safety Operator (CDL) reports to the Head of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Operations and helps test, operate, maintain, and evaluate Outrider’s self-driving vehicle system.

The AV Safety Operator is primarily responsible for the safe operation of AVs - which may operate in manual, partial-automation or full-automation modes - and therefore is the authority on identifying and correcting potential safety risks during operation. The AV Safety Operator’s responsibilities include monitoring the vehicle and driving environment; determining whether and how to return the vehicle to a minimum-risk condition; and intervening in automated driving tasks to resume manual or computer control for safety and performance assessment purposes.

This role is hands-on, requiring acute attentiveness to the vehicle system during operation, as well as constant observations of its performance both in the cab and via a software-based dispatching/monitoring tool. The successful candidate will enjoy a dynamic work environment, has strong focus and attention to detail, is comfortable making fast and sound decisions with a safety-first mindset.

This position plays an essential role in helping deliver a safety-critical system for industrial automation. The opportunity offers the successful candidate the chance to help develop a market-defining enterprise product that combines robotics technology with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate vehicles, in the cab for 8-10+ hours per day

• Be a steward of the safety mindset: conduct daily on-site safety inspections of the trucks, equipment, and area, and proactively propose safety improvements. Use keen judgment to determine appropriate on-the-spot responses to vehicle performance and safety issues

• Provide insightful and thorough verbal and/or written test reports on system performance - including vehicle and system data and/or observations related to automated driving system development - for Engineering, Vehicle Operations, Customer Success and Executive staff

• Maintain a current Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) valid in the United States, as requested (the CDL must be carried at all times on the job)

• Perform preventative maintenance checks and services on autonomous vehicles, including, but not limited to, preparation, installation, and maintenance of vehicle hardware

• Assist commercial, operations, and engineering teams in root-cause analysis of issues found during operation

• Perform minor repairs under the direction of engineering staff and/or in accordance with OEM repair instructions

• Communicate issues and subjective performance to the AV Dispatchers, Test Operations Lead and peers on the Engineering teams

• Comply with established safety rules, policies and procedures, including wearing required safety equipment

• Travel and perform fieldwork, depending on customer location (up to 10%)

Required Qualifications

• Desire and ability to understand Outrider’s autonomous vehicle system and technology through the constant reading of documentation and Q&A with colleagues

• Current Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) valid in Arizona and in any other state of the United States, as requested (the CDL must be carried at all times on the job)

• Clean driving record for the past 5 years

• Flexibility for day, night, and/or weekend work, as needed (and sometimes on short notice)

• Unwavering focus on safety and helping to explore and implement system improvements

• Facility with desktop software and web applications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Contagious energy and positivity in relationships and interactions

• Thrives in collaborative team environments, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively contribute to group success.

Ideal Qualifications

• Hostler experience or demonstrated exceptional driving skills

• Autonomous vehicle experience or expertise

• Experience in operations, technology, robotics, or automotive field

• Vehicle maintenance background

• Sterling references

Shift

• Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Wage: $25.00 - $29.00

• Benefits: Full health benefits

• Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location due to differences in the cost of labor

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role is primarily based in a warehouse setting with regular exposure to varying environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position involves regular exposure to moderate noise levels typical of a warehouse environment, including machinery and vehicle operations. Employees will be working around autonomous trucks and must be comfortable operating in an industrial environment.

Physical requirements include:

• Ascending and descending in and out of trucks

• Lifting and transporting supplies as needed

• Using hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches

• Cleaning and maintaining work areas with supplies such as brooms

• Performing tasks that may require standing, walking, bending, twisting, or reaching for extended periods