Safety Driver-Autonomous Vehicle

MUST HAVE A VALID US PASSPORT - INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IS REQUIRED WITHIN THREE WEEKS OF START (in the initial months) 

Role Summary: 

An AVSD (Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver) is responsible for operating autonomous vehicles on public roads in Self-Driving mode and in manual mode to enable the continuation of testing, monitoring, and development of the AVS (autonomous vehicle system) and to give feedback to the software development teams on disengagements of the system and the connected situation via voice recording while driving. 

The AVSD has the task and responsibility to continuously monitor the traffic, road and environmental & system status to be able to promptly evaluate the situation and react and to disengage the self-driving system to bring the vehicle in a safe mode and drive it manually. The role is highly safety relevant as the AVSD is responsible for the safe operation of a Self-Driving vehicle.?Prior to operating an AV, all safety drivers will undergo a rigorous training program which teaches them about the specific components within the vehicle itself, the underlying technology, and safe driving techniques which are exercised on public roads daily. After successfully completing training, AVSDs will have the skills required to begin operating on public roads. As the Safety Driver you will be responsible for the safe and compliant operation of the AVS on both a manual and autonomous basis. This role collaborates with both Fleet Operations Managers, as well as Test Engineers, to continuously improve autonomous driving performance based on your feedback. 

Role Responsibilities: 

In Vehicle Driving - 80% of time 

• Safely operate an AV (Autonomous Vehicle) through diverse traffic conditions for an extended period of time. This includes the operation in Self-Driving mode and in manual mode - this is a role where you will spend a majority of your time in the car. 
• While in the car, you will perform a range of tests of our technology, including specific software, hardware, interfaces, and instrumentation 
• Ability to continuously evaluate the traffic/road/system situation and react to disengage the self-driving system to bring the vehicle in a safe mode and drive it manually. The role is highly safety relevant as the AVSD is responsible for the safe operation of a Self-Driving vehicle 
• Ability to monitor the vehicle movements and provide detailed feedback daily 
• Proactively monitor the software performance from a proprietary Graphical User Interface (GUI) tablet integrated with the AVS (Autonomous Vehicle System) 
• Record disengagement and connected situation via voice recording 
• Monitors testing equipment, devices and software to ensure these meet all aspects of testing and reporting requirements. 
• Perform pre/post-mission tasks such as startup procedures and vehicle inspections 
• Daily cleaning of vehicle and maintain a clean, neat and orderly vehicle 
• Identifies and addresses potential safety risks and abides by, promotes and acknowledges all safety practices aimed at maintain high safety standards. 

Training and Continued Education - 10% of time 

• Undergo a detailed training program that educates and establishes expectations for manual driving fundamentals in autonomous vehicle operation 
• Participate in continuing education opportunities as VW Group of America’s autonomous driving processes and practices evolve to account for continuing technological changes and development 

Software Feedback - 10% of time 

• Brief and de-brief of driving behavior to the Autonomous Vehicle and related testing responsibilities. 
• Deliver clear and concise communications when evaluating AVS performance, documenting both its strengths and areas for improvement, all of which enables VW Group of America’s engineers and developers to continuously improve the autonomous driving software 

Qualifications - External 

Years of Relevant Experience: 

• 3-5 years of experience operating a vehicle with a clean driving record 
• 2 years of employment experience 

Education - Required: 

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent 

Education - Desired: 

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred 

 Skills: 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet Volkswagen Group of America’s safety driving standards, including a specific prototype permit for operations (this will be obtained upon hire) 
• Ability to pass a motor vehicle and criminal record background checks and drug screens in accordance with applicable law. This position may be subject to additional screenings conducted by third-party partners. 
• Attention to detail and sound judgment necessary to handle public road testing 
• Work in a professional and courteous manner at all times 
• Flexible mindset to test new workflows and logistics pertaining to commercial pilot operations 
• Strong interest in technology and software and the ability to adapt to its ever-changing developments and improvements 

Specialized Skills - Required: 

• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, honesty, and a strict adherence to Volkswagen Group of America’s policies and procedures 
• Ability to monitor software via laptop in a moving vehicle and communicate in a clear and concise manner 
• Ability to anticipate critical traffic, system and road situation to be able to disengage the self-driving system and safely operate the vehicle manually 
• Self-motivation for independent troubleshooting work in vehicle 

Specialized Skills - Desired: 

• Prototype Driver’s License 
• Desire to be a part of a fast paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and flexibility are essential 
• Desire to learn more about autonomous vehicle technology and run specific tests 
• Basic technical knowledge of complete vehicle components and functions 

Work Flexibility: 

• Physically able to drive a vehicle for an extended period of time 
• Ready and able to travel (international and domestic) to remote offices, training facilities or other testing cities if the opportunity arises 
• Ability to adhere to a flexible work schedule during the daytime hours of 7:00am - 4:00pm CST (schedule subject to change with proper notice given)