AV Operator (CDL-A) - 2nd shift (6-month temporary)

The Company

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero-emission systems. Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top-tier investors. For more information, visit www.outrider.ai.

The Role

This is a 6 month temporary role with the potential for extension based on business needs.

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

The AV 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 Driver’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 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 20%)

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 Colorado and in any other state of the United States, as requested (the CDL must be carried at all times on the job)


• 3 years of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience


• Safe and proficient backing skills using a variety of trailer types in dynamic yard environments


• 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


• Sterling references


• Availability for travel to Outrider’s headquarters in Brighton, CO for a two week paid training program

Ideal qualifications

• Yard hostler experience in a distribution center setting


• Autonomous vehicle experience or expertise


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


• Vehicle maintenance background


• Experience with issue ticketing using software such as Fleetio, Jira, Zendesk or similar

Comp & Benefits 

• 2nd shift (4:30pm-1am Monday-Friday)


• Salary range of $28 - $32 an hour 


• $25 monthly cell phone reimbursement


• $200 monthly meal stipend

While this is an accurate reflection of the position, Outrider reserves the right to require additional/different tasks to be performed as needed.

Closing EEOC statement

At Outrider, we believe in cultivating an environment where there is diversity of perspectives, experiences, and knowledge with the expectation that we thrive in an inclusive environment. Outrider is committed to a workforce where everyone's opportunities are limitless regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any others that are protected by law.