Brief Role Description

ADMT represents the Volkswagen Group as its driver for building self-driving technology. With experienced leaders in the field and collaborative partnerships with some of the world’s largest automakers, we’re building self-driving technology that is engineered to scale globally and transform mobility for millions. Talented individuals join our team because they share our purpose to make it safe, easy, and enjoyable for everyone to get around. We aspire to impact key industries that move people and goods, from ride hailing to deliveries.

The Senior Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver is responsible for operating autonomous vehicles on public roads in autonomous or manual mode with the objective of providing feedback to the software development teams on disengagements of the system and the environment via voice recording while driving. As a senior driver, testing responsibilities may include executing special vehicle tests for software and hardware that are in the early development or pre-release stage. This role is critical to ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant testing of AV technologies in real-world and public-road environments.

You will collaborate closely with the technology developers, test engineers and other partners to refine test requests into vehicle operations ensuring clear and proper test execution while following applicable processes. You will ensure that road tests are monitored through various communication channels. At the end of the test, you will ensure that the team complete all post processing activities adequately and collaborate with the test owners that their objectives are fulfilled.

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. As a senior member of the team, you will also coach and mentor safety drivers and, if needed, you will personally provide vehicle operations and related support services.

Long Description

Role Responsibilities

Test Preparation and Planning – 30% of time

• Perform pre-mission vehicle inspections, vehicle startup procedures as needed.
• Review assigned test requests for completeness and clarity.
• Specify and continuously improve routes on public roads to efficiently execute test requests and demos per management requirements.
• Participate in daily safety and planning briefings.
• Mentor and support new safety drivers in their development.

Test Execution - 50% of time

• Safely operate an AV through diverse traffic conditions for an extended period of time in Self-Driving mode or in Manual mode
• Collect autonomous vehicle performance data while supervising vehicle behavior through diverse road environments, traffic conditions and weather for an extended period of time.
• Execute vehicle tests with non-approved software on public roads (dev drops, release candidates, etc.).
• Execute new or non-standard tests on public roads, including establishing safe test parameters.
• Perform special driving maneuvers for sensor calibration per process description.
• Execute Vehicle Acceptance Tests to determine vehicle test readiness of new prototypes.
• Conduct product demos with VW top management, customers, and investors.

Post-processing of Test Data – 20% of time

• Shut down vehicles according to configuration-specific checklists, and upload test data collected in vehicles.
• Document test results within test tickets after execution - provide verbal feedback with test requesters as needed.
• Post-process and triage collected test data on computer.
• Communicate results to test engineering, mapping teams, suppliers and partners as needed.
• Report vehicle issues and other errors for resolution by development or service teams.

Collaborate with training teams to continuously improve content, operator skills and safety.

Skills Required for this Role

Skills

• Clear and effective communication skills
• Attention to detail and sound judgment necessary to handle public road testing
• Professional and courteous manner
• 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
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Required Skills

• Experience with vehicle testing and data collection, review and processing
• Skills to monitor for anomalous system behavior in a vehicle with automated driving functions
• Understanding of disengagement protocols and data logging procedures.
• Ability to anticipate critical traffic and critical system behavior to ensure safety
• Self-motivated to perform independent troubleshooting work in vehicle.
• Experience with fleet management tools, data annotation tools and operational dashboards.
• Physical ability to drive a vehicle and familiarity with local driving regulations.

Desired Skills

• Desire to be a part of a fast paced, dynamic environment where adaptability and flexibility are essential
• Knowledge or desire to learn autonomous vehicle technology
• Basic technical knowledge of complete vehicle components and functions

Work Flexibility

• Physically able to drive a vehicle for an extended period.
• Ready and able to travel (international and domestic) to remote offices, training facilities or other testing cities if the need arises.
• Ability to adhere to a flexible work schedule which may include varying shift times and weekends with reasonable advance notification.

Qualification requirements

Qualifications

Related Work Experience

• 5 years of experience professionally operating a vehicle with a clean driving record
• 2 years of experience testing a vehicle equipped with ADS or ADAS

Education

Required

• High school diploma or GED

Desired

• Associates or Bachelors degree

Skills