Autonomous Vehicle Operator, CDL-A (6-MO 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

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 Operator's responsibilities include monitoring the AV and driving environment; determining whether and how to return the AV 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 10%)

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

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

Familiar with desktop software and web applications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Contagious energy and positivity in relationships and interactions

Sterling references

Ideal qualifications

Hostler experience or demonstrated exceptional driving skills

AV experience or expertise

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

Vehicle maintenance background

Comp & Benefits

Salary range of $25 - $30 an hour

This role is offered as a 6-month temporary assignment , with the possibility of extension depending on contract renewal and business requirements

Shift hours: 4:15 pm - 12:45 am

Full health benefits

$50 monthly phone reimbursement

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

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

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.