Self Driving Vehicle Operator

Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.) is North America’s most advanced, independent mobility testing service provider, fulfilling the complex engineering, research, evaluation and testing needs of the world’s leading transportation companies. With 45-plus years of engineering expertise and industry knowledge, TRC Inc. serves the needs of industries, governments, trade associations and educational institutions worldwide.
Rewarding, world-changing career opportunities are now available at TRC Inc., where engineers, technicians, mechanics, test-drivers, and other employees work daily on the cutting edge of transportation and advanced-mobility technologies. TRC Inc. team members help evaluate and develop safer, more efficient and more earth-friendly vehicles, components and roadway infrastructure at one of North America’s most advanced proving-ground complexes. You can be part of that team and make your contribution to a better world while enjoying excellent pay and benefit in an exciting and collaborative research environment.
Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k retirement plan, generous paid-time-off starting on day 1 of employment, tuition reimbursement, PPE reimbursement, and more. And, as a TRC employee, you’ll have opportunities for on-the-job training, skills development, and career advancement while working in a supportive and friendly team environment.
Why this job?
Are you a programmer, gamer, or just a generally tech-savvy? Put your love of driving and technology to good use! As a Software Operator, you’ll earn $18.50/hour (plus excellent employee benefits) and you’ll get in on the ground floor of a growing industry, learning to evaluate the latest autonomous driving software – with no prior experience needed!
Purpose
To wow the client by safely operating autonomous vehicles and trucks (including the software in the autonomous vehicles and trucks) and providing the client with highly reliable, accurate test data.
Essential Functions*

• Read vehicle test plans and follow written and/or verbal test procedures
• Operate autonomous vehicles running proprietary software and hardware for structured testing in dynamic traffic conditions
• Follow safe work practices and safely operate autonomous vehicles
• Maintain current knowledge and adherence to all operating policies, procedures, and directives, including thorough knowledge of facility operating guidelines
• Communicate to control tower operations through a hand-held radio
• Complete daily reports, document procedures and tests, and provide concise written and oral feedback to the engineering teams

• Monitor software systems with constant focus, recognize issues in software and testing, troubleshoot vehicle and test execution issues with guidance, and escalate accordingly
• Consistently demonstrate situational awareness and a willingness to constantly adjust to changes in the environment

*TRC Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and is willing to make a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job.
**Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Other Duties and Responsibilities (Non-Essential Functions)

• Represent the team and drive creation or improvements in cross function process
• Communicate and work cross-functionally with various teams to maintain proper software systems operation
• Evaluate the real-world performance of the self-driving system
• Ability to train other vehicle and software operators
• Support TRC Inc.’s Quality and EH&S (Environmental, Health, and Safety) efforts

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and at least 5 years of experience driving on public roads, Motorcycle Endorsement
• Less than six points and/or three moving violations on driving record within last three years
• Must be minimum 18 years old
• Must be able to successfully complete in-house driving course/examination
• High school diploma or GED required
• Able to follow written and verbal directions given by the supervisor or customer
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with a laptop computer and touchscreen smartphone
• Must be able to operate comfortably in a fast-paced environment, navigate through ambiguity, and be capable of responding quickly to changing and potentially high-pressure environments
• Must be able to multitask multiple technologies, including communications devices and vehicle status systems
• Must have good attention to detail and be able to quickly and concisely describe their thoughts
• Able to work on a team environment and ride as a passenger with another person operating a vehicle
• Flexibility with work hours during busy test periods. Must be willing to work overtime, evenings and weekends as needed.

Ability to travel (< 25%)
Working conditions

• May be exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees and above 95 degrees
• May be exposed to inclement weather
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as gas and oil
• Most work is accomplished outdoors in a vehicle

Physical requirements

• Ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability to drive for long periods of time on bumps and rough roads resulting in persistent vibration, jarring, and uneven impact to the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands for an extended period of time
• Capable of positioning one’s self into bending, stretching, climbing, or awkward positions
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
• Ability to communicate with customers and co-workers
• Ability to enter work times into a computer
• Able to speak and hear proficiently in person and through a hand-held radio
• Able to ride as a driver and/or passenger in an autonomous vehicle, where you may have little control over the vehicle’s operations.
• Ability to stare at/type into a phone or laptop screen for an extended period of time while sitting as a passenger in a vehicle.
• Requires near/far depth and color vision to safely operate a self-Driving Vehicle and computer
• Able to be in confined seated position to operate vehicle or systems for up to four (4) hours at a time for a total of up to eight (8) hours per day or as overtime is needed.
• Able to operate grip gear shift, brake release and steering wheel requiring coupling forces up to ten (10) lbs.
• Reach to either left or right shoulder to pull seat belt across body

It is the policy of TRC Inc. to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practices, without regard to race, color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.
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