Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver (non-CDL)

As an Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver at Gatik, your primary responsibility will be to act as the onboard safety driver for our autonomous trucks. You will manage road interactions, maintain awareness of surrounding conditions, and ensure that safety protocols are followed throughout testing operations. Your ability to stay highly aware and communicate effectively with your team is essential for navigating the dynamic environment of autonomous vehicle testing.

To qualify for the position of Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver at Gatik, candidates should possess a minimum of three years of experience driving a box truck and must hold a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no major infractions. Strong communication skills and the ability to think critically under pressure are also essential, along with flexibility to work non-standard hours as required.

Gatik stands out in the autonomous vehicle testing industry by focusing on middle-mile logistics, having launched the world's first fully driverless commercial transportation service with Walmart. Our specialized Level 4 autonomous trucks are designed specifically for B2B freight, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable deliveries. This unique approach allows us to address challenges in the logistics sector while maintaining safety and efficiency.

During the testing phase as an Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver at Gatik, you can expect to engage actively with both the autonomous technology and your surroundings. You'll manage how our trucks interact with other vehicles on the road while looking out for any potential challenges. Strong situational awareness and adaptability will be crucial for ensuring that testing is conducted safely and effectively.

While the main qualifications for the Autonomous Vehicle Test Driver position at Gatik include driving experience and possessing a clean driving record, experience related to autonomous vehicle testing, understanding vehicle dynamics, or knowledge of DOT regulations can provide you an advantage. Demonstrating a positive attitude and enthusiasm for autonomous technology is also highly valued.

To ensure safety while driving an autonomous vehicle, it's crucial to maintain high situational awareness, constantly monitor road conditions, and communicate effectively with the team. Always prioritize the safety of all road users, and be ready to intervene if necessary to prevent accidents.

In situations requiring quick decision-making, balance your instincts with trained responses. Provide an example of a time when you assessed road hazards quickly and chose a safe course of action or communicated effectively to avoid an incident.

Adapting to varying road conditions involves a blend of practical experience and situational awareness. Discuss the strategies you utilize, such as monitoring for challenges and leveraging your driving experience to adjust speed or maneuvers accordingly.

Gatik's autonomous truck technology is unique because it focuses on middle-mile logistics with proprietary Level 4 systems. Demonstrating knowledge about the technology's safety features and operational efficiencies will enhance your answer.

Effective communication during testing is key. Outline your approach to keeping everyone informed about road conditions, vehicle performance, and any issues that arise, ensuring the entire team is aligned for a successful operation.

Challenges for autonomous vehicles in testing include unpredictable human drivers, diverse weather conditions, and infrastructure variations. Discuss potential solutions that can help address these challenges to show your analytical thinking.

Prioritizing tasks during testing operations requires a clear understanding of safety protocols and the ability to differentiate between immediate and long-term issues, ensuring that critical tasks are handled promptly while adhering to safety regulations.

Express your passion for technology and logistics, aligning it with Gatik’s innovative approach to autonomous transportation. Highlight how working at Gatik presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to next-generation solutions in freight movement.

Flexibility in driving involves adjusting to changing road conditions, traffic patterns, and unexpected incidents. Share your experiences where flexibility made a positive impact on your driving performance or testing experiences.

Staying updated on regulations involves regular reviews of official government resources and participating in relevant training. Join webinars or industry forums where experts discuss updates and share best practices in autonomous vehicle operations.