Autonomous Vehicle Test Technician - 3rd Shift (6MO 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. Options to extend are based on business requirements.

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Technician leads day-to-day test activities at Outrider’s Advanced Testing Facility, executing system test missions to verify and validate the performance and safety of our autonomous trucks. Working hands-on with AV Test Operators, this role sits at the center of Outrider’s Test Operations—scheduling and launching missions, monitoring multiple software tools in real time, and performing root-cause analyses on issues found during testing. A successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic work environment, possessing the focus and attention to detail required to operate robotic test assets while supporting constantly-changing test and development efforts. This position plays an essential role in helping to deliver a safety-critical system for industrial automation. Reporting to Associate Manager, Test Operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute system test missions on the autonomous trucks at Outrider’s Advanced Testing Facility to verify and validate the performance and safety characteristics of the entire system and subsystems, including software, robotic arm, sensor suite, and the electric vehicle platform
• Lead day-to-day test activities by working hands-on with the AV Test Operators to schedule and launch test missions, operate and monitor several software tools simultaneously during test execution, and perform root-cause analyses to document issues found during testing
• Quickly learn, use, and optimize yard operations workflows with the Outrider user interface, assigning trailer move requests to all autonomous yard trucks
• Support all engineering functions (design, hardware, software, integration, systems, and testing) by providing vehicle-level test data that is accurate, trusted, and on-time
• Embody a “Safety Steward” mindset — conduct daily on-site safety inspections of the test trucks, equipment, and area, and proactively propose safety improvements
• Stay actively involved with the Engineering teams to maintain understanding of changes to vehicles, tools, and software to ensure tests are executed correctly
• Effectively communicate test results and issues to the head of Test Operations, as well as peers on the Engineering teams
• Help Engineering and Commercial teams conduct product demonstrations for customer, investor, and media audiences at Outrider’s Advanced Testing Facility
• Help train new Autonomous Vehicle Test Technicians and Autonomous Vehicle Test Operators as the team grows
• Travel as needed to perform field work, training, or customer support (up to 20%)
• 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

• B.A. degree or higher preferred, or 2+ years of relevant experience in a similar technical discipline
• Experience testing automotive, aerospace, autonomous vehicle, robotic, or industrial automation products
• Experience working in an R&D, system test, or engineering environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Basic familiarity with Linux and command-line interface operations
• Positive references

Ideal Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, or complex electronic/robotic systems
• Experience with reliability or durability testing of robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, or other automation products
• Experience with the software development life cycle, modern software/hardware/system testing methods, and continuous integration
• Experience operating or monitoring multiple software tools simultaneously in a real-time environment
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and Google Suite
• Knowledge of yard operations, intermodal logistics, or freight transportation

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
• Cleaning and maintaining work areas
• Performing tasks that may require standing, walking, bending, twisting, or reaching for extended periods

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

Compensation & Benefits

• Shift: 3rd Shift: Friday - Sunday 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• Hourly Wage: $25.00 – $30.00
  • Actual compensation is based on several factors including job-related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Pet Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• $50 monthly cell phone stipend