We are seeking dependable, skilled and safety-focused Autonomous Drivers to support the testing, validation, and operational readiness of advanced autonomous Class A commercial vehicles. In this role, you will serve as the primary safety operator, responsible for monitoring autonomous driving systems, maintaining full situational awareness, intervening when necessary, and providing high-quality operational feedback to engineering and safety teams.
The ideal candidate brings extensive CDL Class A experience, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to work in dynamic, fast-moving development environments. This position is a critical component of on-road autonomous operations and requires professionalism, discipline, and exceptional communication skills. The ideal candidate will also be tech savvy and have at least 5 years of computer skills.
Full Time role with benefits offered after completing 60 days of employment.
Monday - Friday scheduling (shift times may vary depending on test parameters)
Overnight Shift: 12:00am - 8:00am
Day Shift: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Key Responsibilities
Autonomous & Manual Vehicle Operation
- Safely operate and oversee autonomous commercial vehicles on designated test routes, intervening or assuming manual control when required.
- Maintain continuous attention and situational awareness during all autonomous operations.
- Support specialized test procedures, including system checks, route validations, and event-specific evaluations.
- Perform drop-and-hook operations, yard moves, backing/docking, and coupling/uncoupling of tractor-trailer combinations.
Pre-Trip, In-Route & Post-Trip Requirements
- Conduct thorough vehicle safety inspections per DOT, OEM, and site-specific protocols.
- Document vehicle performance, disengagements, anomalies, near-misses, and environmental observations using standardized reporting templates and onboard systems.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of logs, data entries, and operational records.
Technical & Reporting Responsibilities
- Utilize onboard data tools, GPS tracking systems, and diagnostic interfaces to support engineering and safety reporting.
- Communicate real-time route status, events, system observations, and safety concerns to the Control Center and engineering teams.
- Provide structured feedback after each route, including improvement opportunities, system behaviors, and operational insights.
Safety, Compliance & Training
- Maintain full compliance with DOT/FMCSA requirements, ELD regulations, site operating rules, and safety standards.
- Complete all required site-specific training, customer orientations, and company safety certifications before operating autonomous equipment.
- Adhere to PPE requirements, safety protocols, alcohol/drug policies, and operational readiness standards.
- Participate in incident reporting, near-miss documentation, and corrective action processes when required.
- Follow policies and procedures of both Kett Engineering and customer.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate closely with engineering, safety, field operations, and Control Center teams.
- Communicate clearly and consistently across functions to ensure safe, successful execution of test plans.
- Support a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline, and safety excellence.
- Contribute to a positive work environment and promote overall team effort.
- Focus on meeting and exceeding Kett and customer expectations.
- Responsibilities involve a definite degree of skill, accuracy and cooperation.
- Possess a thorough understanding of Kett and customer policies and procedures and Kett’s Vision and Values.
- Ability to complete concise and accurate documentation.
- Promote safety awareness and assure compliance with all safety practices.
- Communication skills, verbal and written, are a priority.
- Must always present and communicate professionally.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Minimum 5 years of recent Class A driving experience, preferably across regional and OTR environments.
- Clean and current Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) meeting DOT standards.
- Successful completion of DOT physical and ability to meet all DOT qualification requirements.
- Ability to work variable schedules, including nights and weekends, to support 24/7 operations.
- Ability to travel periodically to perform over the road testing and vehicle transfers.
- Ability to drive in adverse extreme weather conditions, including harsh winter conditions.
- Able to contribute in a team environment.
- Must be willing to travel as needed.
- Must be flexible and available travel as required .
- Must be able to pass the pre-employment drug and background screens.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in vehicle testing, OEM validation, fleet technology trials, or advanced vehicle systems development.
- Familiarity with autonomous driving systems, SAE Level 2–4 features, or advanced driver-assist technologies.
- Proficiency with ELDs, telematics systems, and in-cab technology platforms.
- Strong analytical skills, curiosity, and ability to recognize patterns or anomalies.
- Experience in mixed-traffic environments, including highway, local, and urban settings.
- Passport preferred for potential travel requirements.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods (up to 2+ hours at a time) during on-road testing.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or move items up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions, including heat, dust, rain, or uneven terrain.
- Work in environments with varying noise levels (proving grounds, garages, active roadways).
Schedule Expectations
- Some roles require overnight or variable shift work to support around-the-clock testing and operations.
- Must be flexible to participate in rotating shift schedules depending on pilot phases and operational needs.
- Travel may be required for training, testing events, or remote operations support.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Describe your computer skills and aptitude (average, above average, expert).
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- OTR: 3 years (Required)
- CDL A driving: 5 years (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
