Job Description – Safety Driver (Robo Taxi)
Job Title
Safety Driver – Robo Taxi / Autonomous Vehicle Operations
Job Summary
The Safety Driver is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the safe operation of autonomous (self-driving) vehicles during testing, validation, demonstration, and commercial robo-taxi operations. The role requires continuous supervision of vehicle performance, readiness to take manual control when necessary, accurate reporting of incidents and system behavior, and strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Autonomous Vehicle Monitoring
- Monitor the operation of autonomous vehicles during testing and passenger service activities.
- Maintain constant awareness of road conditions, traffic patterns, pedestrians, and potential hazards.
- Remain prepared to take immediate manual control of the vehicle whenever safety requires intervention.
- Verify that autonomous systems are functioning as intended throughout each trip.
Safety Operations
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Ensure all safety systems, sensors, cameras, and communication equipment are operational before deployment.
- Follow established safety procedures, operating guidelines, and emergency response protocols.
- Respond appropriately to unexpected road conditions, system alerts, or equipment malfunctions.
Incident Reporting & Data Collection
- Document disengagements, interventions, incidents, and unusual vehicle behavior.
- Record operational observations and feedback for engineering and operations teams.
- Complete trip logs, safety reports, and testing documentation accurately and promptly.
- Assist with root-cause investigations of operational events.
Testing & Validation Support
- Participate in vehicle testing programs and route validation activities.
- Support engineers and software teams by providing detailed observations regarding vehicle performance.
- Assist in evaluating autonomous system behavior under various traffic, weather, and environmental conditions.
- Verify operational readiness before deployment of new software or system updates.
Customer Service (Commercial Robo Taxi Operations)
- Provide professional assistance to passengers when required.
- Explain basic safety procedures and operational guidelines to customers.
- Respond courteously to passenger questions and concerns.
- Ensure a safe and comfortable customer experience.
Regulatory Compliance
- Comply with all traffic laws, company policies, and autonomous vehicle regulations.
- Maintain required driving qualifications and certifications.
- Participate in safety training, assessments, and operational reviews.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Advanced driving certification or defensive driving training is preferred.
- Additional autonomous vehicle testing certifications are advantageous.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of professional driving experience.
- Experience in commercial driving, transportation, fleet operations, ride-hailing, logistics, or vehicle testing is preferred.
- Prior experience with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or autonomous vehicle programs is an advantage.
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of road safety principles and traffic regulations.
- Ability to operate and monitor advanced vehicle technologies.
- Familiarity with navigation systems, mobile applications, and vehicle diagnostic interfaces.
- Basic computer skills for reporting and documentation.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and situational awareness.
- Strong concentration and ability to remain alert for extended periods.
- Excellent decision-making and quick reaction capabilities.
- Effective communication and reporting skills.
- Professional, reliable, and safety-focused mindset.
Working Conditions
- Extended periods of driving and vehicle monitoring.
- Work in various traffic, weather, and environmental conditions.
- May involve shift work, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call schedules.
- Frequent interaction with engineering teams, operations staff, and passengers.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Safe operation with zero preventable accidents.
- Timely and accurate intervention during safety-critical situations.
- Quality and completeness of incident and trip reports.
- Compliance with operational and regulatory requirements.
- Vehicle readiness and inspection completion rates.
- Customer satisfaction and professionalism during service operation
