Safety Driver - Full Time/Contract

Safety Driver - Full Time/Contract

Austin, TX

About Avride

Avride is a U.S.-based autonomous vehicle startup headquartered in Austin, TX, with additional R&D hubs around the world. Our company develops and operates both autonomous cars and delivery robots that share technologies and mutually benefit from each other's advancementsa unique approach in the industry. Since 2017, Avride has been building expertise in autonomous technologies to create solutions that address current needs and anticipate future demands. Today, we operate a fleet of autonomous vehicles in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with Uber, bringing our technology into real-world deployment.

About the Team

Our Operations Team is at the core of autonomous vehicle testing, ensuring every mile driven meets the highest safety standards. We work closely with engineers and QA teams to bring cutting-edge technology safely to the real world. It's a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where precision and responsibility matter.

About the Role

In this role, you will operate Avride autonomous vehicles in the Austin area, supporting testing and on-road operations. You will be driving Avride vehicles and will be paid an hourly rate of $25/hour. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with two shift options: Tuesday through Saturday (8 hours per day) or Friday through Monday (10 hours per day). The role is based out of our North Austin location, with driving taking place throughout the city. During your shift, you will work closely with remote operators alternating between manual driving and supervising the vehicle in autonomous mode. As part of your driving role, you will support data collection and testing efforts, which may include adjusting hardware, uploading software, and assisting with basic technical troubleshooting.

This role is employed through our 3rd party employer of record partner and offers weekly pay on Fridays. Employees are eligible for subsidized benefits starting on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment, as well as access to a 401(k) plan and paid time off.

Available Schedules: Tuesday - Saturday (8 hours per day, 40 hours per week) Friday - Monday (10 hours per day) Available Shifts: AM Shift Options: $25/hr 4:30 am - 3:00 pm (Friday - Monday ONLY) 5:00 am - 1:30 pm 5:30 am - 2:00 pm 6:00 am - 2:30 pm 6:30 am - 3:00 pm PM Shift Options: $25/hr 2:30 pm - 1:00 am (Friday - Monday ONLY) 2:30 pm - 11:00 pm 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm 3:30 pm - 12:00 am 4:00 pm - 12:30 am

Additional Shift Offerings: If you're unable to work the currently available shifts but are still interested in this role, we encourage you to apply! Please indicate your preferred shifts in your application, and we will reach out when those opportunities become available.

What You'll Do

• Operate autonomous vehicles safely and lawfully to collect critical data on system performance and environmental factors.
• Interact professionally with riders, engineers, and company operations leaders to provide feedback and insights.
• Monitor vehicle performance and conduct in-field testing to ensure operational safety.
• Prepare vehicles daily for in-field operations, including safety checks and system readiness.
• Submit detailed reports to support system advancements and operational improvements.
• Be prepared for the actions of other drivers and pedestrians as well as for unexpected events.
• Be alert and distraction free while in vehicles.

What You'll Need - Please include any professional driving experience (including Uber/Lyft/Favor or similar platforms) on your resume.

• Experience as an autonomous vehicle operator, driving instructor, motorsports racer, or in another role that demands strong safety awareness and exceptional driving skills. Any prior driving experience (e.g., Uber or similar) should be clearly listed on the resume submitted for this role.
• A valid US driving license for the last 3+ years
• Must have a clean driving record with no DUIs, drug, and/or alcohol-related offenses within the last 5 years
• Able to anticipate hazardous situations and act quickly and safely, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others when operating a motor vehicle
• Have a thorough knowledge of local traffic regulations
• Excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail
• A willingness to work in various weather conditions and comfortable driving on different types of roads
• Takes ownership with a high level of responsibility
• Drivers check, background check and drug test completed prior to start

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of vehicle technology and control systems
• Certification from safe driving or defensive driving courses
• Additional courses in Safety Driving or Defensive Driving

Benefits:

• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employer Subsidized Healthcare Benefits thru our 3rd party employer of record partner
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance thru our 3rd party employer of record partner
• 401k package

Commitment: This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed through our trusted Employer of Record partner, who manages payroll, benefits, and local compliance on our behalf. You will work day-to-day with the Avride team and be fully integrated into our culture and operations. This job is onsite and available to candidates local to the Austin, Texas area. Avride values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Candidates are required to be authorized to work in the U.S. The employer is not offering relocation sponsorship, and remote work options are not available.

Avride is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to employment opportunities. Avride complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with the application or hiring process, or to perform the essential functions of a job, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.