Safety Driver – Full Time/Contract

About Avride

Avride is a U.S.-based autonomous vehicle company 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 continuously learn from one another—a unique approach that accelerates innovation across our entire platform. Since 2017, Avride has been advancing autonomous technology to create safe, reliable transportation and delivery solutions that meet today's needs while shaping the future of mobility.

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. If you're passionate about driving, technology, and being part of an industry that's transforming transportation, Avride offers the opportunity to make a real impact while working alongside a talented team that's redefining the future of mobility.

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 several shift options. 

During your shift, you will work closely with remote operators, alternating between manually driving the vehicle and supervising it while in autonomous mode. Your driving plays an important role in the continued development of our autonomous technology. By consistently demonstrating safe driving habits, strong hazard awareness, and sound decision-making, you will help generate high-quality driving data that supports the improvement of Avride's autonomous driving system. In addition to driving, you will support data collection and vehicle testing activities, 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.

• Tuesday–Saturday
• Sunday–Thursday

• 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Day Shift (10-hour shift option) 

• Friday-Monday 4:30am-3:00pm 

• Tuesday–Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM (8-hour shifts)
• Friday–Monday: 2:30 PM – 1:00 AM (10-hour shifts)

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

• 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

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

jobs@avride.ai