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Location Lead – Self-Driving Vehicle Operations

Austin, TX

About the Team

Our Operations Team is the backbone of safe and efficient AV testing. We manage people, vehicles, and daily execution across multiple test routes and conditions. With a strong focus on safety, performance, and collaboration, the team ensures every mile driven moves autonomy forward — reliably and responsibly.

About the Role

The Location Lead oversees daily autonomous-vehicle (AV) safety operations at a given site. While you’ll still take the wheel for critical tests or coverage gaps, your primary focus is workforce planning, shift scheduling, KPI tracking, and cross-team coordination. You will be accountable for hitting production targets, maintaining a strong safety record, and cultivating a high-performance driver culture.

What You'll Do

  • Team & Shift Management
    Build weekly driver rosters, balancing skill sets, legal hours-of-service, and vehicle availability.
    Approve timecards, manage PTO, and coordinate backfills for absences.
  • Operational KPIs & Continuous Improvement
    Define and track metrics such as disengagements per 100 mi, on-time route completions, and incident response times.
    Run daily stand-ups and post-shift debriefs; publish performance dashboards.
  • Safety & Compliance Oversight
    Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, DMV regulations, and company SOPs.
    Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective-action roll-outs.
  • Resource & Fleet Coordination
    Align vehicle maintenance, software update windows, and test-route allocations with the central ops team.
    Liaise with engineering, QA, and remote-assist teams to prioritize test objectives.
  • Hands-On Driving (as needed)
    Cover critical routes, validate new procedures, or coach drivers during complex scenarios.
  • Safety Monitoring and Data Collection:
    Operate autonomous vehicles during testing, ensuring timely interventions when necessary to maintain safety.
    Monitor the technical condition of the vehicle and perform daily inspections and equipment checks.
    Collect and report data related to the autonomous driving system's performance.
  • Training and Knowledge Sharing:
    Assist with onboarding and training new drivers as needed.
    Provide feedback to engineers and developers to improve vehicle safety and performance.
    Participate in regular training and performance evaluations to maintain high safety standards.
  • Incident Response and Quality Control:
    Support the analysis of any incidents or accidents during testing.
    Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and procedures.
    Participate in discussions to review interventions and improve operational processes.
  • Operational Planning:
    Assist in daily task planning and scheduling for testing operations.
    Help manage shifts and ensure the availability of vehicles and drivers for each session.

What You'll Need

  • 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role within AV testing, logistics, or fleet operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage 20–30 personnel across multiple shifts.
  • Proficiency with scheduling/dispatch tools and spreadsheet-based KPI tracking.
  • Clean driving record and comfort operating diverse vehicle platforms.
  • Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Valid driver's license with at least 3 years of experience and a clean driving record.

Nice to Have

  • Prior experience scaling a new test site or launch program.
  • Experience with autonomous vehicles or vehicle testing is a plus.
  • Background in defensive driving, motorsports, or related fields.
  • Technical knowledge of vehicle systems and safety protocols.

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.

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