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Vehicle Operator, Robotaxi
Conducts extensive real-world data collection by driving engineering vehicles equipped with advanced sensors to capture audio and camera data for autonomous driving system training and validation
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive engineering vehicles for extended periods (5-8 hours daily) in designated areas to collect comprehensive driving data
- Operate recording devices and perform minor equipment troubleshooting and software debugging as needed
- Analyze and report on data quality collected during each shift while documenting observations and issues
- Provide feedback and suggest process improvements to optimize data collection efficiency and coverage
- Write detailed daily drive reports documenting road conditions, traffic scenarios, and system performance
- Ensure vehicle safety and operational status through pre-shift inspections and maintenance checks
- Travel domestically and internationally as required for diverse data collection scenarios
Skills & Tools:
- Valid driver's license with excellent driving record and skills
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS) familiarity
- Tech-savvy with experience in data collection tools and PC troubleshooting
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency for reporting and documentation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for detailed reporting
- High attention to detail and observational skills during data collection
- Flexible scheduling capability including day, afternoon, and night shifts
- Ability to work weekends and overtime as needed
- Physical stamina for extended driving periods
- Safety-conscious mindset for handling prototype vehicles
Where This Role Has Appeared:
- Tesla (Electric Vehicles/Autonomous Driving, Various locations, July 2025)
Variants & Related Titles:
- Autonomous Vehicle Data Collector
- AV Test Driver - Data Collection
- Robotaxi Development Operator
- Self-Driving Car Data Specialist
- Autonomous Systems Test Operator
Why This Role Is New:
Vehicle Operator for Robotaxi emerged in 2023-2024 as autonomous vehicle companies realized they needed massive, diverse datasets to train AI systems for fully driverless operations. Unlike traditional test drivers who focus on vehicle performance, this role specifically supports AI training by collecting the millions of real-world driving scenarios needed to handle edge cases and ensure safety in autonomous robotaxi deployments.
Trend Insight:
As robotaxi services prepare for commercial launch, companies are investing heavily in human-driven data collection operations that will eventually train the AI systems to replace human drivers, creating a temporary but critical workforce that enables the transition to fully autonomous transportation.
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