Full-time role requires sharp driving skills
Tesla has posted a new job listing for a Prototype Vehicle Operator that will have to conduct intensive testing of the EV brand’s autonomous vehicles. In other words, these operators will have to spend up to eight hours per day in a Tesla robotaxi, while collecting important audio and camera data the company can use for testing and training.
The job is based in Flushing, New York, which means operators will be at the mercy of some of the country’s most congested streets, while testing a vehicle that doesn’t exactly have the best safety reputation.
Tesla Is Recruiting Despite Not Having A Permit
Tesla
According to CNBC, Tesla is on the hunt for vehicle operators even though it hasn’t applied for a permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York. A trained safety driver is required when testing autonomous vehicles in New York, and they have to be prepared to take control of the vehicle at all times, if required.
The role requires driving the engineering vehicle in specific areas, while performing equipment and software debugging when necessary. Detailed drive reports need to be compiled daily, with drivers noting any issues experienced. Previously, Tesla robotaxis in Texas were found to break several traffic violations, such as stopping in the middle of intersections and speeding. Of course, many others have performed perfectly, too.
Responding to such issues potentially repeating themselves on New York’s bustling streets will require someone with nerves of steel. For those brave enough, there are three shifts to choose from, and compensation is between $25.25 and $30.60 per hour.
Tesla Under Pressure In The Robotaxi Space
In a year where its sales have declined significantly and older vehicles like the Model X and Model S are no longer available in certain major markets, Tesla has decided to invest more heavily in its robotaxi service and self-driving technology. It’s not the sole player in this space, though.
Waymo
Waymo’s driverless taxi service keeps expanding, and the company claims its taxis are 88% safer than human drivers. GM, which plans to revive its Cruise taxi service, is also on the hunt for a slice of the robotaxi pie. Last month, Lucid announced that it has committed to a robotaxi service with Uber, with 20,000 taxis to be deployed in key areas.
Earlier this week, Elon Musk said on Twitter that Tesla’s robotaxi service will be open to the public in September in Austin. The service has only been available to invited users, so this will be the next big step, and with testing set to get underway in New York, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before the driverless taxi makes its way there, too.