Nomadic Mission Operator (Contractor)
Latitude AI · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $75,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Drive advanced vehicles for data collection across states.
- Work a demanding schedule with travel and time off.
- Monitor and troubleshoot vehicle software and hardware.
- Adhere strictly to safety and data protocols.
- Collaborate with experts in autonomous driving technology.
About the role
About Latitude AI
Latitude AI (lat.ai) develops automated driving technologies, including L3, for Ford vehicles at scale. We’re driven by the opportunity to reimagine what it’s like to drive and make travel safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. When you join the Latitude team, you’ll work alongside leading experts across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering – all dedicated to making a real, positive impact on the driving experience for millions of people. As a Ford Motor Company subsidiary, we operate independently to develop automated driving technology at the speed of a technology startup. Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif.Meet The Team
Fleet Operations is where cutting-edge technology meets real-world application. As a Test Driver, you’ll play a vital role in the development testing that drives software and performance improvements. Our dedication to precision shapes the future of driving.What You’ll Do
- Drive test vehicles which may be across multiple states, collecting data on multi-day missions and facilitating the transfer of data back to Latitude.
- Operate on a 6-day, up to 60-hour workweek schedule, working 3 weeks on followed by 1 week off. Airfare will be provided for travel to and from a location.
- Perform daily start-up, system engagement/disengagement, and shutdown procedures for development vehicles.
- Actively monitor and troubleshoot both software and hardware systems while on the road.
- Execute data collection in accordance with strict safety and compliance protocols.
- Maintain accurate and detailed reports on system performance and data collection achievements.
- Represent the organization professionally and responsibly while driving in public environments, prioritizing the safety of all road users.
What You'll Need To Succeed
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent with two years of employment experience required. Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of residence and ability to meet Latitude AI’s minimum driving record requirements, as verified by Motor Vehicle Record background checks prior to hire and periodically thereafter.
- Must have an active passport or passport card.
- Ability to pass ten-panel drug screening and criminal background checks conducted prior to employment and periodically thereafter.
- Comfortable spending long hours driving and working in close quarters with others, maintaining professionalism and focus.
- Strong interest in technology, adapting quickly to challenges and embracing changes.
- Technical proficiency with computers; for example typing, checking network connections, navigating web-based applications.
- Basic troubleshooting skills with an ability to identify issues with both software and hardware.
- Contributes to a positive and professional work environment while working with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Capability to thrive autonomously or with limited oversight.
- A strong sense of responsibility and reliability—show up on time, ready to work every day.
- Curiosity and excitement about learning new technologies.
Nice To Have
- Prior experience in technical driving, fleet operations, or vehicle testing environments where compliance and adherence to procedures were crucial.
- Familiarity with vehicle diagnostics and data logging tools.
- Familiarity with work management tools like Jira, Slack, Driver Schedule, etc.
Important Information
This is a 1 year (12 month) contract assignment. Learn more about Latitude’s team, mission and career opportunities at lat.ai! Candidates for positions with Latitude AI must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.Key skills/competency
- Test Driver
- Automated Driving Technology
- Data Collection
- Vehicle Testing
- Fleet Operations
- Troubleshooting
- Compliance Protocols
- Reporting
- Technical Proficiency
- Autonomous Driving
Skills & topics
- Test Driver
- Autonomous Driving
- Vehicle Testing
- Data Collection
- Fleet Operations
- Robotics
- Machine Learning
- Automotive Technology
- Driver
- Contractor
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your driving experience, technical troubleshooting, and adaptability for the Test Driver role at Latitude AI.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize computer proficiency, basic hardware/software troubleshooting, and familiarity with data collection or vehicle testing.
- Demonstrate reliability: Provide examples of your strong sense of responsibility, punctuality, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Express passion for tech: Convey your curiosity and excitement for learning new technologies, especially in the automated driving field.
- Prepare for checks: Be ready for MVR, drug, and background checks, and ensure you meet driving record requirements for the Test Driver position.
Technical preparation
Familiarize yourself with L3 automated driving systems.,Practice computer tasks: typing, network checks, web apps.,Understand basic software/hardware troubleshooting steps.,Review vehicle diagnostics and data logging concepts.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you worked with limited oversight.,How do you maintain focus during long tasks?,Share an experience of adapting to new technology.,How do you ensure reliability and punctuality?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work schedule for a Test Driver at Latitude AI?
- The Test Driver role at Latitude AI operates on a 6-day workweek, with a schedule of up to 60 hours per week. This involves working for 3 weeks consecutively, followed by a 1-week break. Airfare is provided for travel to and from assignment locations.
- What are the minimum qualifications for the Test Driver position?
- To be considered for the Test Driver position, you need a High School Diploma or GED equivalent with two years of employment experience. A valid driver's license, an active passport, and the ability to pass background checks, drug screenings, and meet driving record requirements are also essential.
- Is this a remote or on-site position?
- The Test Driver role involves extensive travel across multiple states for multi-day missions. While not strictly remote, it requires significant time away from a fixed location, operating vehicles and collecting data in various environments.
- What kind of technology will I be working with as a Test Driver?
- As a Test Driver, you will work with advanced automated driving technologies being developed for Ford vehicles. This includes L3 systems, and you'll be responsible for daily start-up, engagement/disengagement, and shutdown procedures, as well as monitoring software and hardware systems.
- Does Latitude AI hire contractors for the Test Driver role?
- Yes, the Test Driver position at Latitude AI is a 1-year (12-month) contract assignment. This means you will be hired on a temporary basis for the duration of the contract period.
- What is expected of a Test Driver in terms of professionalism?
- Test Drivers are expected to represent Latitude AI professionally and responsibly at all times, especially when driving in public environments. This includes prioritizing the safety of all road users and maintaining focus and professionalism, even during long hours or in close quarters with colleagues.
- What kind of background checks are conducted for the Test Driver role?
- Latitude AI conducts several checks prior to employment and periodically thereafter for the Test Driver role. These include Motor Vehicle Record background checks, a ten-panel drug screening, and criminal background checks to ensure compliance and safety.