Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Tennessee

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. We aim to achieve this by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.

Flexdrive is a subsidiary of Lyft that works together with Lyft teams to realize our shared mission.

At Flexdrive, we're at the forefront of revolutionizing transportation by building the operational backbone for autonomous vehicle (AV) fleets. As a leader in fleet management, we're leveraging our expertise to enter the AV space, forming strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology providers. We're looking for a hands-on leader to help us pioneer this new chapter, starting with our first AV depot in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, AV Deployment, Flexdrive is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Operations Lead to manage morning to afternoon shift operations and ensure comprehensive safety compliance for our 24/7 AV depot in Nashville. This critical role bridges operational excellence with rigorous safety standards, serving as the primary on-shift leader responsible for team management, incident response, and maintaining compliance with all partner and regulatory requirements. You will be the guardian of operational safety and efficiency, ensuring every shift meets or exceeds our stringent safety and performance standards.

This role requires a unique combination of operational leadership, safety expertise, and the ability to manage complex compliance requirements while maintaining high team performance. If you excel at leading teams in safety-critical environments and can balance operational demands with unwavering safety standards, we encourage you to apply.

Work Schedule & Shift Availability

• Day Window Shift Pattern
  • This role supports 24/7 AV depot operations and requires availability to work day shifts, with hours scheduled between 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM. Specific shift times and schedules will be determined based on operational needs and business requirements.

Shift Leadership & Team Management:

• Availability: Schedules may include weekends and holidays based on depot operational requirements.
• 24/7 Operational Command: Lead and oversee all depot operations during assigned shifts, managing team performance, task allocation, and workflow optimization to meet fleet availability targets and SLAs.
• Personnel Development: Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and coaching sessions while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety-first mindset across all team members.
• Real-Time Staff Management: Maintain real-time updates of staff availability, coordinate shift handovers, and ensure adequate coverage for all critical depot functions including cleaning, charging, calibration, and maintenance support.
• Escalation Management: Serve as primary escalation point for urgent operational issues, coordinating with partner support teams for fleet-wide events, safety incidents, or disruptions affecting three or more vehicles.

Safety Compliance & Risk Management:

• Safety Program Implementation: Implement Safety Risk Management Program aligned with partner requirements, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.
• EHS Compliance Leadership: Ensure all depot operations meet OSHA, EPA, and partner-specific EHS standards, including implementing 30+ safety programs from hazardous materials handling to emergency response protocols.
• Incident Response Command: Lead incident response within 30-minute SLA, conducting root cause analysis, implementing corrective actions (CAPA), and submitting preliminary reports within 24 hours per partner standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain documented compliance with all AV regulatory requirements, coordinating with local, state, and federal authorities while ensuring all reporting obligations are met.

Training & Quality Assurance:

• Training Compliance Oversight: Ensure all personnel maintain active qualifications per partner requirements, tracking monthly verification of training status through the partner's learning management system.
• Safety Training Delivery: Coordinate and deliver safety-specific training including Emergency Action Plan (EAP) drills, hazmat handling, and role-specific safety protocols.
• Quality Monitoring: Conduct regular compliance audits of standard operating procedures (SOPs), implement quality control measures, and maintain a tiered documentation system for all safety and operational records.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze safety performance indicators (SPIs), identify trends, and implement process improvements to enhance both safety and operational efficiency.

Operational Excellence & Communication:

• Performance Management: Monitor and optimize KPIs including vehicle uptime, task cycle times, fleet utilization, and safety metrics while maintaining detailed shift reports and handover documentation.
• Vendor Coordination: Manage relationships with third-party service providers, ensuring all vendors meet partner safety and compliance standards during depot operations.
• Emergency Preparedness: Maintain and execute Emergency Action Plans (EAP), conduct annual drills, and ensure all personnel are trained on emergency procedures and evacuation protocols.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with partner support teams, coordinate with other shift leads, and ensure seamless 24/7 operational continuity through effective communication and documentation.

• 2+ years of experience in operational management roles within safety-critical environments (transportation, logistics, automotive, or manufacturing preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in safety management, EHS compliance, or risk management with demonstrated success implementing safety programs in 24/7 operations.
• Proven track record of leading teams in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.
• Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, audit management, and maintaining documentation for compliance verification.
• Strong understanding of fleet operations, vehicle maintenance workflows, and logistics management in multi-shift environments.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and ensuring third-party compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to interface with multiple stakeholders, from frontline staff to executive leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Required certifications: Valid driver's license with clean driving record; OSHA 30-hour certification preferred or willingness to obtain within 90 days

• Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
• Mental health benefits
• Family building benefits
• Child care and pet benefits
• 401(k) plan with company match to help save for your future
• In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary paid time off, hourly team members have 15 days paid time off
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible
• Subsidized commuter benefits
• Monthly Lyft credits and complimentary Lyft Pink membership

Note: For this role, candidates must reside in states registered for Flexdrive Services LLC.

The expected base pay range for this position in the Nashville area is $50,180 - $62,730, not inclusive of potential equity offering, bonus or benefits. Salary ranges are dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience and geographic location. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range specific to your working location and other factors during the hiring process.

Flexdrive is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive workplace that fosters belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. Flexdrive also strives for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibits harassment of any kind. Flexdrive will also consider employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.