Prototype Vehicle Test Driver Jobs in California

Job Title: Vehicle Test Driver

Shift: Monday-Friday -- 4am - 12pm, 12pm - 8pm, 8pm - 4am 

• Flexibility with working overtime and on weekends
• Flexibility on adapting to other shift hours

Pay Range: $21-$24.25

Location: Newark, CA

The Vehicle Test Driver is responsible for driving and evaluating new and prototype motor vehicles on pre-defined routes on primary and secondary roads in various weather conditions. In addition, drivers might be responsible be required to transport customer employees throughout the Bay Area during the test.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Thorough knowledge of local motor vehicle and traffic laws.
•  Able to drive vehicles with automatic and manual transmissions.
•  Able to sit and drive for up to 10 hours per shift (when needed) with regular breaks.

o     Able to operate test vehicles as equipped for typical drivers.

o     Able to work independently and or in small groups and for periods without direct supervision.

o     Able to write legibly all comments needed on documents.

o     Maintain security and safety of assigned test vehicles.

o     Lock all vehicles when not occupied.

o     Complete ALL vehicle pre-inspections prior to leaving facility.

o     Follow predetermined assigned routes.

o     Complete assigned test procedures, and duty cycles and furnish complete reports, including complete comments of findings.

o     Work cooperatively with engineering staff and its customers on vehicle and system issues when requested.

o     Able to follow ALL rules, policies and procedures pertaining to test vehicles. (No eating, drinking (except for bottled water) or smoking in vehicles.

o    Follow ALL rules and procedures pertaining to high security vehicles.

o    No use of cell phones or texting while driving a vehicle.

o    Arrive to work on time.

o    Be able to write clear and concise comments about what you experience and explain your perception of vehicle performance, function and comfort.

o    Train trainees as needed

o    Maintain a positive attitude with the team members and customers

• Refuel/Recharge and clean vehicle
• Report road incidents to the Lead Drive/Project Coordinator
• Keep activities log and log hours
• Able to operate test vehicles as equipped for typical drivers.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to support customers on weekends and/or holidays

o    Complete assigned test procedures, and duty cycles and furnish complete reports, including  
complete comments of findings.  

• Job may require employee to move heavy objects and be exposed to hazardous work environments.
• Start of Shift:

• Check in with the Lead or Supervisor to acknowledge tasks and priorities for the day.
• Review any updates, special instructions, or changes to the testing plan.

• End of Shift:

• Ensure all required documentation (e.g., test results, reports, logs) is completed and accurate.

-       Check in with the Lead or Supervisor before departure to ensure all tasks have been completed or properly handed over to the next shift.

• Test Drive Execution:

-       Conduct test drives in accordance with the specific testing protocols and criteria provided by the client.

• Ensure that all tests are executed

• Adaptability:

-       Be prepared to adjust to any changes in test plans, routes, or conditions, including weather or road restrictions.

-       Maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure accurate feedback is provided during and after the test drive.

• Documentation and Reporting:

-       Record test results, issues encountered, and observations during the drive in the designated system or format.

• Incident Reporting:

-       Immediately report any incidents, accidents, or vehicle malfunctions to the Lead and ensure appropriate actions are taken.

• Client Feedback:

-       Provide feedback on vehicle performance, ride quality, handling, and other relevant test parameters as required by the testing protocol.

• Communication and Coordination:

-       Communicate any concerns, unusual observations, or deviations from expected performance to the testing team in real-time.

-       Coordinate with engineering, safety, and quality assurance teams as necessary to address any immediate issues.

• Additional Requests:

-       Be adaptable and ready to address any last-minute requests or added test scenarios from Formel D management as needed.

• Pre-Drive Inspections:

-       Perform routine checks on the test vehicle before the drive, including tire pressure, battery levels, and basic system diagnostics.

• Post-Drive Inspections:

-       Conduct a post-drive inspection to identify any potential wear, damage, or maintenance needs, ensuring the overall safety of the vehicle.

• Cleanliness:

• Ensure the test vehicle is clean and free of debris throughout the testing process.
• The vehicle must be clean and in proper condition before handing over to the next shift.

Environmental Requirements:

•  Jobs may require exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Jobs may require driving safely in daylight, darkness, and in poor road conditions.
  

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Must have Class C Driver’s License
• Pass a criminal background check and drug screen. 
• Must have clean driving record. 
• Work assigned schedule which may include multiple shifts, weekends and holidays; overtime when required. 
• Minimum 3 years professional driving experience. 

o    Have strong verbal and written communication skills; computer skills (SAP, MS Office, MRS systems).  

• Team oriented, flexible and focused on maintaining a high level of customer service. 
• Enthusiasm for operating
• Strong attention to details
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Pass criminal background check, DMW history report and pre-employment drug screening

o    Willingness to work in various working conditions including being in an active service center or unpredictable weather conditions

o    Physical exertion may be required to perform occupational tasks (sitting up to two or more hours at a time, standing for up to eight or more hours a day, walking, bending, kneeling, laying, twisting, carrying, reaching, stretching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs.)

o    Frequent use of hands for purposes of grasping and using tools correctly, entering data, writing communications, or calling customers or internal partners

o Ability to see, read, and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions/schematics