Test Driving Self-Driving Cars for Google

By: Daniel Steingold | May 13, 2016

Whether you’re a recent graduate, looking to change careers, or simply want to work for Google, the tech giant is offering an exciting new opportunity.

Its new position, called a “vehicle safety specialist”, entails testing and helping ensure the safety of a self-driven vehicle, and pays $20 an hour. The catch? It is only available to individuals living in Chandler, AZ, a suburb of Phoenix.

Beyond location requirements, Google is looking for people with a Bachelor’s degree, and clean criminal and driving records. The corporation has gone on record to say that they are not looking for any specific kind of career background.

If nothing else, they want excellent drivers who pay close attention to the road, and are able to predict the behavior of other drivers. People who are very familiar with the Phoenix area will likely be prioritized.

As for how this position will actually work, testers will work in teams of two in a single vehicle. One individual will sit in the passenger’s seat, using a laptop to document the testing results and submit reports. Another individual will sit in the driver’s seat, and take over, if deemed necessary.

This position may involve being away from home for up to a month at a time, so it’s not for those who are travel weary or have obligations at home. Although the job is offered on a contract basis for 12-to 24-month periods, It is believed that vehicle safety specialists could find themselves with a permanent position at Google or another tech firm.

And it’s ultimately cool to have a job that hardly anyone has heard of. Expect similar positions from other leaders in the self-driving vehicle space to pop up in the coming months.


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