Tesla Is Recruiting Test Drivers for Its Autonomous Robotaxi in New York City | Carscoops

      This job appears to be one of the most stressful positions someone could hold behind the wheel.

      Tesla is seeking full-time vehicle operators in New York City.

      Employees will spend between five to eight hours each day driving.

      Drivers will gather data, offer feedback, and perform analysis tasks.

      New York City is arguably the most challenging place to drive a car in the entire country. The area is so crowded with people, cyclists, mopeds, and vehicles that navigating it can cause genuine anxiety for some. This is the environment Tesla aims to address with its autonomous driving technology. It seems that the first step is to actively recruit testers to figure out how to manage the city.

      The job listing for a 'Vehicle Operator, Autopilot' on Tesla's website offers a choice of three shifts—day, afternoon, or night—with hourly pay ranging from $25.25 to $30.60 based on the position level. It includes full benefits and is a full-time role based out of Flushing, New York.

      A hands-on approach is required.

      New hires will operate what Tesla refers to as an engineering vehicle "for extended periods, conducting dynamic audio and camera data collection for testing and training purposes."

      The automaker anticipates that the eventual employee will need to start and stop recording devices, perform minor equipment and software troubleshooting, analyze data, provide feedback, write detailed daily driving reports, and, most importantly, confirm the vehicle’s safety and operational status before every shift.

      In other words, it seems the employee will need to maintain a high level of focus throughout the driving day, regardless of the amount of autonomy the car possesses.

      According to CNBC, Tesla has not sought a permit to test autonomous vehicles in the state. Importantly, NYC officials have confirmed that any company granted a permit must always have a safety driver present behind the wheel. This could shed light on what Tesla is ultimately pursuing.

      Following a familiar strategy.

      In fact, it is already implementing a similar approach in San Francisco, where it lacks a permit to operate an autonomous fleet. Instead, it uses a safety driver in the driver's seat and presents the service as a ride-hailing operation.

      All of this aligns well with Elon Musk’s statement earlier this year that by 2026, half of the U.S. population would have access to Robotaxi services.