Google hires test drivers for autonomous cars

Google is seeking drivers to test its driverless cars in Chandler, Arizona. “Test drivers play an important role in developing our self-driving technology,” said Brian Torcellini, head of operations for Google’s Self-Driving Car testing program. “They give our engineers feedback about how our cars are driving and interacting with others on the road, and can take control of the vehicle if needed.”

Google is looking for applicants with a bachelor’s degree and excellent communication skills. The candidate also should be able to take over the car, in case the autonomous system fails.

Self-driving car

The candidates will be operating a vehicle for six to eight hours per day collecting data for the Google engineering team. For the tests, Google pairs two employees in a self-driving car. One sits in the driver’s seat and the other will take notes. The notes and the feedback will be used by the engineering team, for further improvement of the driverless car. Google expects the new employees ‘to keep all project details confidential’ and to have a ‘clean driving history’.

A Google self-driving car in traffic: