Google is reportedly looking for Arizona drivers to test drive its self-driving cars. The Alphabet company will pay Vehicle Safety Specialists $20 per hour in the Phoenix suburb Chandler for car testing of its autonomous vehicles (AV).
This news was reported in the Arizona Republic. Its job listing states that the requirements include a Bachelor's degree, clean driving/criminal records, and being able to type a minimum of 40 words per minute, according to Digital Trends.
In addition, testers of the driverless cars must work six to hours per day for five days a week. They will also receive contracts between one and two years.
The driving teams will include two people per robot car. One tester will sit behind the wheel and take over in emergency situations. Meanwhile, the other person will sit in the passenger seat. Their job will be to document testing and submit reports using a laptop computer.
The AV's "passenger" must focus on different software systems. They will give Google engineers detailed written and oral feedback.
Google's safety specialists must be excellent drivers who keep their eyes on the road and predict different social features of driving. They also might have to test AVs for up to one month.
Brian Torcellini is the head of operations of Google's Self-Driving Car testing program. He shared that test drivers are important in developing the tech company's autonomous tech by providing feedback about the AVs' driving and interaction on public roads.
Torcellini explained that the Phoenix area is an excellent place for local drivers to evaluate Google's autonomous cars. The reason is they know the local roads and driving situations well.
The main goal of the positions is to make driverless cars safer. However, it could launch a career path as the demand for on-road testing of autonomous tools and systems increases.
In related news, Google and Fiat Chrysler recently teamed up to test 100 minivans. The tech giant agreed to install its self-driving technology in a fleet of the automaker's hybrid minivans, according to The New York Times.
This is the biggest partnership between a Silicon Valley and traditional carmaker. Experts shared this move will help the Italian-American company to catch up with the AV tech of General Motors and Ford.
Here's a report on Google/Fiat Chrysler teaming up: