Renowned electric vehicle producer Tesla appears to be setting the stage for an extensive recruitment campaign for EV test drivers. With wages ranging from $18 to $48 per hour, as cited in a Business Insider report, this tactical initiative underscores Tesla’s dedication to augmenting its vehicular performance and capturing invaluable data to spur ongoing tech evolution.
A plethora of job openings have emerged recently across several US cities, encompassing Austin, Denver, and Brooklyn. These roles, straddling both day and night shifts, engage potential employees in a three-month period and offer attractive supplemental benefits.
While Tesla has a history of hiring test drivers, the present initiative signifies a potential recalibration in their testing approach. Traditionally, the company leans on real-time data provided by its vehicle owners to test various software, notably its beta Full Self-Driving (FSD) program.
Yet, the fresh job listings suggest a transition towards an intensified focus on internal testing, reducing the reliance on data acquired from Tesla owners. This shift can be interpreted as a strategic move towards enhanced control over data quality and reliability, warranting more uniform and accurate results.
John Bernal, a prior test driver for Tesla, clarified that these drivers are tasked with piloting Teslas equipped with an array of sensors and enacting designated driving scenarios that could potentially perplex Tesla’s FSD software. These situations might include executing left-hand turns or traversing unconventional intersections. The consequent data is then subject to analysis and classification by data labelers within Tesla plants.
Although a degree is not a prerequisite for Tesla’s open position, they do require applicants to possess a clean driving record, demonstrate safe driving habits, and have a minimum of four years of licensed driving experience.
This hiring spree coincides with an opportune moment for Tesla. Speculations are rife that the company might be on the cusp of unveiling a fully autonomous vehicle by the year’s end. Speaking at a recent AI conference in Shanghai, Elon Musk expressed confidence in Tesla’s progress towards full self-driving capability without human supervision.
The move to invest in exhaustive testing of its vehicles embodies Tesla’s commitment to top-notch performance, safety for its customers, and advances in autonomous driving capabilities. With the world on tenterhooks, Tesla strides ahead in crafting the future of autonomous vehicles, sculpting the contours of the global auto industry.
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