Autonomous CDL A Driver

Kett Engineering Corporation; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 37,195 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Kett Engineering Corporation is seeking a full-time vehicle test driver in San Antonio, TX. This role involves conducting vehicle tests according to customer specifications and ensuring high safety standards.

The successful candidate will have a CDL A, a clean driving history, and at least 5 years of driving experience. Duties include operating autonomous vehicles and providing detailed feedback after tests. A willingness to travel and work flexible hours is essential.

Qualifications

• Must have clean driving history for past 3 years. No at-fault accidents, DUIs, DWIs.
• Preferred experience in mixed-traffic environments.
• Proficiency with ELDs and telematics systems is needed.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate autonomous commercial vehicles on test routes.
• Provide structured feedback after each route.
• Conduct thorough pre and post trip safety inspections.

Skills

CDL A driving experience

Vehicle testing experience

Tech-savvy

Strong analytical skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ELDs

Telematics systems

In-cab technology platforms

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: San Antonio, TX - Elmendorf, TX 78112.
Position Type: Full Time.
Education Level: High School.
Salary Range: $27.00 - $30.00 Hourly.

Job Summary and General Purpose of Position

Conducts test driving per customer test specifications. Performs total vehicle testing as well as provides documented feedback. Always represents Kett in a professional manner.

Essential Functions

• Ability to travel periodically to perform over the road testing, training, vehicle transfers or remote operations support.
• Ability to drive in adverse extreme weather conditions, including harsh winter conditions.
• Safely operate and oversee autonomous commercial vehicles on designated test routes, intervening or assuming manual control when required.
• Maintain full situational awareness and provide high-quality operational feedback to engineering and safety teams.
• Communicate real-time route status, events, system observations, and safety concerns to the various teams.
• Utilize onboard data tools, GPS tracking systems, and diagnostic interfaces to support engineering and safety reporting.
• Provide structured feedback after each route, including improvement opportunities, system behaviors, and operational insights.
• Perform drop-and-hook operations, yard moves, backing/docking, and coupling/uncoupling of tractor-trailer combinations to evaluate advanced tractor/trailers and other vehicles for testing purposes.
• Support specialized test procedures, including system checks, route validations, and event-specific evaluations.
• Drive approved test schedules in accordance with all established procedures.
• Prepare accurate, clear, and concise Drivers Reports and Logs on a daily basis.
• Conduct thorough pre and post trip safety inspections as required per DOT, OEM, and site-specific protocols.
• Perform other related driving / vehicle preparation work as required, such as vehicle shuttling, detailing, etc.
• Assist with clerical work or other jobs as required by Supervision.
• Follow policies and procedures of both Kett Engineering and customer.
• Act as a mentor to other drivers if assigned to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to a positive work environment and promote overall team effort.
• Focus on meeting and exceeding Kett and customer expectations.
• Responsibilities involve a definite degree of skill, accuracy and cooperation.
• Possess a thorough understanding of Kett and customer policies and procedures and Kett’s Vision and Values.
• Ability to complete concise and accurate documentation.
• Promote safety awareness and assure compliance with all safety practices.
• Communication skills, verbal and written, are a priority.

Job Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Skills/Experience: Must have CDL A and DOT Card and minimum 5 years CDL A driving experience.
• Must have clean driving history for past 3 years. No at-fault accidents, DUIs, DWIs.
• Preferred experience in mixed-traffic environments, including highway, local, and urban settings and across regional and OTR.
• Must be tech savvy. Prior experience in vehicle testing, OEM validation, fleet technology trials, or advanced vehicle systems development desired as well as familiarity with autonomous driving systems, SAE Level 2–4 features, or advanced driver-assist technologies.
• Proficiency with ELDs, telematics systems, and in-cab technology platforms.
• Attention to detail with the ability to communicate findings both verbally and in writing.
• Strong analytical skills, curiosity, and ability to recognize patterns or anomalies.
• Able to contribute to a team environment.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Job requires sitting, standing, and bending for approximately 6‑8 hours on a daily basis.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in varied noise levels and weather conditions (dust, heat, rain, or uneven terrain).
• Must be flexible and available to work overtime, and hours outside of normal demands, including overnight, variable and rotating shift work, weekends and Holidays to support 24/7 readiness.
• Must be flexible and available to travel as required or requested by the customer, passport preferred.
• Maintain DOT/FMCSA requirements.
• Ability to pass Drug Screen and Background Check.

Critical Skills

• Safety – Abides by, promotes and acknowledges all safety practices in keeping with high safety standards.
• Communications – Must provide information and receive feedback in a concise, accurate and detailed manner.
• Dependability – Display ability to successfully and satisfactorily complete assigned tasks.
• Cooperation – Exhibit characteristics of an effective team member focused on a common goal, promotes the development of like qualities in others.
• Initiative and Resourcefulness – Possess initiative to take effective action, anticipate needs and perform in accordance to resources provided.
• Flexibility – Must be willing and able to expand the scope of responsibilities as dependent upon requirements of the business environment.
• Commitment – Able to accept assigned tasks with a quality result as an objective.
• Dedication – Demonstrate the ability to consistently perform all responsibilities with integrity.
• Role Model – Serve as an example for Kett’s Vision and Values.
• Result Oriented – Accomplish performance targets established by Kett and the customer.