Vehicle Operator - CDL

 

Waabi is building generative AI for the physical world, starting with autonomous trucks. Our Texas road operations run both R&D testing and revenue freight out of our Lancaster terminal, and day shift is the core of that operation.

Vehicle Operators are the professional drivers behind the program. You will manually drive Class 8 combination vehicles, supervise the Waabi Driver on public roadways and test tracks, and provide the experienced judgment that keeps our testing and commercial operations safe. On day shift you run the highest mission volume we operate, with the full operations and engineering team around you. The Waabi Driver improves because experienced operators tell us precisely what they saw and why they took control; that feedback loop is the core of the job.

You will…

• Manually drive Class 8 commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles safely and compliantly, including mapping and shadow missions, yard moves, transports, drayage, scouting, and repositioning.
• Operate Class 8 autonomous vehicles on public roadways and test tracks in supervised autonomy, maintaining readiness to assume manual control at any moment.
• Apply Waabi’s Takeover Guidance and Policy Takeovers, maintaining floating-hands or slip-grip technique, active mirror scanning, and priority callouts for upcoming intentions and actors.
• Disengage when a safety, stranding, or reputational risk requires it, and provide the specific situational detail our engineers need. Disengagement counts are not individual performance metrics; failing to disengage when required is.
• Complete pre-trip inspections and post-trip Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports in Fleetio with clear, complete photo documentation, and support the Enhanced Inspection Program where trained and certified.
• Maintain accurate Motive ELD records throughout the shift and manage your clock proactively so loads can be completed compliantly.
• Exit the cab to visually assess surroundings whenever conditions warrant, including tight maneuvers and after more than two pull-ups, and use standard hand signals and a spotter for backing.
• Review and follow platform-specific SOPs and startup procedures for each truck platform you are assigned to, including power-on sequencing and overnight charging.
• Operate customer loads to committed gate, departure, and arrival times, verify tractor and trailer condition and weight, follow the fueling, weighing, and inspection sequence, and communicate delays as early as possible.
• Provide clear, specific feedback about vehicle performance and capability, and support your Fleet Specialist in producing high-quality annotations.
• Support other crews, the fleet technicians, and facilities when out of the truck, including 5-S standards, readiness work, and SOP documentation.
• Maintain and improve Waabi’s culture of excellence in safety, and speak up immediately when something is not right.

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License and a valid DOT medical certification.
• Minimum of three years of recent commercial driving experience with combination vehicles.
• Exemplary motor vehicle record, background check, and DOT drug and alcohol screening results, reviewed on an individualized basis.
• Demonstrated ability to use an electronic logging device and to manage Hours of Service compliance independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment where priorities and schedules move.
• Able and willing to work the day shift described below, including flexible start and end times and extended, potentially consecutive shifts of up to approximately 14 hours (following DOT regulations), plus weekend, holiday, and overnight travel.
• Open-minded, collaborative team player with a willingness to help others and to work closely with a Fleet Specialist and with operations, engineering, and other cross-functional partners.
• Able to give clear, specific verbal and written feedback about vehicle behavior.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn Waabi’s mission, fleet, and inspection tooling quickly.
• Passionate about self-driving technology, solving hard problems, and creating innovative solutions.
• Previous autonomous vehicle, robotics, or vehicle testing experience, substantial prior long-haul or team-driving experience, and experience troubleshooting computer systems are all a strong plus.
• Enhanced Pre-trip Inspector (EIP) certification and a million-mile safe driving record or equivalent recognition are a plus.

The US yearly hourly range for this role is: $31 - $43 /hour USD in addition to competitive perks & benefits. Waabi (US) Inc.’s yearly salary ranges are determined based on several factors in accordance with the Company’s compensation practices. The hourly base range is reflective of the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.  Note: The Company provides additional compensation for employees in this role, including equity incentive awards and an annual performance bonus.