Tesla is recruiting for a “Vehicle Operator, Autopilot” in New York, a role that involves driving an “engineering vehicle” for long periods to collect data for its driver-assistance and autonomous driving technology. The full-time position is based in Flushing, Queens, and is part of the company’s broader efforts to develop and refine its self-driving systems in challenging urban environments. The salary for the position is competitive, with some reports indicating pay up to $33.66 per hour.
Despite this hiring, Tesla has not yet received the necessary permits from either the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) or the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test autonomous vehicles on public roads.
New York State law currently requires a trained human safety driver to be behind the wheel of any autonomous vehicle being tested. In comparison, Waymo, a competitor in the autonomous vehicle space, announced in June that it had applied for a permit to begin testing self-driving cars in New York City with a safety driver.
This strategic move into New York aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious goals for Tesla’s robotaxi service, which he believes could serve half the U.S. population by the end of the year. However, he has acknowledged that regulatory approvals are a key factor in the rollout. Tesla recently launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, but the company has faced scrutiny over safety incidents with its self-driving technology.
