Vehicle Safety Operator
Wayve · Tokyo, Tokyo
Before the detail, here's the challenge you'd help us solve.
We build the embodied intelligence that moves real vehicles safely, and the ecosystem a billion machines will run on in the future. Very few people in AI can say this. Every role here, whatever the team, plugs into that.
Here’s what this particular role covers.
THE ROLE
If you’re passionate about driving, technology, and the future of mobility, this role offers a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of autonomous driving development.
As a Vehicle Safety Operator, you will support the development of next-generation AI driving systems by operating Wayve vehicles on public roads, evaluating vehicle behaviour, and providing operational feedback to engineering teams. You will act as a critical bridge between real-world driving conditions and the engineers developing Wayve’s AI systems.
Key responsibilities:
- Support real-world autonomous vehicle testing operations across Japan.
- Safely monitor autonomous driving systems during on-road testing and intervene whenever required.
- Provide structured operational feedback to engineers and research teams to help improve AI driving performance.
- Support data collection and validation activities that contribute to the training and improvement of Wayve’s AI systems.
- Maintain high operational and safety standards while accurately reporting vehicle, testing, or safety-related issues.
ABOUT YOU
We’re looking for individuals who are safety-conscious, operationally disciplined, curious about technology, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.
Essential:
- Full clean Japanese driving licence for a minimum of 5 years.
- Strong driving experience in Japan and confidence operating in complex urban environments.
- No blameworthy insurance claims in the past three years.
- Strong communication skills and ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Happy to work alone and equally happy working within a team.
- Adaptable, reliable, and comfortable operating in evolving environments and processes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, or equivalent (Google Suite)
- Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and standard workplace software tools.
- Connecting to Wi-Fi and Managing Settings: Knowing how to connect to Wi-Fi networks and manage settings like brightness, volume, and Bluetooth.
- Using Basic Apps: Proficiency in using basic apps like Safari for web browsing, Mail for email, Photos for managing pictures, and Calendar for scheduling.
- Troubleshooting Basic Issues: Handling common problems like app crashes, restarting the device, or resetting network settings.
- All applications are required to disclose any second job as part of the application process.
- All applicants will be subject to a health check before/after
- Employment is contingent upon passing training, pre-employment checks and ongoing drug/alcohol testing, in accordance with our policy. This role includes pre-employment and ongoing drug/alcohol testing in accordance with company policy.
Desirable:
- You have an advanced driving background (ADI, Emergency Response Advanced Driver, or similar driving qualifications)
- Strong familiarity with driving across urban and highway environments in Japan.
Operations run 7 days per week, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional travel support. Shift schedules are provided at least 4 weeks in advance wherever possible.
Shift Pattern - Rota issued at least 4 weeks in advance.
Monday to Sunday - 40 hours per week/weekend (must be able to work weekends)
06:30-15:30
14:30-23:30
Vehicle Safety Operators are expected to primarily work from one of our operational sites in Yokohama or Tokyo.
This is a fixed-term, 6-month contract position, which will end automatically at the end of the contract period. Based on performance, the company may offer a permanent position at the end of the contract; however, this is not guaranteed.
To support operations, Vehicle Safety Operators are also expected to travel but every effort is made to provide as much notice as possible.
Please carefully consider your commute options to ensure that you are comfortable with the travel distance and can consistently arrive on time.
If you’re excited by autonomous driving, real-world technology, and helping shape the future of mobility, we’d love to hear from you.
#LI-KM1
A quick, honest note before you apply.
Wayve is not a mature, fully-structured place with the playbook already written. Much of how we work is still being written, and if you join, you’ll help write it. That suits people who want real ownership more than people who need a settled structure from day one.
If that sounds like the kind of problem you want to spend your time on, we’d really like to hear from you.