At Flexdrive, we're at the forefront of revolutionizing transportation by building the operational backbone for autonomous vehicle (AV) fleets. As a leader in fleet management, we're leveraging our expertise to enter the AV space, forming strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology providers. We're looking for dedicated team members to help us pioneer this new chapter, starting with our first AV depot in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Depot Operations Lead, Flexdrive is seeking detail-oriented and technically capable Depot Operations Associates to ensure our autonomous vehicle fleet maintains optimal readiness for 24/7 operations. This hands-on role combines critical vehicle preparation, maintenance support, and calibration responsibilities that directly impact fleet availability and safety. You will be responsible for the complete vehicle lifecycle from pre-deployment checks through end-of-day diagnostics, including specialized calibration procedures that enable autonomous operation.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology while developing expertise in AV operations, safety protocols, and technical procedures. If you're passionate about being part of the future of transportation and thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, we encourage you to apply.
Work Schedule & Shift Availability
- This role supports 24/7 AV depot operations and requires availability to work overnight shift, with hours scheduled between 10:30 AM - 7:00 AM. Specific shift times and schedules will be determined based on operational needs and business requirements.
- Schedules may include weekends and holidays based on depot operational requirements. We offer competitive shift differentials for night shifts and weekend hours.
Responsibilities:
Vehicle Readiness & Preparation:
- Daily Fleet Management: Review and assess available AVs each shift, executing pre-deployment safety checks and end-of-day diagnostics to ensure all vehicles meet operational readiness standards per partner requirements.
- Vehicle State Transitions: Progress vehicles through operational states by completing all required checklists, sensor inspections, and verification processes in the fleet management system.
- Quality Assurance: Perform comprehensive vehicle inspections following partner knowledge base standards, annotating issues and ensuring adherence to Critical to Quality processes.
- Task Execution: Manage daily tasks via digital task management system, ensuring efficient workflow and timely completion of all vehicle preparation activities.
Charging, Cleaning & Fleet Servicing:
- Vehicle Cleanliness Standards: Maintain interior and exterior cleanliness meeting partner brand standards, ensuring all components (body panels, glass, sensors) are free of dirt, debris, dust, and odors following established cleaning procedures.
- Charging Operations: Execute strategic charging activities at optimal times, including mid-day charging sessions, while completing concurrent tasks to maximize efficiency and maintain fleet availability.
- Preventative Maintenance: Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks that don't require dealership intervention, including fluid checks/refills, tire pressure adjustments, and minor component replacements per approved SOPs.
- Cleaning Chemical Compliance: Use only approved cleaning chemicals and follow hazardous materials handling protocols per EHS requirements.
Data Management & Security:
- Data Operations: Execute secure data handling activities including data transfers, offload procedures, and device tracking while maintaining chain of custody per security standards.
- Data Compliance: Ensure all data offload procedures meet established SLAs, maintaining proper documentation and verification of successful data transfers.
- Device Security: Use only employer-supplied, corporate-enrolled devices for photos and data transfer, ensuring no personal devices store proprietary information per security requirements.
- Secure Handling: Maintain strict security protocols for all sensitive hardware, following chain of custody standards for critical components.
Calibration & Technical Operations:
- Sensor Calibration: Conduct calibration activities to reintroduce repaired vehicles into autonomous operation, following precise procedures outlined in training materials and SOPs.
- Manual Driving Operations: Drive autonomous vehicles within depot and on public roads for calibration procedures, ensuring sensors are properly calibrated for autonomous operations.
- Technical Verification: Validate calibration success through system checks and diagnostic procedures, ensuring vehicles meet all technical requirements for autonomous deployment.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of all calibration activities, including completion times, issues encountered, and verification results.
Lot Management & Logistics:
- Vehicle Movement: Efficiently manage lot operations including parking, staging, and moving AVs to appropriate areas (deployment zones, charging stations, service bays) while optimizing depot flow.
- Status Management: Update vehicle status in real-time tracking systems, monitoring cycle times and ensuring accurate visibility of fleet readiness.
- Service Coordination: Confirm completion of all service and repairs, transitioning vehicles to appropriate next status while tracking SLA compliance.
- Issue Escalation: Flag maintenance needs and repair requirements to Fleet Supervisor or Depot Operations Lead, providing detailed documentation of observed issues.
Safety & Compliance:
- Safety Protocol Adherence: Follow all OSHA, EHS, and partner safety guidelines including proper PPE usage, hazardous material handling, and emergency response procedures.
- Training Compliance: Maintain all required qualifications and certifications, completing ongoing training through the partner's learning management system.
- Incident Reporting: Immediately report safety concerns, vehicle damage, or operational issues through appropriate channels, supporting incident investigation as needed.
- Quality Standards: Ensure all work meets or exceeds partner operations system standards and quality requirements.
Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in automotive technology, logistics, or related field preferred.
- 1-2 years of experience in automotive, fleet operations, logistics, or similar hands-on operational environment.
- **Valid U.S. driver's license with clean driving record **(no major violations in past 3 years) - required for calibration driving duties.
- **Mechanical aptitude **with ability to perform basic vehicle maintenance and understand technical procedures.
- **Strong attention to detail with ability to follow complex SOPs **and maintain consistent quality standards.
- **Physical capabilities to perform depot operations **including ability to stand/walk for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in various weather conditions.
- **Technical proficiency with **mobile devices, tablets, and basic computer systems for data entry and status tracking.
- **Excellent communication **skills for coordinating with team members and escalating issues effectively.
- Flexibility to work various shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as part of 24/7 operations.
- Ability to obtain required certifications including Defensive Driving certification and role-specific qualifications.
Benefits:
- Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
- Mental health benefits
- Family building benefits
- Child care and pet benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match to help save for your future
- In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary paid time off, hourly team members have 15 days paid time off
- 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible
- Subsidized commuter benefits
- Monthly Lyft credits and complimentary Lyft Pink membership
The expected base pay range for this position in the Nashville area is $16.62-$20.27 per hour, not inclusive of potential equity offering, bonus or benefits. Pay ranges are dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience and geographic location. Your recruiter can share more information about the pay range specific to your working location and other factors during the hiring process.
We offer competitive shift differentials for night shifts and weekend hours.
Flexdrive is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive workplace that fosters belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. Flexdrive also strives for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibits harassment of any kind. Flexdrive will also consider employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.