NCAT Driver

Job Description

Overview

The NCAT Driver will be responsible for driving tractor-trailers around test track in support of research and development. Tractor-trailers can have a gross vehicle weight up to 156,000 pounds and can include up to three trailers.

About the Test Track

The NCAT Test Track is a national research proving ground for asphalt pavements. Highway agencies and industry sponsors fund research on the 1.7-mile oval in 200-foot test sections. This real-world laboratory allows for cutting-edge experimentation while avoiding the risk of failure on actual roadways. In a step to play a larger role in pavement research, NCAT has also partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s MnROAD facility to focus on two important national issues that impact each agency: pavement preservation and quantify the impact of both recycled and premium mix additives. Learn more about the test track by visiting https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/about/index.html.

This is a three year limited term appointment. Continuation of employment will be contingent upon availability of funding.

This is a second shift position. First Shift: Tuesday through Saturday - 4:45 AM - 1:45PM Second Shift: Monday through Friday - 1:45 PM - 10:45PM

Responsibilities

• Operates a tractor-trailer on a 1.7 mile test track to support pavement research in a controlled environment and to support autonomous vehicle studies in both closed road and open road environments requiring precise maneuvers at times to safely simulate emergency reactions of automated systems.
• Operates tractor-trailers to support vehicle component testing and fuel economy studies. Monitors operational changes that occur while operating the vehicle and communicate these with the trucking supervisor and/or track engineer. Ensures all freightliners are properly fueled.
• Constructs test track placing roadbed materials by operating road construction equipment, such as: smooth wheeled rollers, sheep's foot rollers, flat bed dump trucks, and front-end loaders. Ensures pavement test sections must be constructed to research-grade specifications and precision well beyond those used on public roads.
• Under guidance of the NCAT Engineer, performs data collection in the lab using industry-standard procedures to include asphalt mixture production and testing such as sample fabrication, density testing, separation of mixture components, and verification of gradation and binder contents.
• Under guidance of the NCAT Engineer, performs data collection on-track using industry-standard procedures to include nuclear and electronic density testing, friction testing, sample extraction "coring