Applying to Torc: Navigating the Interview Process
Thanks for applying to Torc Robotics! Whether you’re a self-driving software engineer or a prospective co-op, you’ve tackled the first piece in securing your autonomous driving future. After candidates apply to jobs at Torc, the next step varies from role-to-role. However, we generally use a combination of technical assessments, remote interviews, and potentially on-site interviews to get to know our future Torc’rs. Once we’ve received your application, our hiring team will reach out to you about the next touchpoint in our recruiting process.
If you haven’t applied to Torc just yet and are instead researching how to get a job in self-driving, we encourage you to browse our open roles. Our job descriptions will give you a high level view as to what our team’s day-to-day world looks like, alongside benefits like our employer paid healthcare premiums, holiday office closures, and more.
Interview Stages and Timeline
The length of the interview process may vary depending on a few factors: experience level, specific job descriptions, and more. We do our best to make the interview process as efficient as possible and we encourage you to touch base with your recruiter throughout the process if you have any questions.
If your application sounds like it might be a good fit, our hiring team will reach out first to schedule an introductory phone interview with a member of talent acquisition. During this call, a Torc recruiter will share some information about Torc and ask you a few questions about yourself and your experience. To prepare for this interview, read over your resume and be ready to give your elevator pitch. This is just an introduction, so no need to bust out the nitty-gritty details. At this stage, we’re interested in learning the basics about you and your skills. We also recommend checking out some newsroom posts to get a sense of Torc’s latest work and current pursuits.
Once your phone interview is done, it’s time to move onto the next step of applying for a job in AV: the technical stage. Some roles may not include a technical interview, making this a role-dependent step in our hiring process. For instance, a product management position may include the presentation of a case study as part of the technical interview process. However, if you’ve applied for an engineering role, you may be sent one or more coding assessments to help us determine the correct placement for you. You also may complete a live CodePair interview with a Torc’r. Check out this CodePair interview checklist from HackerRank to help you prepare.
After this technical stage, on-site interviews or Zoom interviews may be scheduled once your scores and resume have been reviewed by your potential team leads. Some positions, particularly in leadership, will turn this interview into a panel interview with all levels of Torc staff member: fellow managers, colleagues, and employees alike. https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ONr9R-8oE8
What to Expect From an Interview at Torc
No matter what stage of hiring you’re in, our interview process are conversational. At every step, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, clarify job descriptions, and more. We work hard to ensure that hiring at Torc is a mutually beneficial experience. Even if the first role you apply for isn’t a good fit, we’d love to see you apply again once the time is right; making sure the initial interview process goes smoothly is just one part of that promise.
- Take your time with coding challenges. Our team designed coding assessments to help us determine your skills and team placement. We recommend that you ensure you are well rested and comfortable for the assessment. Take your time; our team provides more time than necessary to complete assessments, allowing applicants ample time to finish up tasks.
- Learn about Torc. Before a phone or remote interview, take some time to research Torc’s history and our innovative projects. Our work in autonomous vehicles is long, punctuated by our recent deep dive into driverless trucks. We recommend taking a look at the following pages: Our Story, Safety, and Trucking; our newsroom also features some recent updates if you’re interested in going the extra mile.
- Need extra accommodations? Let us know. As an equal opportunity employer, Torc is committed to providing access to people with physical and cognitive disabilities. If you need an extra accommodation to complete a test, phone interview, or on-site interview due to a disability, we will work with you to provide reasonable accommodations. Please contact our HR department via email with a description of your request, or reach out to your talent acquisition team member and let them know you need accommodations.
The On-site Interview
If selected for an on-site interview, your interview location will depend on the role you’re applying to. Double check with your recruiter on locations, as some of Torc’s office locations include multiple buildings. When you come into the office, please refrain from taking photos or videos as there may be proprietary information around you.
- Arrive with time to spare. Taking the initiative to come to the job interview 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time will not only make a great first impression, but you will have time to check in, introduce yourself, and gather your thoughts before the interview. It takes time to schedule all needed parties for an on-site interview, so we appreciate candidates who arrive on time. However, we understand that sometimes emergencies do occur. If you are going to be late or need to reschedule your interview, please inform us as soon as possible.
- What to bring and what not to bring. Bring work that you’re proud of. Even if your projects are not explicitly involved in autonomous vehicles or self-driving, we encourage our candidates to bring relevant portfolios or presentations of their accomplishments to their on-site interview. You may also want to have a few extra copies of your resume for team members to review.
- Ask questions. The on-site interview is not only to let us know about you, but to give you more information about the role you will be playing in creating technology that revolutionizes transportation. Prepare questions that you’d like to know about the role, the company, or your team.
- Tell us about what makes you unique. The Torc team is not only interested in your resume, we also want to know what makes you who you are. The business skills and personality traits you have are just as important to your success as your technical experience is. Candidates who showcase a willingness to learn, strong work ethic, and passion for changing the world with self-driving technology are going to fit in well with our team.
Torc Careers
Haven’t applied yet? Check out our job openings and discover a rewarding career in the game-changing field of autonomous vehicles. Torc is expanding rapidly, and new openings are being added regularly.
At Torc, we celebrate diversity and believe a team works better when its members represent a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. Torc is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employee and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Torc and Daimler Executives
Torc and Daimler executives celebrate the formation of a technical powerhouse for automated trucks (March 29, 2019). From left: Ritchie Huang, Executive Manager -Advanced Safety Systems and Autonomous Driving for Daimler AG; Andrew Culhane, Director of Corporate Strategy and Automative Program Manager at Torc Robotics; Wilfried Achenbach, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, Daimler Trucks, North America; Ben Hastings, Chief Technology Officer for Torc Robotics; Roger Nielsen, CEO, Daimler Trucks, North America; Michael Fleming, CEO of Torc Robotics; Peter Vaughan Schmidt, Head of Daimler Trucks Strategy and Head of Highly Automated Driving Project; John O’Leary, CFO, Daimler Trucks, North America; Greg Reiter, COO/CFO at Torc Robotics; and Michael Avitabile, Engineering Manager at Torc Robotics.
Torc Robotics expands its self-driving car development team
Digital Trends
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/torc-robotics-asimov-self-driving-car-workforce-doubles/
Torc Robotics and Transdev are launching autonomous shuttles to deliver people to public transit
TechCrunch
Daimler Trucks Agrees to Acquire Majority Stake in Torc Robotics to Create Technology Powerhouse for Automated Trucks
BLACKSBURG/STUTTGART/PORTLAND— Daimler Trucks, a division in the Daimler Group, the inventor of the truck and world’s largest manufacturer of heavy and medium trucks, and Torc Robotics, a pioneer in autonomous driving solutions, are joining forces in a one-of-a-kind combination to commercialize highly automated trucks (SAE Level 4) on U.S. roads. Going beyond an OEM/supplier relationship, the companies signed an agreement today for Daimler AG’s subsidiary Daimler Trucks and Buses Holding Inc., to acquire a majority stake in Torc Robotics for an undisclosed sum. Closing of the acquisition is subject to approval from U.S. authorities.
Michael Fleming, Founder of Torc Robotics, Martin Daum, Member of the Board of Management Daimler AG, responsible for Trucks and Buses, and Roger Nielsen, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, announced the strategic move today at Torc headquarters in Blacksburg, Virginia.
“With the ever rising demand for road transportation, not the least through e-commerce, there is a strong business case for self-driving trucks in the U.S. market and I believe the fastest path to commercialization for self-driving trucks is in partnership with Daimler Trucks, the OEM market leader. This move is in line with our mission of saving lives and represents another major milestone for Torc since crossing the finish line in the DARPA Urban Challenge 12 years ago,” said Michael Fleming, CEO of Torc.
“Bringing Torc Robotics within the Daimler Trucks family creates a unique and powerful team of innovators to put highly automated trucks on the road. Daimler Trucks and Torc Robotics complement each other perfectly in terms of resources, expertise, and skill sets. We are forming the ideal combination between Torc’s expertise on agile software development and our experience in delivering reliable and safe truck hardware,” said Martin Daum, Member of the Board of Management Daimler AG, responsible for Trucks and Buses. “Together, we will provide a sustainable way for our customers to meet the ever-growing freight demand and benefit both the economy and society,” he said.
“Torc is not a start-up, but one of the world’s most experienced companies for vehicle automation. Torc takes a practical approach to commercialization and offers advanced, road-ready technology, plus years of experience in heavy vehicles. Torc’s Level 4 system has been shown to operate well for both urban and highway driving in rain, snow, fog, and sunshine,” said Roger Nielsen, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), which includes the market-leading Freightliner brand.
As part of the overall agreements, the Torc team will work closely with Daimler Trucks’ developers, particularly with the Research & Development team of Daimler Trucks North America in Portland, Oregon. Torc will continue to develop its Asimov self-driving software and testing at its Blacksburg facility. At the same time, DTNA will focus on further evolving automated driving technology and vehicle integration for heavy-duty trucks at its Automated Truck Research & Development Center in Portland. The Daimler team is working on a truck chassis perfectly suited for automated driving, particularly the redundancy of systems needed to provide the maximum level of reliability and safety.
Under the agreement, Torc will remain a separate entity retaining its name, team, existing customers, and facilities in Blacksburg. The partnership with Daimler Trucks will enable Torc to expand significantly its team, engage into the trucking market and service its growing customer base in other markets.
Continued strong collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Cars
In addition to the partnership with Torc, Daimler Trucks will continue to work very closely across the Daimler Group for maximum synergies regarding automated vehicle technology. Specifically, Daimler Trucks is drawing on the activities and experiences of Mercedes-Benz Cars regarding sensor technology and operational aspects of vehicle automation.
Daimler Trucks pioneer of automated trucks
Daimler Trucks is the pioneer of truck automation. Its global business includes not only Daimler AG in Germany, but other companies worldwide, including Daimler Trucks North America LLC in the U.S. In 2014, the world’s leading truck manufacturer presented the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025, the world’s first automated truck, and was the first to demonstrate the technological opportunities and great potential that automated trucks offer the economy and society.
In 2015, Daimler’s Freightliner Inspiration Truck obtained the first-ever road license for a partially automated commercial vehicle and the world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Actros with Highway Pilot took place on public roads.
Level 2 automated driving now a reality at Daimler Trucks
With Active Drive Assist (Mercedes-Benz Actros, FUSO Super Great) and Detroit Assurance 5.0 with Active Lane Assist (Freightliner Cascadia), Daimler Trucks is the first to bring partially automated driving features (SAE level 2) into series production. The new system can independently brake, accelerate and steer. Unlike systems that only work above a certain speed, Active Drive Assist / Detroit Assurance 5.0 make partially automated driving possible in all speed ranges for the driver, also another first in a series production truck. This revolutionary active lateral and longitudinal assistance package is powered by a new state-of-the art radar and camera fusion system.
About Torc Robotics
Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, offers a complete autonomous software solution for mobility applications including self-driving cars and transit vehicles by working with partners in automotive, transit and technology. Torc also provides self-driving technology in safety-critical applications, including defense, mining, and agriculture. Founded in 2005, Torc has integrated its self-driving solutions on ground vehicles ranging from SUVs to 300-ton mining trucks. The company employs around 100 people.
Torc has tested its on-road and traffic capabilities in demo self-driving cars that successfully logged robotic testing in more than 20 states while operating on both public roads and closed courses with zero accidents. The testing included a coast-to-coast trip across the United States and extensive driving in densely-packed streets such as those located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Torc’s inclement weather capabilities were featured at CES 2019.
Torc believes that successful commercialization of self-driving technology is best accomplished through close partnerships. Announced partnerships include Caterpillar, with mining and agriculture applications, and AAA Northern California Nevada & Utah for developing safety criteria through testing on public streets and closed courses. In January, Torc and Transdev announced a partnership integrating Level 4 self-driving technology in an i-Cristal shuttle, that is currently undergoing route testing in France and scheduled for commercial operation this year.
Michael Fleming and Roger Nielsen at Daimler announcement
Michael Fleming, CEO of Torc Robotics, and Roger Nielsen of Daimler Trucks North America announce an agreement for Daimler Trucks to acquire a majority stake in Torc to commercialize highly automated (Level 4) trucks. (March 29, 2019)
Evolving Asimov
Download the Evolving Asimov Infographic.
Torc, Transdev partner on fully autonomous, shared shuttle
Las Vegas (USA) – January 7, 2019 – Torc Robotics, a leading autonomous technology provider, and Transdev, operator and global integrator of mobility solutions, are partnering on a fully autonomous shuttle platform. The partners are integrating Torc’s L4 Asimov self-driving software into the i-Cristal’s embedded intelligence system.
The companies announced their partnership Monday during a news conference at CES19 in Las Vegas, with accompanying video showing on-road testing in France.
Torc is licensing its Asimov self-driving software stack and sensor suite architecture for the i- Cristal autonomous shuttle. The partners agree that shuttles and smaller vehicles will provide complementary mobility to existing public transportation networks around the world. The shuttles also provide an ideal opportunity to introduce autonomous vehicles into public use.
“Our partnership brings together two companies with a similar vision for the future of autonomous mobility,” says Michael Fleming, Torc CEO. “We believe that shared mobility will be one of the cornerstone applications that lead the way to mass adoption of self-driving consumer vehicles.”
Transdev, through its global Autonomous Transport System (ATS by Transdev), is providing its supervision system, connected infrastructure and client application, and embedded technology. The companies say their first priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers as well as provide high-quality service.
The Transdev/Lohr i-Cristal electric shuttles are SAE Level 4 (fully-autonomous in select areas) and operate without a steering wheel or pedals. The integration of this latest technology will allow i-Cristal to seamlessly blend into urban traffic while maintaining the highest safety standards at speeds of up to 19 mph/30 kph.
“At Transdev, we believe the future of mobility is increasingly P.A.C.E.: Personalized, Autonomous, Connected and Eco-Friendly,” says Yann Leriche, Transdev’s North America CEO and Head of Autonomous Transportation Systems. “We believe that public transport will lead and be the first place real autonomous services will be developed. With Torc’s expertise in autonomous technology, we will accelerate our capability to develop innovative solutions.”
The i-Cristal autonomous shuttle was first unveiled in September 2018 by Transdev and Lohr, a leading French industrial company with more than 50 years of worldwide industrial experience in manufacturing vehicles. The i-Cristal has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers and is designed for ease of access, interior design, and passenger experience.
The partners have already begun testing on closed courses, while testing on public roads will proceed after obtaining successive safety authorizations and before providing public service trials in two locations in France: Paris-Saclay1 and Rouen2.
In Paris-Saclay, the shuttles will operate in a dedicated lane offering a shared-ride mobility service at night and off-peak hours between the Massy transit station and the Paris-Saclay campus. In Rouen, the shuttles will operate on public roads offering a shared-ride mobility service throughout the business park and connecting to the tramway station.
The objective is to integrate fleets of autonomous i-Cristal shuttles into existing Transdev public transportation networks as a complement to extend the geographical coverage or time schedule.
The Torc and Transdev partnership combines the expertise of one of the oldest autonomous technology firms and one of the world’s largest mobility providers.
Torc has been developing self-driving vehicle technology since 2005 in on-road and off-road applications. Most recently, the company has implemented its Asimov self-driving car technology in Lexus RX and Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The vehicles successfully logged robotic testing in more than 20 U.S. states while operating on both public roads and closed courses with zero accidents. Torc’s autonomous vehicle technology has successfully navigated heavy urban traffic, aggressive tailgating, heavy rains, snow and highway detours.
“Ultimately our goal with developing self-driving technology is to save lives and make transportation more affordable and efficient,” Fleming says.
Transdev, which provides 11 million passenger trips per day, operates in 20 countries and is committed to leading the way in mobility services by using fleets of shared autonomous vehicles that meet the highest standards for safety, quality of service and customer experience. With 3.5 million passengers transported in autonomous shuttles and 1.6 million km (1 million miles) traveled across Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands and the United States, Transdev is the leader in operating shared autonomous mobility services.
“We are committed to testing out new kinds of mobility and giving our customers the best possible solutions to meet their travel needs”, Leriche says. “With autonomous transport services, we aim to develop flexible, clean and accessible mobility solutions to empower passengers to move freely.”
Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, offers a complete autonomous software solution for mobility applications like self-driving cars and transit by working with partners in automotive, transit and technology. Torc also provides self-driving technology in safety-critical environments like defense, mining, and agriculture. Founded in 2005, Torc has integrated its self- driving solutions on ground vehicles ranging from SUVs to 300-ton mining trucks.
Torc’s self-driving cars successfully logged robotic testing in more than 20 states while operating on both public roads and closed courses with zero accidents. The testing included a coast-to- coast trip across the United States and extensive driving in densely-packed streets such as those located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Torc recently announced a new demo platform with commercially viable components implemented on a Chrysler Pacifica. For more information: torc.ai
About Transdev
As an operator and global integrator of mobility, Transdev – the mobility company – gives people the freedom to move whenever and however they choose. Transdev is proud to provide 11 million passenger trips everyday thanks to efficient, easy to use and environmentally-friendly transportation services that connect people and communities. The company’s approach is rooted in long-term partnerships with businesses and public authorities, and in the relentless pursuit of the safest and most innovative mobility solutions. Transdev has 82,000 employees in 20 countries and generated total revenues of 6.6 billion euros in 2017. For more information: www.transdev.com
Media contacts
Transdev
Olivier Le Friec | olivier.le-friec@transdev.com | +33 6 10 60 58 45
Torc Robotics
Sara B. Hansen | press@torc.ai | +1 540-953-0073
Torc self-driving car dashes through snow
BLACKSBURG, VA – Santa’s reindeer aren’t the only ones nimbly navigating snowy roads.
Torc Robotics challenged its Asimov self-driving software system by driving multiple routes in the Blacksburg area during a snowstorm. The trips included everything from highways to downtown streets and country roads.
Driving in snow can be treacherous for even the most experienced driver.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 24 percent of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement.
Torc’s self-driving software system was successful despite snow-covered road markings, tracks from previous vehicles that weren’t centered in the lane, and frozen precipitation that obscured the roof-mounted cameras. Torc’s sensor system also was able to distinguish falling snow from actual objects in the road.
Torc has been developing self-driving vehicle technology since 2005. The company previously implemented its technology in two Lexus RX vehicles, nicknamed Asimov. The vehicles successfully logged robotic testing in more than 20 states while operating on both public roads and closed courses with zero accidents. Torc’s autonomous vehicle technology has successfully navigated heavy urban traffic, aggressive tailgating, heavy rains, snow and highway detours.
Torc’s technology is based on commercially-proven systems the team has developed over the past decade for safety-critical applications such as mining and defense.
About Torc Robotics
Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, offers a complete autonomous software solution for mobility applications like self-driving cars and transit by working with partners in automotive, transit and technology. Torc also provides self-driving technology in safety-critical environments like defense, mining, and agriculture. Founded in 2005, Torc has integrated its self-driving solutions on ground vehicles ranging from SUVs to 300-ton mining trucks.
Torc’s self-driving cars, nicknamed Asimov, successfully logged robotic testing in more than 20 states while operating on both public roads and closed courses with zero accidents. The testing included a coast-to-coast trip across the United States and extensive driving in densely-packed streets such as those located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Torc recently announced a new demo platform with commercially viable components implemented on a Chrysler Pacifica.
Video compiled using footage from Torc team members’ cameras, cell phones, and Asimov’s roof-mounted camera.