Growing with TIER IV: An unconventional route to autonomous vehicle testing
International Women’s Day on March 8 honors the achievements of women around the world and promotes gender equality. At TIER IV, women across the company contribute to our mission of making autonomous driving accessible to all, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
To mark the occasion this year, we’re introducing employees whose backgrounds reflect the diversity and values of our organization. In this final installment, Miho reflects on her career journey from procurement and public relations to autonomous vehicle testing.
I joined TIER IV in 2017, when the company was still in its early stages. At the time, I knew nothing about autonomous driving or software, but the technology fascinated me. The opportunity to help a young company grow from the ground up also appealed to me.
My first task was getting our new office up and running. I coordinated everything from furniture deliveries and phone contracts to supply orders. After working in accounting, procurement and sales, I transitioned into a role supporting public relations activities, which sometimes involved attending autonomous driving tests. Seeing the vehicles up close sparked a desire to understand the technology more deeply, ultimately leading to my transfer to the Field Adaptation Department, which oversees vehicle testing.
The first test I participated in was in 2020. An autonomous vehicle with no driver in the seat was demonstrated in Tokyo’s Nishi-Shinjuku district. I monitored the vehicle from a remote location, ready to take control in case of an emergency. During a preliminary test, I had to remotely drive the vehicle while surrounded by officers from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department who were verifying the system’s operation. It was nerve-racking at the time, but it was a valuable learning experience.
During testing, team members typically take on the role of safety driver or safety operator. Safety drivers sit in the driver’s seat of the autonomous vehicle and constantly monitor for potential hazards. If a dangerous situation arises, the safety driver immediately takes control of the vehicle. Safety operators usually sit in the passenger seat, verifying the vehicle’s perception and monitoring overall safety.
Today, I am a group leader in the Field Adaptation Department and perform the role of safety driver or safety operator during testing. If a malfunction occurs during a test, we record the issue and report it to the relevant teams.
Before conducting a test, we create a test plan, evaluate the plan and discuss with participants how to mitigate risks and achieve the test objectives. At the same time, we perform vehicle maintenance checks and configure Autoware [the open-source software for autonomous driving pioneered by TIER IV] according to the requirements of each test. The role requires a high level of concentration as well as physical stamina. We also drive the vehicles to the test sites ourselves, so we often spend most of the day on the road.
Participating in tests as a safety driver or safety operator requires internal certification. I helped launch TIER IV’s internal certification program, managed the training courses and served as a trainer. Recently, I have focused on training new instructors.
“My teacher training proved invaluable when developing an internal certification program”
I've always been fascinated by how people learn, and I actually began a teacher training program before joining TIER IV. I earned my teaching license while at the company, studying outside work hours and using paid leave to attend practical sessions when required.
Teaching requires a great deal of imagination. You need to see things from a student’s perspective and consider their feelings when deciding the best approach. My teacher training experience proved invaluable when developing the internal certification program.
In my personal life, as a working parent, my family is my first priority on days off. I have always wanted both a career and a family, and TIER IV provides an environment where employees can balance both.
I often travel for business and rely on my family’s support when I am away. If I ever need time off to care for my children, TIER IV’s flextime system allows me to adjust my schedule easily. Many of my colleagues are also parents, which makes it easier for us to support one another.
Being both a professional and a parent brings different kinds of fulfillment to my life. Embracing both roles allows me to bring my best self to work. Maintaining balance is critical, though. It is something I believe working parents should always prioritize.
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TIER IV is always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our journey. If you share our vision of making autonomous driving accessible to all, get in touch.
Visit our careers page to view all job openings.
If you’re unsure which roles fit your experience, or if the current job openings don’t quite match your preferences, you can register your interest here. We’ll contact you when a suitable role becomes available and arrange an informal interview.
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