Title:  Manager/Robotics Operations, AI.DA STC, GTO

Robotics Operations Manager (Safety, Lab & Field)

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Robotics Operations Manager to own the end-to-end ecosystem of AI.DA, Strategic Technology Centre (STC)'s Next-gen Edge AI & Robotics Lab (NEAR)’s multi-robot “physical AI” testbed. You will serve as the custodian of the physical fleet, managing a lab housing aerial swarms, quadrupeds, and humanoid robots.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between safety compliance, logistics, and active experimentation. You will manage lab build-outs, lead field test operations, and handle regulatory approvals (e.g. CAAS). You will have explicit authority to veto flights or experiments on safety grounds. This is a primarily on-site role, ideal for a highly independent operator who thrives in a technical environment and is not afraid to handle hardware.

The role is on a 2 year contract, with the potential to convert into a permanent position based on performance. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Safety, Regulation & Compliance (Priority)

• Safety Authority: Act as the primary Safety Manager with explicit veto/stop authority over all experiments and field tests if safety or regulatory conditions are not met.
• Regulatory Management: Lead the submission and maintenance of CAAS UA Operator Permits (OP) and Activity Permits (AP), including operations manuals, safety cases, and risk assessments.
• Framework Implementation: Design, implement, and enforce the safety framework for lab and field operations (SOPs, incident reporting, emergency protocols).
• Induction & Training: Induct and brief staff, interns, and visitors on lab rules, safety procedures, and site-specific requirements.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary operational point of contact for internal Safety/Legal/Compliance teams and external regulators/site owners.

2. Lab Management & Asset Custody

• Physical Custody: Maintain strict custody and inventory management of the physical fleet (humanoids, quadrupeds, drones), sensors, and compute modules. You are responsible for the physical whereabouts and operational status of these assets.
• Lab Infrastructure: Lead the setup and ongoing improvement of the NEAR Lab workspace, coordinating with Facilities on layout, zoning, power requirements, and safety cages.
• Specialised Rigging: Coordinate sourcing and setup for specialised robotics infrastructure, such as motion capture (mocap) systems, gantries, and safety harnesses for legged robots.
• Environment Control: Set up and tear down test environments (markers, nets, barriers, signage) to ensure controlled, repeatable conditions for data collection.

3. Field Operations & Logistics

• Mission Control: Coordinate test and demo schedules with project leads, ensuring locations, equipment, permits, and personnel are synchronised.
• Logistics & Transport: Plan and manage transport for local tests and overseas deployments, including packing, freight, and customs/carnet paperwork.
• Site Leadership: Provide on-site operational leadership during field trials, ensuring site rules are followed and public safety is maintained.

4. Fleet Maintenance & Readiness

• L1 Maintenance: Perform Level 1 diagnostics and maintenance on drones and robots (battery lifecycle management, connector/cable checks, simple mechanical repairs).
• Engineer Support: Support engineers with firmware updates and configuration setups under guidance, ensuring assets are mission-ready before tests.
• Operational Reporting: Provide concise operational status updates (fleet readiness, risks, constraints) to the Lab Head.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Degree or diploma in Engineering, Mechatronics, Operations Management, Safety Management, or a related technical field.
• Experience: Typically 5+ years of experience across at least two of the following:
• Safety/regulatory operations for drones, aerospace, robotics, or other high-risk domains.
• R&D lab or workshop management (electronics/robotics/mechatronics).
• Technical project coordination or field operations in a hardware-heavy environment.
• Domain Knowledge: Direct experience working with drones and/or mobile robots in an operational or test capacity (beyond pure theory or simulation).
• Safety Mindset: Demonstrated confidence to halt tests when conditions are unsafe or non-compliant, regardless of project pressure.
• Technical Aptitude: Comfortable handling LiPo/Li-ion batteries, basic soldering/wiring, and using standard workshop tools.
• Independence: Proven ability to work autonomously on-site with minimal supervision; comfortable being the initial one-person operations team.
• Availability: Willingness to be on-site as the primary mode of work, with occasional early/late hours aligned to field tests and logistics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Regulatory: Prior experience with CAAS UA permits (OP/AP) or equivalent unmanned aircraft regulatory frameworks.
• Infrastructure: Experience setting up a robotics or hardware lab from scratch (layout planning, fit-out coordination).
• Software Awareness: Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 (conceptual understanding for troubleshooting; coding not required).
• Logistics: Experience with international shipping of sensitive technical equipment (freight, customs, temporary imports/carnets).
• Frameworks: Background in formal Safety Management Systems (SMS) or comparable safety frameworks.