Field Development Test Associate

Serve Robotics; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Serve Robotics in West Hollywood, CA is seeking a Robotics Field Development Test Associate to support field testing, deployment, and operation of our autonomous delivery robots. You will work with Engineering, Product, and Operations to collect test data, document issues, and help validate robot performance in real-world conditions.

You will be part of a cross-functional team focused on validating reliability, safety, and usability while expanding pilot programs and commercial deployments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; degree preferred in Engineering, Robotics, CS.
• Interest in robotics, autonomous systems, field operations, or logistics.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document results.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Able to work independently while following safety procedures.
• Comfortable outdoors and able to walk or bike several miles.
• Valid U.S. driver's license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Execute field testing for autonomous delivery robots per test plans.
• Deploy, monitor, and operate robots in real-world environments.
• Perform commercial deliveries and represent Serve professionally.
• Identify, document, and reproduce issues for engineering investigations.
• Collect test data and feedback to support product development.
• Troubleshoot basic issues; escalate complex problems to engineering.
• Prepare robots for testing with inspection, charging and maintenance.
• Maintain accurate testing records and logs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Product, and Operations on testing and pilots.

Skills

Robotics interest

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Driver's license

Outdoor work

Independent worker

Strong communication

Education

Engineering/Robotics degree

Tools

Jira

Grafana

Looker

Python

C++

Job description

At Serve Robotics, we’re reimagining how things move in cities. Our personable sidewalk robot is our vision for the future. It’s designed to take deliveries away from congested streets, make deliveries available to more people, and benefit local businesses.

The Serve fleet has been delighting merchants, customers, and pedestrians along the way in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago while doing commercial deliveries. We’re looking for talented individuals who will grow robotic deliveries from surprising novelty to efficient ubiquity.

Who We Are

We are tech industry veterans in software, hardware, and design who are pooling our skills to build the future we want to live in. We are solving real-world problems leveraging robotics, machine learning and computer vision, among other disciplines, with a mindful eye towards the end-to-end user experience. Our team is agile, diverse, and driven. We believe that the best way to solve complicated dynamic problems is collaboratively and respectfully.

The Robotics Field Development Test Associate supports the testing, deployment, and operation of Serve's autonomous delivery robots in real-world environments. This role executes field testing, commercial deliveries, and operational activities that help validate robot performance, identify product improvements, and ensure safe, reliable operation across development and production fleets.

The Robotics Field Development Test Associate partners with Engineering, Product, and Operations teams by collecting test data, documenting issues, executing field procedures, and providing feedback that improves product quality and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute field testing activities for autonomous delivery robots by following established test plans, procedures, and operational guidelines.

• Deploy, monitor, recover, and operate robots in real-world environments while ensuring safe and reliable operation.

• Perform commercial deliveries and represent Serve professionally when interacting with merchants, customers, and members of the public.

• Identify, document, and reproduce software, hardware, and operational issues, providing clear information to support engineering investigations.

• Collect test data, observations, and operational feedback to support product development and continuous improvement efforts.

• Troubleshoot basic software and hardware issues in the field and **escalate** complex problems to engineering teams as appropriate.

• Prepare robots for testing and deployment by performing routine inspections, charging, cleaning, and basic maintenance activities.

• Follow established safety procedures, operational protocols, and testing standards during all field activities.

• Maintain accurate testing records, issue documentation, and operational logs.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Product, and Operations teams to support testing, deployments, demonstrations, and pilot programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical field preferred.

• Interest in robotics, autonomous systems, field operations, logistics, quality assurance, or related technical disciplines.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow test procedures and document results.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently while following established processes and safety procedures.

• Comfortable working outdoors and walking or biking several miles during a shift.

• Ability to lift and move equipment consistent with the physical demands of the role.

• Valid U.S. driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

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• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience supporting field testing, robotics, autonomous vehicles, logistics, or technical operations.

• Familiarity with issue tracking tools such as Jira.

• Basic experience with scripting or programming languages such as Python or C++.

• Experience using data visualization or monitoring tools such as Grafana or Looker.

• Experience troubleshooting software or hardware systems.

• Passion for robotics, automation, and emerging technologies.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, onsite position based in West Hollywood, California. The role requires regular work outdoors in varying weather conditions and involves standing, walking, biking, bending, and lifting throughout the workday. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required to support testing, deployments, or operational needs.