Field Operations Specialist

Socket.dev; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shifters seeks a hands-on Field Operations Specialist to support the deployment, operation, and demonstration of its autonomous robotic systems. You will work directly with engineering teams, customers, and partners to ensure systems are ready for real-world missions and to collect actionable feedback.

You will field-test, troubleshoot, and train users, coordinating with product and engineering teams to resolve issues and improve performance in varied environments.

Qualifications

• Experience in field operations, robotics, unmanned systems, defense technology, or another hands-on technical environment.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to learn and operate complex robotic systems.
• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving skills under time and operational pressure.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in dynamic environments.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with technical teams, operational personnel, and senior customer stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the United States and internationally, as required.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varied operational environments.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, operate, and maintain robotic systems during field tests, demonstrations, customer evaluations, and deployments.
• Plan and execute field activities, including system setup, operational checks, mission preparation, and post-operation review.
• Train and support customers and end users in the safe and effective operation of Shifters’ systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, software, communication, and system-level issues in the field.
• Coordinate closely with engineering, product, and integration teams before and during field activities.
• Document field performance, operational feedback, technical issues, and lessons learned.
• Translate customer and end-user feedback into clear, actionable input for internal teams.
• Maintain equipment readiness, configuration control, and accurate operational records.
• Represent Shifters professionally during customer engagements, exercises, conferences, and demonstrations.
• Support domestic and international field activities as required.

Skills

Field operations

Robotics hands-on

Troubleshooting under pressure

Independent decision making

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Tools

ROS

Job description

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Field Operations Specialist to support the deployment, operation, and demonstration of Shifters’ autonomous robotic systems.

You’ll work directly with our engineering teams, customers, and operational partners to ensure our systems are ready for real-world missions. This role combines technical execution, customer interaction, field testing, and structured operational feedback.

If you are comfortable working with advanced technology in demanding environments, solving problems in real time, and representing the company in front of customers, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, operate, and maintain robotic systems during field tests, demonstrations, customer evaluations, and deployments
• Plan and execute field activities, including system setup, operational checks, mission preparation, and post-operation review
• Train and support customers and end users in the safe and effective operation of Shifters’ systems
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, software, communication, and system-level issues in the field
• Coordinate closely with engineering, product, and integration teams before and during field activities
• Document field performance, operational feedback, technical issues, and lessons learned
• Translate customer and end-user feedback into clear, actionable input for internal teams
• Maintain equipment readiness, configuration control, and accurate operational records
• Represent Shifters professionally during customer engagements, exercises, conferences, and demonstrations
• Support domestic and international field activities as required

Requirements

• Experience in field operations, robotics, unmanned systems, defense technology, or another hands-on technical environment
• Strong technical aptitude and the ability to learn and operate complex robotic systems
• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving skills under time and operational pressure
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in dynamic environments
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to engage confidently with technical teams, operational personnel, and senior customer stakeholders
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the United States and internationally, as required
• Ability to work outdoors and in varied operational environments
• Valid driver’s license
• Authorization to work in the United States

Good to Have

• Prior U.S. military service, particularly in a technical, operational, reconnaissance, robotics, EOD, engineering, or unmanned-systems role
• Experience operating UGVs, UASs, robotic platforms, or other unmanned systemsExperience conducting customer training, operational demonstrations, or field evaluations
• Experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, or defense contractors
• Current or previously held U.S. security clearance
• Familiarity with ROS-based systems, tactical communications, sensors, or payload integration

Why Join

• Work directly with advanced robotic systems built for real-world missions
• Help shape products through direct operational experience and customer feedback
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams
• Take ownership of work that can reduce human exposure in dangerous environments