Manager, Manipulation Data Farm

Path Robotics; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free lunch

Flexible PTO

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Parental leave

401(k) retirement plan

Employee referral bonuses

Job summary

Path Robotics in Columbus, OH is seeking a Senior Operations Leader to run the Manipulation Data Farm, transforming data collection into a repeatable, measurable operation that accelerates AI development. You will oversee day-to-day data collection, tooling, and team workflows to ensure high-quality robotics data at scale.

You will partner with ML, Robotics, Software, and Product teams, drive KPIs, implement SOPs, and build a culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operations, production, or technical programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coach and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong PM skills to coordinate multiple priorities and timelines.
• Comfort with data dashboards and operational metrics.
• Detail-oriented with a bias for safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Own daily operations of the Manipulation Data Farm ensuring safe, efficient data collection.
• Lead and grow a team of ~15 Data Collection Operators with a culture of accountability.
• Translate data collection requests into actionable plans balancing staffing and timelines.
• Collaborate with ML, Robotics, Software, and Product teams to meet data needs.
• Develop SOPs, training, and documentation for scalable growth.

Skills

People leadership

Operations management

Project management

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

At Path Robotics, we’re building the future of embodied intelligence. Our AI-driven systems enable robots to adapt, learn, and perform in the real world closing the skilled labor gap and transforming industries. We go beyond traditional methods, combining perception, reasoning, and control to deliver field-ready AI that is risk-aware, reliable, and continuously improving through real-world use.

Big, hard problems are our everyday work, and our team of intelligent, humble, and driven people make the impossible possible together.

This role is responsible for transforming data collection into a highly repeatable, measurable operation that enables rapid development of our manipulation AI systems. Our mission is to build and operate a world-class Manipulation Data Farm that delivers high-quality robotics data reliably, efficiently, and at scale.

What You’ll Do

Build the Path Forward

At Path Robotics, we’re building the future of embodied intelligence. Our AI-driven systems enable robots to adapt, learn, and perform in the real world closing the skilled labor gap and transforming industries. We go beyond traditional methods, combining perception, reasoning, and control to deliver field-ready AI that is risk-aware, reliable, and continuously improving through real-world use.

Big, hard problems are our everyday work, and our team of intelligent, humble, and driven people make the impossible possible together.

This role is responsible for transforming data collection into a highly repeatable, measurable operation that enables rapid development of our manipulation AI systems. Our mission is to build and operate a world-class Manipulation Data Farm that delivers high-quality robotics data reliably, efficiently, and at scale.

• Own the day-to-day operations of the Manipulation Data Farm, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable execution of data collection activities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 15 Data Collection Operators, creating a high-performance culture centered on accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Translate data collection requests into executable operational plans, balancing priorities, staffing, equipment availability, and delivery timelines.
• Partner closely with Machine Learning, Robotics, Software, and Product teams to understand data requirements and ensure successful project execution.
• Drive operational throughput while maintaining rigorous quality standards and meeting delivery commitments.
• Manage scheduling, staffing, equipment utilization, and materials to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Monitor system health and operational readiness, proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks before they impact delivery.
• Develop, implement, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including throughput, utilization, quality, cycle time, equipment uptime, and on-time delivery.
• Establish scalable quality assurance processes to ensure all datasets meet production standards before delivery.
• Own the lifecycle of data collection projects from intake through successful delivery, providing clear communication and status updates to stakeholders.
• Drive root cause analysis for operational issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Build and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), training programs, and documentation to enable scalable growth.
• Identify opportunities to automate workflows, improve tooling, and increase operational efficiency through data-driven decision making.
• Foster a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous learning across the organization.

Who You Are

• Proven experience leading operations, production, or technical programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong people leader with experience coaching, developing, and managing high-performing teams.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable making data-driven decisions using operational metrics and performance dashboards.
• Exceptional problem solver who thrives in ambiguous environments and acts with urgency.
• Strong organizational skills with outstanding attention to detail and execution.
• Effective cross-functional communicator capable of working closely with engineering, product, and operations teams.
• Experience building or improving operational processes, SOPs, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational bottlenecks and implement scalable improvements.
• Passion for building efficient systems that enable cutting-edge AI and robotics development.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Daily free lunch to keep you fueled and connected with the team
• Flexible PTO so you can take the time you need, when you need it
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, plus an additional 6-8 weeks for birthing parents (12-14 weeks total)
• 401(k) retirement plan through Empower
• Generous employee referral bonuses—help us grow our team!

Who We Are

At Path Robotics we love coming to work to solve interesting and tough challenges but also because our ideas are welcomed and valued. We encourage unique thinking and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail]. We are committed to providing equal access and will work with qualified individuals to ensure a fair and accessible hiring experience. We will respond to your request within 48 hours.