Robot Teacher

Toyota Research Institute; Los Altos (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Flexible Spending Account

Disability & life insurance

401k

Job summary

HireArt, Inc. is seeking Robot Teachers to support training and evaluation of robotic systems by demonstrating human-like behaviors, collecting data, and helping robots learn complex real-world tasks.

In this role, you'll use teleoperation tools, VR, and simulation environments to teach robots new skills, evaluate performance, and contribute to improvements in robotic capabilities. This onsite 6-month contract is based in Los Altos, CA.

Qualifications

• Strong hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
• Attention to detail in repetitive data collection tasks.
• Comfortable using computers and learning new technology.
• Able to work with cross-functional teams and engineers.
• Capable of independent initiative and adapting to priorities.
• Ability to safely lift up to 22.5 kg (50 lbs).

Responsibilities

• Teleoperate physical and simulated robots using controllers, VR, and sim tools.
• Collect robotic training data, evaluate model performance, and provide feedback.
• Collaborate with engineers to design, test, and refine training tasks.
• Share observations to improve robot design, task selection, and usability.
• Set up and maintain robotic workstations in lab and home-like environments.
• Document experiments and communicate issues to relevant teams.
• Perform repetitive teleoperation and data collection with accuracy.
• Follow safety procedures when operating robotics equipment weighing up to 22.5 kg.
• Adapt to changing research priorities and identify process improvements.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Spatial awareness

Attention to detail

Comfortable using computers

Repetitive task execution

Interpersonal & communication skills

Independent work

Safety lifting up to 22.5 kg

Job description

Mon-Thu, 40 hours per week onsite (4x10 schedule) (PST)

6 month contract

HireArt is helping our client find Robot Teachers to support the training and evaluation of robotic systems by demonstrating human-like behaviors, collecting data, and helping robots learn complex real-world tasks.

In this role, you'll use teleoperation tools, virtual reality (VR), and simulation environments to teach robots new skills, evaluate their performance, and contribute to improvements in robotic capabilities. You'll work in structured lab and real-world environments, collaborating with engineers and researchers to improve how robots learn and interact with their surroundings.

The ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable using computers and learning new technology. You have strong hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and the patience to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and consistency. You're dependable, adaptable, and eager to contribute to emerging robotics technology.

As a Robot Teacher, you'll:

• Teleoperate physical and simulated robots using controllers, VR headsets, and third-person simulation tools to demonstrate complex manipulation tasks.
• Collect robotic training data, evaluate model performance, and provide feedback to improve robot learning and capabilities.
• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to design, test, and refine robotic skills and training tasks that reflect real-world challenges.
• Share hands-on observations and insights to help improve robot design, task selection, and usability.
• Set up, calibrate, and maintain robotic workstations in laboratory and home-like environments.
• Document experiments, maintain accurate training logs, and communicate observations and technical issues to relevant teams.
• Perform repetitive teleoperation and data collection tasks while maintaining consistent quality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Follow established safety procedures when operating, handling, and moving robotic equipment weighing up to 22.5 kg (approximately 50 lbs).
• Adapt to changing research priorities and proactively identify opportunities to improve training processes.

Requirements

• Strong hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and attention to detail
• Comfortable using computers and learning new technology
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining consistent accuracy and quality
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams
• Creative problem-solving skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn new technologies
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to safely lift and move robotic equipment weighing up to 22.5 kg (approximately 50 lbs)

Bonus Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a robot operator, teleoperator, or video game QA tester
• Experience using SpaceMouse devices, VR hand controllers, or similar teleoperation tools
• Experience collecting data in physical or simulated environments, including VR-based simulations
• Familiarity with robotics systems and basic command-line operations or arguments
• Experience with video games, VR, or other interactive physical systems
• Employer (HireArt) subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service)
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
• HireArt covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• 401k package

Commitment:

This is a full-time, 6-month contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates local to the Los Altos, CA area.

HireArt provides Equal Employment Opportunity without regard to the applicant's race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws.

Company description

At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re working to build a future where everyone has the freedom to move, engage, and explore with a focus on reducing vehicle collisions, injuries, and fatalities. Join us in our mission to improve the quality of human life through advances in artificial intelligence, automated driving, robotics and materials science. We’re dedicated to building a world of “mobility for all” where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can live in harmony with technology to enjoy a better life.

Through innovations in AI, we’ll...

Develop vehicles incapable of causing a crash, regardless of the actions of the driver.

Develop technology for vehicles and robots to help people enjoy new levels of independence, access, and mobility.

Bring advanced mobility technology to market faster.

Discover new materials that will make drive batteries and hydrogen fuel cells smaller, lighter, less expensive and more powerful.

Our work is guided by a dedication to safety – in how we research, develop, and validate the performance of vehicle technology to benefit society. As a subsidiary of Toyota, TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people who carry invaluable leadership, experience, and ideas from industry-leading companies. Over half of our technical team carries PhD degrees. We’re continually searching for the world’s best talent ‒ people who are ready to define the new world of mobility with us!

We strive to build a company that helps our people thrive, achieve work life balance, and bring their best selves to work. At TRI, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds ‒ a fun start up environment with brilliant people who enjoy solving tough problems and the financial backing to successfully achieve our goals. If you’re passionate about working with smart people to make cars safer, enable the elderly to age in place, or design alternative fuel sources, TRI is the place for you. ‒ Start your impossible with us. https://www.tri.global/