Scientific Programs Lead, AI & Robotics Operations

mecka; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecka AI is seeking a hands-on Special Projects Lead to build and run scientific programmes that generate high-quality data for AI and robotics. You will translate objectives into practical plans, manage partnerships, and launch initiatives across locations.

You will own operating performance, optimize quality and cost, and guide teams through readiness gaps. This role requires decisive action under uncertainty and direct execution when needed.

Qualifications

• Scientific fluency from laboratory experience or sustained work with experimental scientists.
• A track record of launching and running programmes or operations, with responsibility for delivery, quality and cost.
• Experience managing external partnerships and coordinating people, vendors and operational resources.
• Evidence of prioritizing work, evaluating tradeoffs and making sound decisions under uncertainty.
• Willingness and ability to execute directly, including resolving practical problems alongside coordinating others.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific programmes. Translate commercial and scientific objectives into practical plans, milestones and operating requirements.
• Build and manage partnerships. Develop relationships with scientific organisations, coordinate agreements and onboarding, and manage ongoing performance.
• Launch new initiatives. Establish workflows, coordinate equipment and resources, train teams and resolve readiness gaps.
• Own operating performance. Manage quality, throughput, schedules and cost. Identify bottlenecks and improve how programmes run.
• Coordinate people and resources. Manage partner teams, vendors and logistics across locations. Keep commitments clear and resolve issues directly.
• Make informed operating decisions. Evaluate opportunities, test assumptions and use delivery evidence to decide what to improve, expand or stop.

Skills

Scientific fluency

Programme delivery

Partnership management

Prioritization

Hands-on execution

Job description

Mecka AI is seeking a hands-on Special Projects Lead to build and run scientific programmes that generate high-quality data for AI and robotics. You will translate objectives into practical plans, manage partnerships, and launch initiatives across locations.

You will own operating performance, optimize quality and cost, and guide teams through readiness gaps. This role requires decisive action under uncertainty and direct execution when needed.