Shift Lead, Robot Operator

HireArt, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Spending Account

401k package

Disability and life insurance covered

Job summary

HireArt, Inc. is assisting in hiring a Shift Lead, Robot Operator for an evening shift on our robotics floor in Cambridge, MA. This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a small team responsible for data collection used to train general-purpose robots.

You’ll operate robots, troubleshoot issues, coach operators, and collaborate with engineering and operations to ensure safety, quality, and productivity. The ideal candidate has 4+ years in a hands-on technical operations environment, strong

Qualifications

• 4+ years in manufacturing, industrial automation, field service, or similar hands‑on technical operations.
• Experience as shift lead, supervisor, or senior technician preferred.
• Strong electromechanical troubleshooting and safety protocol knowledge.
• Ability to learn new internal software tools with limited documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead evening shift operations, coordinating robot tasks and operator rotations.
• Manage shift handoffs and end-of-shift reports.
• Enforce safety procedures and conduct pre-shift briefings.
• Operate robots with the team and improve teleoperation proficiency.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software issues and document fixes for engineering.
• Maintain productivity during downtime by reallocating staff.
• Monitor data collection quality and flag sessions for review or re-collection.
• Coach operators on procedures and quality expectations.
• Gather operator feedback and suggest SOP improvements.
• Document technical issues and safety concerns.

Skills

Leadership

Electromechanical troubleshooting

Linux basics

Internal tools navigation

Safety procedures

Shift reporting

Technical communication

Decision making

Tools

Linux

Python

Bash scripting

Job description

A Fast Growing AI Robotics Company

Full time

Location

Cambridge, MA, United States

Work environment

In-person

Expected pay amount

42.00 - 50.00 USD Per Hour

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 2nd Shift: 2:30 PM - 11:00 PM

12 month contract

HireArt is helping our client find a Shift Lead, Robot Operator to oversee evening operations on a robotics floor, leading a team responsible for collecting data used to train general-purpose robots.

In this hands-on leadership role, you'll manage daily shift operations, maintain safety and productivity, and ensure the quality of collected data. You'll operate robots alongside your team, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, coach operators, and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to support a growing, multi-site robotics operation.

The ideal candidate brings experience leading teams in a hands-on technical environment, strong electromechanical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to balance operational efficiency, safety, and data quality.

As a Shift Lead, Robot Operator, you will:

• Lead evening shift operations, coordinating robot and task assignments, operator rotations, breaks, and daily priorities based on the fleet coordination plan.


• Manage shift handoffs, including receiving updates from the first shift and preparing detailed end-of-shift reports.


• Enforce safety procedures, conduct pre-shift briefings, follow stop-and-flag protocols, and serve as the first responder for incidents and safety reporting.


• Perform robot operation tasks alongside the team and develop teleoperation proficiency through structured training.


• Troubleshoot robot hardware and software issues, perform diagnostics, apply documented fixes, and elevate complex problems to on-call engineering with clear, reproducible reports.


• Maintain productivity during equipment downtime by reallocating operators and adjusting work priorities.


• Monitor data collection quality, ensure adherence to task instructions, identify operator technique issues, and flag sessions requiring review or re-collection.


• Coach operators on procedures, execution quality, and performance expectations, escalating recurring concerns to team leads.


• Gather operator feedback, identify gaps in SOPs and checklists, and recommend improvements to operational processes.


• Document technical issues, bugs, and safety concerns according to established reporting protocols.


• Oversee end-of-shift floor readiness, ensuring robots are properly stored and charging, equipment is staged, and the workspace is prepared for the next shift.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, field service, or a similar hands‑on technical operations environment, including experience as a shift lead, shift supervisor, or senior technician


• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting electromechanical equipment using hand tools, multimeters, and established technical procedures


• Working knowledge of Linux command‑line basics, log analysis, issue tracking systems, and shared documentation tools


• Ability to learn and navigate new internal software tools with limited documentation


• Experience enforcing workplace safety procedures, identifying hazards, and stopping operations when necessary


• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, actionable shift reports and technical bug reports


• Sound judgment in resolving operational issues independently and escalating problems with appropriate supporting information


• Strong leadership, coaching, and organizational skills in a fast‑paced technical environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical experience working with robotic, mechatronic, or industrial automation systems


• Familiarity with virtual reality, teleoperation, drones, or other remotely operated platforms


• Experience with data collection, labeling, or quality inspection processes requiring consistent output quality


• Experience using Python or Bash scripting for diagnostics or basic automation


• First Aid and CPR certification


• Demonstrated experience using AI tools to improve workflows or operational efficiency

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout an active robotics lab for extended periods


• Ability to wear a virtual reality headset for extended periods while maintaining the spatial awareness necessary to operate robotic systems safely


• Comfort working around moving robotic systems and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)


• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.


• 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, 12‑month contract position staffed via HireArt. This role is onsite and available to candidates local to the Cambridge, MA area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp‑to‑corp.