Shift Lead, Robot Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Healthcare benefits

Flexible Spending Account for health

Disability and life insurance

401k package

Job summary

HireArt is assisting a client in Cambridge, MA to hire a Shift Lead, Robot Operator for evening operations on a robotics floor. You will lead a team, supervise data collection, troubleshoot hardware/software, and ensure safety and quality during shifts.

The role focuses on hands-on robot operation, team coaching, and collaboration with engineering and operations teams in a fast-paced, multi-site robotics operation. On-site in Cambridge with full-time contract terms.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in manufacturing or similar hands-on operations.
• Hands-on electromechanical troubleshooting with tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead evening shift operations, coordinating robot and task assignments, operator rotations, breaks, and daily priorities based on fleet coordination plan.
• Manage shift handoffs, including updates from the first shift and end-of-shift reports.
• Enforce safety procedures and conduct pre-shift briefings and safety reporting.
• Operate robots with the team and develop teleoperation proficiency.
• Troubleshoot robot hardware/software issues and report bugs to on-call engineering.
• Maintain productivity during downtime by reallocating staff and adjusting priorities.
• Monitor data collection quality and flag sessions for review or re-collection.
• Coach operators on procedures and performance expectations.

Skills

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Linux basics

Documentation

Safety procedures

Communication

Tools

Python scripting

Bash scripting

Job description

Expected compensation: 42.00 - 50.00 USD Per Hour 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.

Benefits

• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employer (HireArt) subsidized Healthcare Benefits
• 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.