Robotics Operations Engineer I, First Shift at Lila Sciences in Cambridge, MA USA

Job description

• The Robotics Operations Engineer supports deployment and day-to-day operation of Lila’s production robot fleet. This role is the front-line technical presence for robots operating in production environments, ensuring safe, reliable operation and rapid response when issues arise.
• You’ll monitor live robot operations, perform hands-on troubleshooting, document incidents clearly, and partner with robotics software and hardware teams to improve uptime. The role is based in a lab production environment and will help support expanded fleet operating hours as the team scales. This role begins on a standard 9am-5pm schedule and transitions to first shift coverage, 6am-2pm, as fleet operating hours expand.

Responsibilities

• Monitor robot behavior during live production operations.
• Intervene quickly and safely to pause, stop, or reset robots when needed.
• Document logs, sensor output, video, and reproduction steps for incident escalation.
• Perform minor robot maintenance, including cabling, sensor swaps, fasteners, and basic component replacement.
• Execute robot swap procedures, validate spare units, and return robots to production readiness.
• Maintain accurate records of robot health, incidents, maintenance actions, and fleet status.
• Translate field observations into clear priorities for robotics software and hardware fixes.
• Identify recurring failure patterns and recommend improvements that reduce downtime.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience working with robotic systems through work experience, technical programs, internships, academic robotics teams, or equivalent practical exposure.
• Solid grasp of core robotics concepts, including kinematics, sensors, actuators, and control systems.
• Working experience with ROS2, including nodes, topics, launch files, and debugging or introspection tools.
• Comfortable with basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, including cabling, connectors, sensors, and fasteners.
• Strong observational skills and sound judgment for quick, safe decisions during live operation.
• Clear written communication skills for documenting issues and reporting to engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Flexibility to begin on a standard 9am-5pm schedule and transition to first shift coverage, 6am-2pm, as fleet operating hours expand.
• Experience supporting robots or automated systems through a production rollout or pilot phase.
• Familiarity with Nav2, Behavior Trees, or related robotics tooling.
• Scripting experience with Python or similar tools for log review, data collection, or simple automation.
• Experience with fleet management, monitoring dashboards, telemetry tools, or issue-tracking systems.
• Background in mechanical, electrical, robotics, or mechatronics engineering through a degree, technical program, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Skills

Required

• Hands-on experience with robotic systems
• Strong observational skills
• Sound judgment for quick, safe decisions
• Clear written communication
• Ability to work independently

Preferred

• Scripting with Python or similar tools

Benefits

• We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.
• U.S. Benefits. Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program.
• International Benefits. Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.
• Expected Base Salary Range
• $75,600 - $109,200 USD