Job Description

The “Robot lab operation supervisor” is responsible for the end-to-end operation of a robotics R&D laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and fair utilization of robots and technical equipment across multiple engineering teams.

This role acts as the neutral operational authority of the lab, balancing competing needs, enforcing standards, and maintaining a constant state of readiness for testing, experimentation, and demonstrations.

Key Responsibilities

(1) Lab Operations & Governance

• Define, implement, and continuously improve lab operating procedures (SOPs), safety standards, and usage policies

• Manage lab layout, zoning, access control, and daily readiness

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, emergency procedures, and lab rules

(2) Asset & Equipment Management

• Operate and enforce the asset booking and QR-based check-in/check-out system

• Track asset lifecycle, usage history, availability, and condition

• Classify assets as Mission-Critical, Shared-Research, or Legacy and manage access accordingly

• Support periodic inventory audits.

(3) Resource Coordination & Scheduling

• Coordinate robot and equipment usage across multiple R&D teams and development sprints

• Resolve scheduling conflicts and prevent equipment monopolization or idle assets

• Monitor utilization metrics and proactively rebalance resources

• Reassign underutilized robots to maximize research and development value

(4) Safety, Certification & Compliance

• Enforce compliance with Robot Safety Cards and operational procedures

• Investigate and document safety incidents, near-misses, and equipment misuse

(5) Maintenance & Issue Management

• Act as the central point of contact for robot and equipment failures

• Coordinate troubleshooting and repair with ME, EE, Control, and Maintenance teams

• Track maintenance cycles, downtime, and recurring failure patterns

• Prevent unauthorized modifications or repairs

(6) Reporting & R&D Support

• Prepare and deliver weekly and monthly lab operation reports

• Maintain dashboards on utilization, availability, maintenance, and safety metrics

• Support internal testing, sprint reviews, demos, and customer visits

• Provide data-driven recommendations for asset purchases, upgrades, or retirement

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in robotics, automation, mechatronics, technical lab operations. Experience in construction is a plus

• Hands-on experience working in an R&D or engineering lab environment

• Fundamental understanding of robotic systems (hardware, sensors, actuators, control, or software integration)

• Strong organizational and coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams

• Experience creating, enforcing, and improving operational processes

• Ability to manage high-value assets and enforce accountability

• Strong communication skills and ability to resolve conflicts professionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using asset management, booking, or CMMS systems (e.g., Jira Assets, Odoo, Notion, custom tools)

• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, construction and laboratory safety standards

• Prior experience in a hardware startup or fast-paced R&D environment

• Ability to read and understand technical schematics and system documentation

• Experience supporting demos, field tests, or customer-facing technical reviews