Applied Methods
~The MetaPhysical SystemsRobot Operator

Robot Operator

Robot operators at AI robotics companies spend their days running humanoid or autonomous robots through real-world tasks, identifying malfunctions, and relaying technical feedback to engineering teams through structured issue tracking. What distinguishes this work from general equipment operation is the emphasis on data quality, teleoperation coordination, and close collaboration with AI training pipelines—operators are not just managing hardware but actively generating the observations that improve robot learning and autonomy. These roles sit within operations or deployment teams at companies building general-purpose robotics, working shifts that span 24/7 coverage and often requiring physical coordination, sustained focus, and the ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues under tight timelines.

$ titles --canonical
Humanoid Robot OperatorRobot OperatorRobot PilotRobot Service TechnicianRobotics Service TechnicianRobotics TechnicianRobot Prototype TechnicianMechatronics TechnicianDeployment Operations Specialist
Open Jobs33
Companies Hiring9
$02

Skills

What companies are looking for in this role.

$ skills --core

Troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and software systems in robotic platforms

95%

Performing routine maintenance and inspections on robotic hardware and subsystems

92%

Operating robotic systems for testing, data collection, and real-world deployment

90%

Reading and interpreting technical documentation including schematics, diagrams, and assembly procedures

88%

Performing mechanical assembly and disassembly of electromechanical systems

88%

Operating diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers

85%

Identifying and reporting system failures through structured issue tracking

85%

Documenting and tracking maintenance records, repairs, and technical issues

82%

Conducting quality control checks and functional performance testing on hardware

80%

Fabricating prototypes, test equipment, and custom mechanical assemblies

78%

Performing root cause analysis and debugging for recurring technical issues

75%

Setting up and provisioning hardware, software, and firmware components

72%

Performing electrical testing and validation of printed circuit boards and integrated systems

72%

Soldering, harness fabrication, and electronics rework to industry standards

68%

Staging and configuring real-world environments for data collection operations

65%
$ skills --emerging

Developing standard operating procedures and documentation for assembly and repair

70%

Teleoperation of robots to guide behavior execution and collect training data

68%

Understanding embedded control systems and perception system architectures

62%

Implementing automation scripts and tools to improve diagnostic and maintenance processes

58%

Building dashboards and data visualization for operational metrics and performance tracking

52%

Managing multi-sensor fusion and calibration for robotic platforms

48%
$ skills --soft

Collaborating with engineering teams to iterate designs and identify improvements

88%

Communicating technical findings and troubleshooting guidance clearly to cross-functional teams

85%

Working effectively in fast-paced environments with changing requirements and timelines

82%

Adhering to safety procedures and maintaining safe working environments with robotic systems

80%

Maintaining focus and attention to detail during extended operational periods

78%

Providing direct, actionable feedback to development teams for product improvements

78%

Managing shift-based operations and coordinating priorities across teams

72%

Managing inventory, tools, and work-area organization for operational efficiency

72%

Leading and training technical operations teams on procedures and best practices

68%
$03

Technology

The tools and technologies that define this role.

$ tech --language
C++moderate
Pythonmoderate
Javalow
$ tech --platform
Linuxmoderate
$ tech --tool
Jirahigh
Multimeterhigh
Oscilloscopehigh
3D Printingmoderate
CADmoderate
Logic Analyzermoderate
PLCmoderate
Torque Toolsmoderate
Current Probeslow
Google Suitelow
Lookerlow
Tableaulow
$ tech --concept
PCBAmoderate
CANlow
EtherCATlow
EVT/DVT/PVTlow
IPC Standardslow
STOlow
$04

Open Jobs

33 open Robot Operator jobs across 9 companies.

Figure AI1w
Helix Data Creator (Swing Shift)
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI1w
Helix Data Creator (Night Shift)
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI1w
Helix Data Creator (Day Shift)
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Rhoda1w
Robot Pilot- Tier 2
Mountain View·Physical Systems
Sunday Robotics2w
R&D Engineering Technician
Redwood City, CA·Physical Systems
OpenAI2w
Prototyping Lab Technician, Robotics
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Shield AI4w
Staff Technician, Unmanned Systems Test Operator (R5214)
San Diego, California·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Deployment Staging Specialist
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Mecka1mo
Forward Deployed Robotics Engineer
New York·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Field Service Technician - Commercial Site Team
Los Angeles, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Helix Data Creator (LA- Santa Monica)
Santa Monica, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Helix Data Creator (LA- Pasadena)
Pasadena, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Helix Data Creator (LA- Irvine/Santa Ana)
Irvine, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Service Technician - Commercial Site Team
Reno, NV·Physical Systems
Figure AI1mo
Robot Operations Manager
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Robotics Technician
San Mateo·Physical Systems
Skild AI2mo
Mechatronics Technician
San Mateo, CA·Physical Systems
Intrinsic2mo
Robotics and Automation Technician (Lab Technician)
Mountain View, California·Physical Systems
Figure AI2mo
Humanoid Robot Operator - Commercial Site Team
Reno, NV·Physical Systems
Physical Intelligence3mo
Robot Prototype Technician
San Francisco·Physical Systems