Senior Director / VP, Autonomous Vehicle & Robotics Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Take full responsibility for the end-to-end delivery and profit & loss of multi-site, multi-client autonomous vehicle and robotics initiatives.

• Oversee programs that include perception data labeling, scenario quality assurance, remote assistance, teleoperation, fleet support, and incident management.

• Create scalable 24/7 workflows for remote assistance, teleoperation, fleet and depot support, data collection, annotation, simulation, scenario evaluation, and edge-case resolution.

• Implement processes aligned with safety cases, incident management protocols, root cause analysis, and audit preparedness.

• Act as the executive sponsor for key AV and robotics accounts; conduct quarterly business reviews and influence strategic roadmaps.

• Convert operational design domain (ODD), model, and fleet requirements into plans for staffing, tooling, and processes.

• Hire, train, and certify remote operators, fleet technicians, annotators, quality assurance leads, and program managers.

• Establish career pathways, competency frameworks, and standards for fatigue and wellness in safety-critical positions.

• Integrate automation, machine learning-assisted labeling, tooling, and analytics to enhance task cost efficiency, response times, and precision.

• Work collaboratively with Product, Engineering, and Security teams on platform developments and integrations.

• Create new service offerings, pricing strategies, and go-to-market initiatives in partnership with Sales, Solutions, and Strategy teams.

• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy regulations, and legal standards across various jurisdictions.

• Maintain plans for business continuity and surge capacity.

• Lead a global team of directors, program leaders, and site managers across onshore, nearshore, and offshore operations.

• Meet operational, safety, quality, client satisfaction, revenue, and margin targets within the first 12–18 months.

⛳️ Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years in operations leadership (15+ years for VP positions).

• At least 5 years of experience in fields such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, mobility, logistics automation, or other safety-critical technology-driven operations.

• Direct experience managing remote assistance, teleoperation, fleet operations, or data operations in AV/robotics.

• Demonstrated ability to scale operations from pilot programs to commercial rollouts.

• Proven P&L responsibility for a business with revenues exceeding $50 million (more for VP roles).

• Experience leading large, distributed teams (500+) across various locations, including managing 24/7 shift operations.

• Familiarity with safety frameworks, incident response strategies, and regulatory landscapes for autonomous systems.

• Strong executive presence with technical clients and the ability to communicate with engineering, safety, and product leadership effectively.

• Proficient in operational metrics, service level agreements (SLAs), and continuous improvement methodologies.

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Understanding of AV and robotics data workflows, including sensor data, high-definition maps, scenario libraries, simulation, and labeling tools.

• Experience with operations involving humanoid, warehouse, or last-mile delivery robotics.

• Background in business process outsourcing (BPO) or managed services, encompassing client transitions, vendor management, and global service delivery.

• Experience with mergers and acquisitions integration or developing a new business line within a larger organization.

• Willingness to travel 25–35% of the time.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Paid time off that includes vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and internal mobility.

• Wellness support programs.

• A diverse and inclusive workplace.

• Reasonable accommodations available during the hiring process.