Lead Robot Operator

Lead Robot Operator (Contract – to- hire) Sigma Design has collaborated with a technology company seeking an experienced Robot Operator to join their facility in Menlo Park, CA. This company focuses on AI and advanced computing technologies. This position is contract to hire and is In-Office While on contract you are eligible for: Multiple options for medical insurance and dental insurance including some with FSA and HSA 401(k) with up to 4% company match 15-days of accrued PTO and 9 company paid holidays Quarterly bonus programVoluntary benefits: vision, long-term disability, and life insuranceMonday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm$25.00 an hour - $40 an hour/DOE Primary Function: The Lead Robot Operator is responsible for overseeing day-to-day shift operations supporting robotic data collection and production. This role provides hands-on leadership to ensure staffing, workflow, and equipment readiness while maintaining production efficiency, data quality, and consistent adherence to operational standards. The Lead Operator trains and coaches operators, addresses operational challenges in real time, and communicates issues and performance updates to relevant teams. Essential Job Functions - Responsibilities:Provide hands-on leadership of daily shift operations, ensuring workstations, equipment, props, and staffing are ready for productionAssign and rebalance tasks across operators based on production priorities, staffing availability, and operational constraintsSupervise, train, and coach operators to ensure consistent performance and adherence to established procedures and quality standardsMonitor shift throughput, productivity, and data quality, identifying performance gaps and implementing corrective actions as neededIdentify, document, and escalate data quality issues, technical blockers, hardware problems, and process bottlenecksServe as the primary point of contact for shift operations, communicating updates and coordinating with upstream and downstream teamsMaintain accurate shift documentation and provide clear handoff notes to support continuity between shiftsSupport workflow improvements and operational efficiency by identifying recurring issues and providing structured feedback to technical teamsMonitor operational KPIs and use performance data to guide workflow adjustments and team coachingEnforce PPE requirements, safe work practices, and established operational proceduresFollow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrencesEducation and Experience: (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)Bachelor's degree in a STEM or Operations-related field, or equivalent hands-on experience3–5 years of experience in technology operations, manufacturing, or another fast-paced production environmentMinimum of 2 years of experience managing or scheduling hourly, shift-based employeesExperience coordinating workflows, assigning tasks, and managing competing production prioritiesComfortable using operational dashboards, tracking KPIs, and learning proprietary software toolsStrong communication skills, including the ability to document floor-level issues and communicate actionable feedback to technical teamsDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot operational challenges, adapt to changing priorities, and make decisions in a fast-paced environmentStrong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a focus on production consistency, quality, and efficiencyPrior experience in robotics, hardware, automation, or a related technology environment ITAR - Permanent resident of the United States (“U.S. person” as defined by ITAR)Background - Pass a post-offer background verification.Work Environment Standard lab/production environment. Appropriate safety garments (PPE) must be worn. Occasionally may be required to work in environmental conditions that emulate typical user environments in order to facilitate design testing and validation. Occasionally may be required to travel as required to other facilities, clients, or suppliers. Must be able to stand and work as long as 12 hours in different positions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.