Operations Program Manager - Robotics Data Acquisition

Details

Our Robotics team focuses on unlocking general-purpose robotics and advancing toward AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world environments. The team works across the full model and systems stack, integrating hardware and software across a broad range of robotic form factors.

This role owns the day-to-day operating rhythm in data collection facilities. It involves working closely with operators, technicians, program managers, and engineers to keep rigs ready, campaigns moving, issues resolved, and performance improving. The position is hands-on, requires regular time on the operations floor, and involves using data to improve reliability and efficiency. It is based in San Francisco, California, and requires in-person presence five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily operations readiness across workstations, operators, and materials.
• Track operating metrics including utilization, cycle time, throughput, downtime, operator productivity, and data quality.
• Identify bottlenecks through workflow analysis, time studies, and capacity modeling, then drive practical improvements.
• Execute the rollout of new hardware, sensors, tools, and process changes in collaboration with Engineering, Operations, Facilities, Supply Chain, and Safety.
• Identify equipment readiness issues and coordinate with technical support to keep workstations and test equipment calibrated, configured, maintained, and ready for rollouts and evaluations.
• Lead root cause analysis for recurring operational issues and follow through on corrective actions.
• Provide operational input for creating and maintaining SOPs, work instructions, training materials, and process controls.
• Identify and flag resource constraints and manage issue escalation and resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Three to five years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, industrial or process engineering, operations, robotics, or production environments.
• Experience using Lean, Six Sigma, time studies, or similar process-improvement methods.
• Understanding of operating KPIs such as cycle time, takt time, throughput, utilization, yield, OEE, and uptime.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and coordinate across floor operators and technicians with limited supervision.
• Exposure to robotics data acquisition, autonomous vehicle systems, camera and audio systems, automation, or robotics systems.
• Ability to work through ambiguity and changing priorities.

Success Measures

• Daily lab and floor operations run with fewer surprises, clearer priorities, and better readiness.
• Throughput improves as bottlenecks are measured, prioritized, and addressed.
• New hardware and process changes are rolled out with clear ownership and minimal disruption.
• Operators have the tools, training, materials, and ergonomics needed to work safely and consistently.
• Staffing, equipment, and facility decisions are supported by reliable operational data.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. The company is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits

• Base pay range of $177,000–$251,000 per year.
• Equity, performance-related bonuses for eligible employees, and comprehensive benefits.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts.
• Pre-tax accounts for health, dependent care, and commuter expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental, medical, and caregiver leave.
• Paid time off, company holidays, office closures, and paid sick or safe time as required by law.
• Mental health and wellness support.
• Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage.
• Annual learning and development stipend.
• Daily office meals and eligible meal delivery credits.
• Relocation support for eligible employees.
• Additional taxable fringe benefits may include charitable donation matching and wellness stipends.