Operations Lead - Robot Operations

About 1X We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.

The Role We are seeking a high-ownership Operations Lead to drive cross-functional execution for Data Collection. This role owns the department’s dependency and execution system. You are responsible for ensuring that operational blockers impacting throughput, utilization, and quality are clearly defined, assigned to the correct owners, tracked against committed timelines, and resolved.

You do not manage operator performance. You do not own other teams’ functions. You own follow-through, clarity, and structural resolution of cross-functional issues. Escalations route through the Director of Robot Operations.

Responsibilities

Own the Execution System

• Maintain the master blocker and dependency tracker

• Ensure every issue has a clearly defined problem statement, owner, success criteria, and deadline

• Drive consistent follow-up until resolution

Drive Cross-Functional Accountability

• Translate operational gaps into clear, structured requirements

• Align stakeholders across Fleet, Hardware, QA, AI, and other teams

• Enforce committed timelines and surface risks early

Prevent Slippage

• Identify risks before deadlines are missed

• Proactively follow up on open commitments

• Prepare structured escalation summaries when required

Close the Loop

• Validate that fixes resolve the root cause

• Reduce recurring issues through documentation and process clarity

• Strengthen operating rhythm across departments

Advance Department Reliability

• Identify structural bottlenecks impacting performance

• Propose process improvements that increase predictability and flow

• 5+ years in operations, program management, robotics, hardware, manufacturing, or production environments

• Proven ability to drive execution across teams without direct authority

• Strong structured problem-solving and root cause analysis skills

• Demonstrated history of removing operational bottlenecks

• High bias for action and strong follow-through

• Clear, direct communicator

• Comfortable working on-site and close to live operations

Performance Expectations

• Majority of cross-functional blockers resolved without Director escalation

• Clear visibility into aging issues and recovery plans

• Reduced recurrence of previously closed issues

• Predictable, structured follow-through across teams

Compensation & Benefits Salary: $115,000 – $140,000 + Equity Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer 1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.