Robot Pilot

Job description

At Rhoda AI, we’re building the next generation of generalist intelligent robots. We own the full robotics stack from high-performance hardware and robot systems to the infrastructure and state-of-the-art foundation world models that control our robots. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling long-tail edge cases, made possible by our cutting edge research and end-to-end system design. We've raised over $450M and are investing aggressively in model research, infrastructure, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make generalist robotics a reality. Role Description: Tier 2 Robot Pilots are trusted, high-output robot teleoperators who reliably collect high-quality manipulation data using VR teleoperation systems. Pilots operate with minimal supervision, consistently meet data throughput and quality standards, and can troubleshoot routine issues (such as basic software workflow and lab operating issues). They also support researchers with executing evaluation protocols and providing clear feedback on robot and model behavior. Primary Duties ● Collect high-quality robot training data by teleoperating robotic systems using VR equipment and hand controllers; demonstrate manipulation tasks repeatedly and consistently. ● Meet daily performance expectations for data collection throughput, quality, and consistency (including correct task setup and complete metadata/notes). ● Follow task specifications and SOPs precisely, maintain discipline around experiment changes and “what changed” between sessions. ● Maintain a safe work environment and adhere to lab safety procedures at all times. ● Support evaluations by running structured evaluation protocols alongside researchers and accurately reporting results and issues. Additional Tasks: ● Troubleshoot and report issues with robot hardware/software and teleop tooling, capture relevant logs/notes and escalate with clear reproduction steps. ● Perform basic operational maintenance per SOP (workspace reset between sessions, calibration checks, battery swaps or component swaps as required). ● Review/annotate recordings as needed (lightweight review for quality checks, labeling support, or spot audits). ● Participate in process improvements to increase data collection efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve data quality. ● Occasional travel to customer/partner sites (domestic & international) to support on-site robot data collection, including operating in new environments, coordinating with site contacts, and following site-specific safety and security requirements. ● Occasional weekend overtime data collection (maximum one day per weekend), balanced with flexible scheduling and time off during the week. Required Qualifications: ● Strong VR / controller proficiency (VR gaming or similar real-time control experience). ● Ability to maintain focus while operating in VR for extended periods and follow detailed written/video instructions. ● Comfort working hands-on with robotics equipment in a lab environment; safety-minded and detail-oriented. ● Comfortable with Linux / command line (running programs with arguments, checking logs). ● Ability to debug routine issues and distinguish between environment/setup vs software vs hardware problems. ● Ability to write detailed bug reports when issues arise, document failure modes and participate in investigative efforts to diagnose and recover quickly. ● Reliable attendance and punctuality; able to work a fixed full-time shift (AM or PM). ● Basic technical literacy: comfortable navigating computer tools, documenting work, and communicating clearly. ● Able to stand/sit for extended periods, perform repetitive motions, and support physical reset tasks as needed (may include lifting/moving items up to ~30 lbs, squatting/standing during resets). Preferred: ● Experience with robotics systems, lab work, automation, manufacturing/assembly, or other precision technical work. ● Experience supporting structured experiments/evaluations with researchers or engineers. ● Experience collecting teleop demonstration data (robots, simulators, or other real-time control systems).