About Bonsai RoboticsBonsai Robotics' mission is to create the next leap forward in agriculture equipment efficiency by creating a new ecosystem of semi-autonomous robotic machinery. Orchards are dusty, hazard-filled, and GPS-denied. The GPS-based autosteer features that have driven row crop efficiencies cannot function in orchards. Our vision, AI, and machine control systems offer human-level environment understanding and local navigation capabilities and will be the platform for a new wave of innovation in agricultural production and management systems.We simultaneously solve twin crises impacting nut growers and most of specialty agriculture: there is not enough human labor when you need it, and operational expenses are growing dramatically. Our state-of-the-art technology empowers orchard managers to optimize their operations, dramatically reduce operational expenses, and increase profitability. We are pursuing a Bonsai Inside strategy, and partnering with the largest orchard Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the retrofitting of existing machines and design of new form factors.About the roleThe Operations Program Manager will oversee all aspects of field operations, including testing, validation, vehicle bring-up, and readiness for deployment. This role is critical in developing processes, managing field teams, and ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and traceability. The manager will support commercial deployments, align field operations with business objectives, and lead efforts in field testing to validate the functionality and performance of autonomous vehicles.What you'll doField Testing and Validation: Plan, coordinate, and lead a campaign of comprehensive field testing of autonomous vehicles to validate their functionality, safety, and performance in real-world agricultural environments, leveraging a team of field engineers and technicians. Ensure thorough testing procedures are conducted and documented for every vehicle.Vehicle Readiness: Oversee pre-deployment checks, maintenance, software updates, and troubleshooting to ensure all vehicles are operational and meet quality and safety standards before being released to the field. Process Development: Design, implement, and continuously improve operational processes for vehicle bring-up, calibration, wiring, labeling, and integration. Develop checklists used in every phase of vehicle use. Work with the field team to document current procedures, design and launch SOPs, and drive accountability and adherence to these procedures. Ensure these processes are scalable and efficient.Traceability and Documentation: Implement systems to document and track all field operations, vehicle statuses, maintenance activities, and test results. Ensure thorough documentation for compliance and quality control.Commercial Operations Management: Collaborate with business development and commercial ops teams to align field operations with commercial goals. Support the deployment of autonomous vehicles in line with customer requirements and project timelines.Team Leadership: Manage a team of field engineers and technicians, providing training, guidance, and support. Set performance goals, monitor team progress, and ensure adherence to safety and operational protocols.Inventory and Asset Management: Establish and maintain systems for tracking vehicle parts, inventory levels, and component statuses. Ensure parts are available for timely repairs and maintenance.Quality Assurance: Develop and enforce quality control measures across field and commercial operations. Proactively identify issues and implement solutions to maintain high standards of vehicle reliability and customer satisfaction.Safety and Compliance: Develop and enforce safety protocols for all field operations. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal company policies.QualificationsQualified candidates will exhibit:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Operations Management, or a related field.5+ years of experience in field operations, commercial operations management, or a related role in autonomous vehicles, robotics, or similar industries.Proven experience in field testing, vehicle validation, and operational process development.Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead field testing teams and manage complex field operations.Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.Ability to travel domestically and internationally to field sites as needed.Bonus points for:Experience with OEM integration and managing field deployments of complex systems.Familiarity with asset management and inventory tracking software.Knowledge of safety standards and regulations for autonomous vehicles.Hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering components.Experience operating agriculture machinery, especially large tractors and/or orchard equipment.Background in Systems Engineering and functional safety.Background in Technical Program Management.Bonsai Robotics values diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in hiring and strongly encourages candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply.