Manager, AV Technical Operations

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. We aim to achieve this by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.  Flexdrive is a subsidiary of Lyft that works together with Lyft teams to realize our shared mission. 

At Flexdrive, we're at the forefront of revolutionizing transportation by building the operational backbone for autonomous vehicle (AV) fleets. As a leader in fleet management, we're leveraging our expertise to enter the AV space, forming strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology providers. We're looking for dedicated team members to help us pioneer this new chapter.

About the Role

Flexdrive is at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle (AV) revolution. As the Manager, AV Technical Operations, you will be the program leader responsible for establishing and scaling our internal AV technical service operations..

In this highly visible role, you will lead the design, launch, and ongoing performance of our internal AV service and maintenance operation. You will partner with our recruitment team to build the founding team of Technicians, help lead the development of a technical training and certification program, and create the definitive playbook for our AV repair operations.  Ultimately, you are accountable for the end-to-end performance of our service and repair program, ensuring maximum fleet readiness and building a highly capable technical workforce. 

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Build-Out & Infrastructure
  • Design the Service Standard: Lead the strategic launch of our internal service and repair program. Define the headcount models, shop layouts, tooling requirements, and operational workflows for high-efficiency maintenance operations.
  • Depot Launch Leadership: Act as the operational lead for new depot build-outs (both new construction and facility remodels). Collaborate with Real Estate and Construction teams to ensure maintenance bays, lifts, and HV charging infrastructure meet strict AV operational specifications.
  • Tooling & Supply Chain: Establish direct procurement channels and lifecycle management for heavy equipment (alignment racks, ADAS calibration fixtures) and specialized HV repair tooling.
• Technical Leadership, Recruiting & Training
  • Talent Acquisition & Recruiting: Partner with the People team to define the AV technician hiring profile. Develop the recruitment and retention strategy for our technical workforce, partnering closely with the Talent Acquisition team to execute on hiring goals, technician assessments, and onboarding.
  • Training & Certification Program: Help lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive technical training and certification program. Establish rigorous onboarding and training pathways that ensure all staff achieve and maintain 100% compliance with strict OEM, high-voltage (HV), and AV-specific repair certifications.
  • Continuous Development: Build the framework for ongoing technical development and recertification. Ensure the team's skills evolve alongside rapid hardware and software updates, creating a culture of continuous learning and safety.
  • Cross-Functional Technical Liaison: Serve as the primary operational and technical bridge between the service floor, internal engineering teams, and external AV/OEM partners to manage diagnostic escalations and hardware modifications.
• Fleet Maintenance Operations & Financial Performance
  • Operational Excellence: Own the fleet health metrics and program performance. Minimize VOR (Vehicle Off Road) time by optimizing shift schedules, parts availability, and work order prioritization.
  • OpEx Budget Management: Own the operational budget for the service and repair program. Track and optimize costs related to labor, tooling, and consumables to achieve targeted Cost Per Mile metrics.
  • Process Engineering: Develop, document, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the internal workforce, translating complex technical requirements into executable repair workflows for technicians.
  • Performance Management: Drive a data-led operation, holding the program accountable to strict KPIs regarding First-Time Fix Rate (FTFR), Cycle Time, and Cost Per Repair.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Safety Culture: Execute and continuously improve a safety-first Safety Management System (SMS) culture. Oversee High Voltage (HV) safety protocols (NFPA 70E), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and hazardous waste management..