Operations Program Manager

About Bonsai Robotics

Bonsai 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 role

What you'll do

• Field 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.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will exhibit:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Operations Manageme