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Robotics Testing Operator - Prototyping and Research

HireArt

HireArt

Los Altos, CA, USA
USD 30-30 / hour
Posted on Aug 7, 2025

Apply to Toyota Research Institute

Robotics Testing Operator - Prototyping and Research

Toyota Research Institute

Full time

Location

Los Altos, CA, United States

Work environment

In-person

Expected pay amount

30.00 USD Per Hour

Schedule

40 hours per week, (4 days per week, 10 hours per day)

Assignment length

6 month contract

Job description

HireArt is helping Toyota Research Institute (TRI) find a Robotics Testing Operator - Prototyping and Research to perform physical testing and data collection operations supporting the research teams onsite and remote testing locations, currently focusing on internal robot testing as well as offsite deployments.

In this role, you will safely produce high-quality data for the researchers and participate in activities to make data collection activities more efficient. You’ll play a key role in enabling robots to learn safely and effectively in new spaces while helping improve their capabilities through real-world feedback.

We're looking for someone with the determination and experience to quickly learn and adapt in an ever-changing research environment.

As a Robotics Testing Operator, you'll:
  • Operate and teleoperate mobile robots using various control interfaces (e.g., joysticks, gamepads, VR), ensuring reliable performance in both controlled and real-world environments.
  • Gather, observe, and document data on robotic systems, noting successes, failures, and opportunities for improvement; provide clear feedback to engineering and research teams.
  • Support the safe deployment, operation, and teardown of testing environments, including setup of workstations, test infrastructure, and management of safety gear and tools.
  • Maintain a safety-first mindset throughout all operations, with attention to spatial awareness, risk mitigation, and proper handling of equipment.
  • Collaborate with research operations engineers and other cross-functional team members to optimize data collection processes.
  • Use Linux-based systems and command-line tools for robot interaction, data access, and basic troubleshooting.
  • Be adaptable, proactive, and continuously open to learning in a dynamic and evolving research environment.
  • Travel, including local, domestic, and international, as required to support field testing.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of relevant experience in robotics, field operations, prototyping, or technical support roles OR 3+ years of equivalent experience
  • Familiarity with basic Linux or command-line usage and a willingness to improve those skills on the job
  • Strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and comfort using interactive control devices (e.g., game controllers or VR)
  • Experience working with physical hardware in a lab, warehouse, maker, or research environment
  • Excellent communication and observation skills with an eye for detail
  • Ability to safely lift and move up to 50 lbs and manage equipment setup tasks
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, both domestic and international, to support research activities
  • Collaborative attitude and openness to feedback and growth

Benefits:
  • PTO and paid holidays!
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Employer (HireArt) Subsidized healthcare benefits
  • Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
  • HireArt covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
  • 401k package

Commitment: This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates local to the Los Altos, CA, area who are able to work 4 days per week, 10 hours per day.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Job description

HireArt is helping Toyota Research Institute (TRI) find a Robotics Testing Operator - Prototyping and Research to perform physical testing and data collection operations supporting the research teams onsite and remote testing locations, currently focusing on internal robot testing as well as offsite deployments.

In this role, you will safely produce high-quality data for the researchers and participate in activities to make data collection activities more efficient. You’ll play a key role in enabling robots to learn safely and effectively in new spaces while helping improve their capabilities through real-world feedback.

We're looking for someone with the determination and experience to quickly learn and adapt in an ever-changing research environment.

As a Robotics Testing Operator, you'll:
  • Operate and teleoperate mobile robots using various control interfaces (e.g., joysticks, gamepads, VR), ensuring reliable performance in both controlled and real-world environments.
  • Gather, observe, and document data on robotic systems, noting successes, failures, and opportunities for improvement; provide clear feedback to engineering and research teams.
  • Support the safe deployment, operation, and teardown of testing environments, including setup of workstations, test infrastructure, and management of safety gear and tools.
  • Maintain a safety-first mindset throughout all operations, with attention to spatial awareness, risk mitigation, and proper handling of equipment.
  • Collaborate with research operations engineers and other cross-functional team members to optimize data collection processes.
  • Use Linux-based systems and command-line tools for robot interaction, data access, and basic troubleshooting.
  • Be adaptable, proactive, and continuously open to learning in a dynamic and evolving research environment.
  • Travel, including local, domestic, and international, as required to support field testing.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of relevant experience in robotics, field operations, prototyping, or technical support roles OR 3+ years of equivalent experience
  • Familiarity with basic Linux or command-line usage and a willingness to improve those skills on the job
  • Strong spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and comfort using interactive control devices (e.g., game controllers or VR)
  • Experience working with physical hardware in a lab, warehouse, maker, or research environment
  • Excellent communication and observation skills with an eye for detail
  • Ability to safely lift and move up to 50 lbs and manage equipment setup tasks
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, both domestic and international, to support research activities
  • Collaborative attitude and openness to feedback and growth

Benefits:
  • PTO and paid holidays!
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Employer (HireArt) Subsidized healthcare benefits
  • Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
  • HireArt covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
  • 401k package

Commitment: This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates local to the Los Altos, CA, area who are able to work 4 days per week, 10 hours per day.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.