Robot Operations Technician (University of California, Irvine)

Company Overview Robot.com (formerly Kiwibot) is redefining real-world automation — no sci-fi, just robots with jobs. Founded in 2017 and rooted in Colombia's culture of innovation, the company has grown from campus pilots to one of the most active robot fleets on Earth, now operating across more than 30 campuses and cities worldwide. With headquarters in San Francisco and teams in Colombia and Taiwan, Robot.com builds purpose-driven robots designed for the present: wheeled, reliable, and delightfully functional. Our technology powers last-mile delivery, mobile advertising, warehouse logistics, and food service operations — all aimed at making everyday systems smarter, faster, and more sustainable. We recently acquired the Robot.com domain — not for the name, but for the moment. After completing over one million robotic tasks in under a year, we're scaling a movement that brings robotics out of the lab and into daily life. Our philosophy is simple: robots shouldn't be overdesigned for imaginary futures — they should be built for real-world work, now. At Robot.com, you'll be part of a global team turning that vision into action. About the Role The Robot Operations Technician is a full-time, on-site role embedded directly in our campus robotics operations at University of California, Irvine, CA. This is a hands-on job for people who like working with their hands, enjoy being active, and want to work with real machines that are out in the world every day — not sitting behind a desk. This is an entry-level role: no prior experience with robots is required. We’ll teach you what you need to know. New hires get structured onboarding and field training, so you’ll have a solid foundation before you’re running your site on your own. You’ll help keep our robot fleet running day to day, supporting both field operations and logistics at your assigned campus. If you’re reliable, curious, and like figuring out how things work, this role gives you direct, hands-on work with robots at scale — with real paths to grow into senior technician, site lead, and regional roles.

What You'll Do Fleet Maintenance

• Keep the robot fleet in good mechanical, electrical, and software condition, following our procedures

• Perform basic hardware checks, repairs, and component replacements, with training and support from our maintenance team

• Execute and document all robot interventions, including on-site troubleshooting with remote support

• Support software updates across the fleet

• Ensure each robot has required SIM card and data connectivity; maintain SIM-to-robot tracking log

• Manage tools, spare parts, and asset inventory — keep records current and follow procurement protocols

• Support hardware and software field testing as directed

• Prepare maintenance reports on fleet health, incidents, and interventions

Field Operations

• Serve as the on-site point of contact for operations stakeholders at your campus

• Handle daily fleet deployment and recovery

• Monitor fleet aesthetics and functional readiness; report and address issues proactively

• Ensure partner restaurants and end-points have all systems in place to operate with the robot fleet

• Meet operational shift requirements and KPIs, including manual robot loading and direct consumer delivery when required

• Ensure facilities, vehicles, and other company assets are properly managed and compliant with applicable state and local requirements

Logistics & Administration

• Conduct inventory cycle counts within the warehouse

• Coordinate shipping of spare parts, robots, marketing materials, and other company assets

• Maintain accurate operational and performance reports as required

• Occasionally support campus engagement, marketing, and growth activities

What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)

• Your fleet runs at or above uptime targets with minimal unplanned downtime

• You own your site operations independently — you know your fleet, your campus, and your stakeholders

• Maintenance records, inventory logs, and operational reports are consistently accurate and current

• You’ve built strong technical knowledge of our robots and can train or mentor incoming team members

• You are a trusted on-site partner to campus stakeholders and the broader operations team

Who You Are

• You enjoy hands-on work and take pride in keeping things running

• You’re dependable and show up ready to work

• You’re a self-starter who tries to solve problems and knows when to ask for help

• You communicate clearly and proactively — your supervisors and teammates are never in the dark

• You adapt quickly in dynamic environments and don’t wait for perfect conditions to get things done

• You’re organized and detail-oriented; you keep records with care

• You’re curious about robotics and technology and motivated to learn and grow

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or GED

• Interest in hands-on work and willingness to learn how to maintain and repair robots

• Basic comfort using hand tools, or willingness to learn

• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Effective written and verbal communication in English

• Ability to work on-site full-time at the assigned campus location

• Ability to lift and handle equipment as part of normal operations

Preferred

• Hands-on experience in one or more of: robotics, drones, or RC vehicles; e-bikes, scooters, or small motorized/battery-powered equipment; electronics repair; automotive/small-engine mechanics; IT/computer hardware; electrical work; appliance repair; HVAC; or a similar hands-on trade

• Experience in field operations, delivery, warehouse, logistics, or maintenance work

• Trade school or vocational certificate, associate degree, military technical training, or hands-on robotics or maker experience (FIRST Robotics, robotics club, personal builds/projects)

• Familiarity with basic networking, Wi-Fi/cellular connectivity, or Linux

• Experience with inventory or asset management systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: $18–$25/hour, depending on experience, location, and other factors

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Access to professional learning and development resources

• Direct, hands-on experience with deployed autonomous robotics systems

Other Requirements

• This is a full-time, on-site role — remote work is not available

• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship

• Ability to travel occasionally as needed based on operational needs

• Ability to work across time zones and collaborate with distributed teams

This role requires the ability to perform the following on a regular basis: standing, walking, and moving across campus and outdoor environments for extended periods; lifting, carrying, and maneuvering equipment and robot hardware up to 50 lbs; bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching to inspect, repair, or deploy equipment; working in varying weather conditions and outdoor settings; operating vehicles or personal transportation between operational sites as needed. Robot.com is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact [email protected] during the application process or upon hire. Robot.com is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, and training. Employment with Robot.com is at-will, meaning either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise required by applicable law.