Manager​/Robotics Operations, AI.DA STC, GTO

Title:

Manager/Robotics Operations, AI.DA STC, GTO

Location:

Aero - 600 West Camp Road, SG

Robotics Operations Manager (Safety, Lab & Field)

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Robotics Operations Manager to own the end‑to‑end ecosystem of AI.DA, Strategic Technology Centre (STC) s Next‑gen Edge AI & Robotics Lab (NEAR) s multi‑robot “physical AI” testbed. You will serve as the custodian of the physical fleet, managing a lab housing aerial swarms, quadrupeds, and humanoid robots.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between safety compliance, logistics, and active experimentation. You will manage lab build‑outs, lead field test operations, and handle regulatory approvals (e.g. CAAS). You will have explicit authority to veto flights or experiments on safety grounds. This is a primarily on‑site role, ideal for a highly independent operator who thrives in a technical environment and is not afraid to handle hardware.

The role is on a 2 year contract, with the potential to convert into a permanent position based on performance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Safety, Regulation & Compliance (Priority)

• Safety Authority: Act as the primary Safety Manager with explicit veto/stop authority over all experiments and field tests if safety or regulatory conditions are not met.
• Regulatory Management: Lead the submission and maintenance of CAAS UA Operator Permits (OP) and Activity Permits (AP), including operations manuals, safety cases, and risk assessments.
• Framework Implementation: Design, implement, and enforce the safety framework for lab and field operations (SOPs, incident reporting, emergency protocols).
• Induction & Training: Induct and brief staff, interns, and visitors on lab rules, safety procedures, and site‑specific requirements.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary operational point of contact for internal Safety/Legal/Compliance teams and external regulators/site owners.

2. Lab Management & Asset Custody

• Physical Custody: Maintain strict custody and inventory management of the physical fleet (humanoids, quadrupeds, drones), sensors, and compute modules. You are responsible for the physical whereabouts and operational status of these assets.
• Lab Infrastructure: Lead the setup and ongoing improvement of the NEAR Lab workspace, coordinating with Facilities on layout, zoning, power requirements, and safety cages.
• Specialised Rigging: Coordinate sourcing and setup for specialised robotics infrastructure, such as motion capture (mocap) systems, gantries, and safety harnesses for legged robots.
• Environment Control: Set up and tear down test environments (markers, nets, barriers, signage) to ensure controlled, repeatable conditions for data collection.

3. Field Operations & Logistics

• Mission Control: Coordinate test and demo schedules with project leads, ensuring locations, equipment, permits, and personnel are synchronised.
• Logistics & Transport: Plan and manage transport for local tests and overseas deployments, including packing, freight, and customs/carnet paperwork.
• Site Leadership: Provide on‑site operational leadership during field trials, ensuring site rules are followed and public safety is maintained.

4. Fleet Maintenance & Readiness

• L1 Maintenance: Perform Level 1 diagnostics and maintenance on drones and robots (battery lifecycle management, connector/cable checks, simple mechanical repairs).
• Engineer Support: Support engineers with firmware updates and configuration setups under guidance, ensuring assets are mission‑ready before tests.
• Operational Reporting: Provide concise operational status updates (fleet readiness, risks, constraints) to the Lab Head.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Degree or diploma in Engineering, Mechatronics, Operations Management, Safety Management, or a related technical field.
• Experience: Typically 5+ years of experience across at least two of the following:
  • Safety/regulatory operations for drones, aerospace, robotics, or other high‑risk domains.
  • R&D lab or workshop management (electronics/robotics/mechatronics).
  • Technical project coordination or field operations in a hardware‑heavy environment.
• Domain Knowledge: Direct experience working with drones and/or mobile…