Director of Operations

Summary

Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, GrayMatter Robotics is a well-capitalized AI robotics startup serving the manufacturing industry. We empower shop floor workers with our smart robots that assist with tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks, specifically in automated surface finishing. Our proprietary GMR-AI™ software is integrated with state-of-the-art industrial robots, sensors, and tools to create application-specific turnkey solutions for customers through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.

We help manufacturers improve the quality of life for their workforce while increasing production capacity, and reducing scrap, repair, and rework costs. As the first Director of Operations on our Government Projects team, you will play a pivotal role in connecting product development and operations by streamlining development timelines, defining and coordinating deliverables across multiple internal teams, and establishing critical processes to support our innovative robotics solutions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Role & Responsibilities

• Interface with government project managers regularly (e.g. every two weeks) to negotiate and agree on clear, achievable deliverables.

• Maintain and update project schedules on a weekly basis to reflect current status and upcoming work.

• Prepare, compile, and submit technical reports to government agencies to satisfy contractual obligations and enable timely invoice payment.

• Interpret government PM requirements to ensure reports include the necessary level of detail and meet expectations.

• Review and re‑prioritize project tasks monthly, adjusting to execution outcomes and changes from the government side.

• Act as company representative in relevant government meetings, building long‑term relationships and earning trust with government stakeholders.

• Conduct site visits to DoD or other government‑controlled facilities to identify obstacles to project advancement and define Scope of Work for next phases.

• Assist in proposal writing, ensuring that the project management plan sections are realistic, well‑structured, and aligned with execution capabilities.

• Develop and maintain processes for obtaining necessary certifications and approvals to allow deployment of technologies in government facilities.

• Coordinate with the product team (via the Technical Program Manager or equivalent) to ensure required capabilities are developed in time.

• Host government visitors at GrayMatter Robotics, ensuring their experience is professional and positive.

• Monitor existing and proposed DoD‑space efforts, keeping all relevant stakeholders informed of progress, risks, and changes.

• Contribute to technology selection decisions (e.g. tools, platforms, methods) to balance performance, feasibility, and compliance.

• Oversee and monitor team members’ activity on long‑duration projects, ensuring steady progress; when delays arise, reassign tasks to keep momentum and emphasize urgency.

• Lead recruitment of new team members to support expanding government projects; mentor junior staff in non‑technical professional skills, and support their career development and recognition.

Export Control Requirements

In order to comply with the export regulations of the United States Government, it is required that the applicant must fall under one of the following categories: (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (i.e. current green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• 20+ years of industry experience in product or program management, with a proven track record of success as a strong individual contributor (IC).

• Background in both hardware and software development, with experience working in multiple organizations for a broader perspective.

• Extensive experience in robotics, manufacturing, aerospace, maritime, or similar complex hardware-software environments.

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with a knack for syncing complex product timelines across multiple teams.

• Deep Experience implementing and optimizing processes in fast-paced technical environments.

• Strong prioritization skills, with the ability to differentiate between critical and non-critical updates.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities

• Must meet export control requirements in the United States and maintain ongoing work authorization beginning at the time of hire through the entirety of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• Familiarity with both internal product management and customer-facing product delivery.

• Comfort with technical discussions and documentation, especially related to hardware/software integration.

• Experience working with government or defense-related projects.

• Interest in establishing foundational practices for a growing team and scaling them over time.

GrayMatter Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply!

GrayMatter Robotics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact [email protected] to submit your request.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation for this position includes the base salary range of $160,000- $220,000 plus equity and performance bonus. We also provide comprehensive benefits and perks which include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401(k) plan + employer match, regular offsite events, a discretionary fund for enhancing productivity and so much more! The range listed on job postings reflect the minimum and maximum new hire salary across levels in Los Angeles, CA.