Robot Teacher — Los Altos, CA (On-site) | 6-Month W2 Contract | $30/hour
Our client, a leading robotics research lab, is hiring a Robot Teacher to help train robots to perform complex, dexterous tasks using imitation learning. You'll pilot robots using teleoperation tools — joysticks, gamepads, virtual reality headsets, and force-feedback devices — bringing human intuition and creativity to how robots learn and are evaluated. No robotics background is required; strong hand-eye coordination, curiosity, and a safety-first mindset matter most.
What you'll do:
- Teleoperate robots across a variety of scenarios to teach a wide range of tasks (physical controllers, VR headsets for real first-person control, and 3rd-person-controlled computer simulations).
- Operate with a safety-first mindset when working with and around robotic systems.
- Collaborate across teams to design, test, and improve robot skill curricula.
- Perform setup, calibration, and maintenance of robot workstations in lab and home-like environments.
- Communicate clearly with engineers and researchers to surface insights from the field.
- Maintain organized reports, experiment logs, and data tracking.
- Lift and move robotic systems (up to 50 lbs) with care; travel up to 25% to support off-site testing and data collection.
What we're looking for:
- Creative, curious, and detail-oriented, especially when evaluating physical systems.
- Strong hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness; experience with video games, VR, drone piloting, or precision assembly is a plus.
- Comfortable working with computers; prior knowledge of robotics or command-line tools is a bonus but not required.
- Willing to work across disciplines and learn from both technical and operational peers.
- Dependable and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
Logistics:
- 100% on-site in Los Altos, CA on a 4-day/week, 10-hour/day (4x10) schedule, with potential for overtime.
- 6-month contract, W2, $30/hour.