Operations Associate (West Loop, Chicago)

At Serve Robotics, we’re reimagining how things move in cities. Our personable sidewalk robot is our vision for the future. It’s designed to take deliveries away from congested streets, make deliveries available to more people, and benefit local businesses. The Serve fleet has been delighting merchants, customers, and pedestrians along the way in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago while doing commercial deliveries. We’re looking for talented individuals who will grow robotic deliveries from surprising novelty to efficient ubiquity. WHO WE ARE We are tech industry veterans in software, hardware, and design who are pooling our skills to build the future we want to live in. We are solving real-world problems leveraging robotics, machine learning and computer vision, among other disciplines, with a mindful eye towards the end-to-end user experience. Our team is agile, diverse, and driven. We believe that the best way to solve complicated dynamic problems is collaboratively and respectfully. JOB OVERVIEW As an Operations Associate, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth and reliable performance of our autonomous delivery robots. While our robots are designed to operate independently, there are times when they need a helping hand—whether it’s navigating around unexpected obstacles, dealing with technical issues, or responding to environmental challenges. That’s where you come in. In this hands-on role, you’ll assist robots in the field, perform light maintenance tasks like cleaning sensors, and help ensure that deliveries are completed safely and on time. Your quick problem-solving and on-the-ground support will help minimize service interruptions and protect valuable equipment. You’ll also document incidents and share observations that directly contribute to the ongoing improvement of our technology and operations. You’ll collaborate closely with teams across operations, engineering, and customer support—helping to manage robot deployments, escalate technical issues, and support safety and training initiatives. JOB DUTIES - Maintain field readiness by supporting robots, ensuring timely response, coordination, and order fulfillment as business needs arise. - Assist in deployment processes in line with deployment expectations, including preparation, inspection, cleaning and placement of robots. - Track, document, and close escalation tickets while maintaining clear communication, constant updates, records, and supporting documentation. - Operate company vehicles safely to facilitate the movement, recovery, or repositioning of robotic units as needed. - Prioritize safety by adhering to company safety standards, escalating critical events appropriately, and ensuring personal well-being. - Manage end-of-shift recovery by securing, charging, sanitizing, and accounting for all robotic assets and associated equipment. - Ensure proper handling, maintenance, and storage of all company-issued tools, devices, and protective gear. EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, & SKILLS Required Experience, Qualifications, and Skills - Valid drivers license - Comfortable driving mid-size utility vehicles as needed - Capable of lifting and maneuvering items weighing up to 50 pounds - Demonstrated ability to engage with customers in a professional setting - Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as operations require Preferred Experience, Qualifications, and Skills - Experience with Jira - 1 year of experience in last-mile delivery, robotics, or customer-facing industries, with direct customer-facing (field or service-based) experience - Experience using work communication tools (ie. Slack) - Strong organizational, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Additional Information - Physical demands include walking/biking several miles per day and handling equipment. - Safety compliance: Adherence to PPE rules, strict cell phone protocols, and dress codes (high-visibility vests, safe footwear) is mandated. - Operations Associates must be prepared to perform duties in various weather conditions, including inclement weather. - This role requires the safe operation of company vehicles or e-bikes for work-related purposes. Employees must be able to perform driving duties safely and in accordance with company policies and applicable laws, with or without reasonable accommodation.