Mission Operator

Location
Paso Robles
Workplace
On-site
Compensation
$120k – $140k + equity
Visa
No Visa Sponsorship

About this role

We’re hiring Mission Operators to act as forward-deployed operators and field engineers for our unmanned ground vehicle programs. You’ll own system performance in real-world environments, executing field missions, supporting high-visibility customer demos, and ensuring platforms are mission-ready at all times. Operating at the intersection of engineering, operations, and customer engagement, you’ll run test events, operate autonomous systems, and troubleshoot issues across hardware and software in real time. You’ll work closely with engineers to validate performance, drive rapid iteration, and deliver actionable field feedback.

This is a hands-on, field-heavy role. You’ll deploy, operate, and recover systems in dynamic environments while maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism, and technical execution. You’ll also represent Scout in front of customers, clearly communicating system capabilities and performance under real-world conditions.

Responsibilities

Lead forward-deployed operation of autonomous and semi-autonomous ground systems in complex, real-world environments, supporting customer-facing demonstrations and field evaluations

Execute and adapt mission test plans in dynamic conditions, ensuring successful outcomes while maintaining strict safety and operational standards

Serve as the on-site technical authority during field operations, diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, and software issues in real time

Interface directly with high-priority customers and stakeholders, briefing system capabilities, conducting live demonstrations, and representing product performance in the field

Coordinate end-to-end field logistics including system deployment, mobility, sustainment, and recovery across distributed test environments

Drive system readiness through hands-on maintenance, inspection, and rapid repair of vehicles, payloads, and supporting equipment

Capture and communicate actionable field insights to engineering and product teams, influencing system improvements and future development

Maintain operational awareness of system health, performance, and limitations to ensure mission success under austere conditions

Enforce and model disciplined safety practices for personnel, equipment, and autonomous system operations

What happens next

Skip the application pile. I get you in front of the people who decide.

Confirm the fit

A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.

I pitch you to the company

I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.

A meeting lands on your calendar

When the company wants to meet, I get the call on your calendar. You just show up.

Culture & values

Mission Operations team operates as a bridge between R&D and real-world performance

Team executes hands-on field testing and autonomous system validation

Work involves multi-day offsite trips across diverse terrain environments

Team collaborates directly with engineering on development test requests

Daily operations include customer demonstrations and real-world performance validation

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