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Robotics Operations Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

... robotic and diagnostic technology; conduct parachute and helicopter insertion operations; clear ... management; regular integration with Special Operations, fleet units, and interagency partners ...

... robotic and diagnostic technology; conduct parachute and helicopter insertion operations; clear ... management; regular integration with Special Operations, fleet units, and interagency partners ...

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Robotics Operations Manager information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$31.8K

$65K

$121.5K

How much do robotics operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for robotics operations manager in Santa Maria, CA is $65,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $79,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Robotics Operations Manager do?

A Robotics Operations Manager oversees the daily operations and management of robotic systems within an organization. Their responsibilities typically include supervising a team of technicians and engineers, ensuring the smooth functioning of robotic equipment, optimizing workflows, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. They also collaborate with other departments to implement automation solutions, train staff on new technologies, and ensure compliance with safety standards. This role is vital for maximizing efficiency, reducing downtime, and driving innovation in industries that rely on robotics.

What are some common challenges faced by a Robotics Operations Manager, and how can they be addressed?

A Robotics Operations Manager often encounters challenges such as integrating new robotics technologies with existing systems, maintaining uptime for robotic fleets, and ensuring operational efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by fostering close collaboration between engineering, IT, and operations teams, as well as implementing proactive maintenance schedules and regular training programs for staff. Staying updated with industry advancements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement also help mitigate operational disruptions and maximize the value of robotics investments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Robotics Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Robotics Operations Manager, you need expertise in robotics systems, operations management, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with automation software, PLC programming, robotics platforms, and project management tools is typically required, along with certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and ensure smooth project execution. These competencies are crucial for optimizing robotic operations, minimizing downtime, and maintaining efficient, safe workflows.

What is the difference between Robotics Operations Manager vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectRobotics Operations ManagerRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, management experienceBachelor's or master's in robotics, electrical, or mechanical engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees operations, manages teams, coordinates projectsDesigns, develops, tests robotic systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, automation companiesResearch labs, product development, engineering firms
Common Search IntentManaging robotic operations, overseeing teamsDeveloping robotic solutions, technical design

The main difference between a Robotics Operations Manager and a Robotics Engineer lies in their focus. The Operations Manager oversees robotic systems' deployment and team management, while the Engineer concentrates on designing and developing robotic technologies. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Robotics Operations Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Robotics Operations Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Robotics Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Robotics Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Robotics Operations Manager job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,045 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Field Operations Technician (Santa Maria, CA)

Orchard Robotics

Santa Maria, CA โ€ข Remote

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

What We Do:

At Orchard Robotics, we’re building the future of farming. Our AI-powered camera systems collect the most valuable data for farmers, telling them everything about what is growing on their millions of trees, across thousands of acres of farmland.

Our state-of-the-art computer vision and AI analyzes every one of the billions of fruit across a farm. This data lives in our cloud platform, FruitScope OS, that we've developed from the ground up to help farmers manage their crops with precision.

Farmers use our software every day to make critical decisions and run more efficient, profitable operations. Today, our technology is trusted by some of the largest farms in the nation.

The Role:

Are you passionate about technology and eager to help farmers succeed? Join us as our first Field Operations Technician in California's Central Coast. In this role, you'll help our growers discover and implement the value of our cutting-edge technology.

A significant portion of your time will be spent driving ATVs and operating Orchard Robotics's AI-powered camera systems in the fields of our farm customers, collecting valuable farm data that helps them become more efficient and sustainable.

You’ll collaborate with our sales team to conduct on-site demos, training, and customer support. You may also work with our engineering team to deploy and test our cutting-edge camera systems that analyze the quality and yield of fruit across farms.

If you enjoy the thrill of working outdoors, helping growers succeed with our technology, and scaling in-field operations beyond conventional limits, this is for you.

About the role: 

  • This is a full-time, hourly role, spanning year-round.

  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage provided, with 100% of the premium paid for by the company.

  • We’re deeply motivated by the impact we’re making – every new system deployed means much less food that goes to waste, and many more people who are fed.

What you’ll do:

  • Visit customer farms and scan their fields with our AI-powered camera systems to collect valuable farm data.

  • Drive ATVs up and down the rows of a farm, "scanning" trees, vines, and plants, frequently for hours at a time.

  • Conduct precise field scouting involving counting trees, vines, fruit, etc, to collect ground truth data for our AI-powered camera systems.

  • Regularly drive 1-3 hours to customer farms for customer training and deployments.

  • Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training for our FruitScope vision systems.

  • Conduct on-farm demos for prospective customers.

  • Regularly engage with customers to ensure ongoing satisfaction, and relay customer insights, requests, and suggestions back to our customer success and engineering teams.

What We Look For:

  • Prior agriculture or field work experience, and comfortable spending many hours outdoors.

  • Comfortable driving 1-3 hours daily to our customer farms and engaging directly with growers in-person.

  • Able to lift at least 20 lbs to set up our camera systems.

  • Comfortable driving an ATV around farms for extended periods of time, and completing a variety of field tasks such as gathering ground truth data by measuring counts and sizes of fruit in fields.

  • Customer-first mindset, highly responsive, and reliable.

  • Proactive, loves to problem-solve & tackle new challenges.

  • Self-starter capable of working independently & managing your own schedule.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Background in agriculture.

  • Valid driver's license for frequent travel to customer farms.

  • Proficiency with digital tools such as Google Workspace (Docs) and Slack.

  • Flexibility to work irregular hours to align with growers' schedules.

If you're looking to help make a positive impact in the world by bringing the future to farming, come join us!