Shift Lead UMI Data Collection

Mimic Robotics is a cutting‑edge physical‑AI firm that builds a complete stack for general‑purpose dexterous manipulation. Founded by ETH Zurich researchers in 2024, the company designs both advanced video‑action models and its own dexterous hand hardware, operating from offices in Zurich and San Francisco. The Shift Lead for UMI Data Collection will run the daily operations of the data‑gathering team. Responsibilities include assigning tasks, removing obstacles, and keeping shifts on schedule. You will recruit, onboard, train and mentor Data Collectors, design shift plans that maximise station usage, and own key operational metrics such as throughput and efficiency. The role also involves preparing new data‑collection tasks together with AI and robotics groups, ensuring equipment is functional, spotting bottlenecks, and refining tools, workflows and processes. You will help set up new collection environments and serve as the main liaison between the data‑collection crew and the technical teams. The employer seeks candidates who are highly organized, proactive and energetic, with strong people‑leadership abilities. Relevant background in operations, shift management, production or logistics in a fast‑paced setting is required, as is comfort with tracking and improving KPIs. A hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset, solid communication skills for interacting with technical staff, and the ability to thrive in a rapid‑growth startup are essential. Additional assets include prior experience managing shift‑based or operational teams, familiarity with robotics, hardware, manufacturing or data‑collection work, and a track record of recruiting and onboarding large operational groups. The position sits within a collaborative, research‑driven environment that spans Zurich and San Francisco, offering the chance to influence a rapidly scaling data‑collection effort at the forefront of AI‑enabled robotics. What the role asks for: - Highly organized, proactive, energetic - Strong people leadership skills - Operations/shift leadership or production logistics experience - Comfortable using KPIs to drive efficiency - Hands‑on problem‑solver attitude - Strong communication with technical teams - Ability to thrive in fast‑moving startup - Experience managing shift‑based operational teams (nice‑to‑have) - Background in robotics, hardware, manufacturing or data collection (nice‑to‑have) - Recruiting and onboarding high‑volume operational staff (nice‑to‑have)