Field Operations Lead

Scout AI•Paso Robles, CA

About The Position

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI, we’re developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers those machines to sense, decide, and act together as one. This mission will ask everything of us: urgency, precision, and relentless work. The Role We’re hiring a Field Operations Lead to plan, coordinate, and execute real-world testing and data collection for Scout’s autonomous systems. This role owns the execution of field operations, leading ground and air teams to generate the data and validation required to build and deploy autonomy at scale. You will be responsible for synchronizing multiple teams and platforms in dynamic environments, ensuring operations are executed safely, efficiently, and with high technical rigor. This includes coordinating UGVs and UAS, managing test objectives, and driving disciplined execution at our test site. You will operate at the intersection of engineering and mission execution, translating technical goals into executable field plans, and ensuring high-quality data is collected under real-world conditions. This role requires leadership under pressure, strong operational judgment, and the ability to solve problems in real time.

Requirements

Prior military experience (officer or senior enlisted), preferably in combat arms, aviation, reconnaissance, or technical units
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field)
7+ years of experience leading teams in field operations, testing, or mission-driven environments
Proven ability to coordinate complex operations involving multiple teams and systems
Strong technical foundation with the ability to understand and troubleshoot integrated hardware/software systems
Experience operating in dynamic, high-pressure environments with incomplete information
Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and accountability in real-world operations
Strong communication skills and ability to align technical and operational teams

Responsibilities

Define, track, and deliver against field operations metrics, ensuring data collection targets are consistently met across testing cycles
Plan and execute field operations involving coordinated ground and air systems for testing and data collection
Lead and manage field teams (operators, engineers, technicians) during deployments and test events
Translate engineering and product objectives into detailed, executable test plans and mission profiles
Act as the on-site decision maker, ensuring safe, efficient, and disciplined execution of operations
Coordinate timing, positioning, and tasking of UGV and UAS assets during missions
Ensure high-quality data collection, including proper sensor configuration, logging, and validation
Troubleshoot operational and technical issues in real time, coordinating closely with engineering teams
Own site setup, logistics, and operational readiness for field deployments
Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for testing, data collection, and mission execution
Capture and communicate detailed feedback from the field to engineering and product teams
Support customer demonstrations and operational evaluations, ensuring professional execution and system performance