Field Deployment Lead

Field Deployment Lead LocationMunich, GermanyEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentApplications Engineering- Applied AIAt Rhoda AI, we’re building the next generation of generalist intelligent robots. We own the full robotics stack from high-performance hardware and robot systems to the infrastructure and state-of-the-art foundation world models that control our robots. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling long-tail edge cases, made possible by our cutting edge research and end-to-end system design. We've raised over $450M and are investing aggressively in model research, infrastructure, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make generalist robotics a reality.Rhoda AI Europe GmbH is the company's first international entity, established to own strategic partner relationships across Europe and drive deployment of RaaS (Robotics as a Service).We're looking for a Field Deployment lead to oversee Rhoda AI’s intelligent robot real-world customer deployments. We will have the first industrial deployments in the field by Q4-2026. You will be working at the intersection of robotics, AI, hardware, and deployment operations.The RoleAs Rhoda's first Field Deployment Lead in Europe, you will own the end-to-end execution of robot deployments at European partner sites - from site preparation and installation through commissioning, SAT sign-off, and transition to steady-state operations.You will also build and own the operational framework that keeps deployed robots running: the runbooks, operator training, escalation procedures, spare parts management, and the roster of contract operators and Tier 2 service partners at each site.This is not a traditional reactive field service role. Your focus is deployment quality and operational continuity - building systems that prevent emergencies, and managing a pre-trained Tier 2 service partner for hardware interventions beyond operator scope. You will work closely with the Application Engineering team on technical setup and with Rhoda HQ Engineering on configuration and maintenance planning.During the initial production ramp at our first German deployment, you will be on-site covering the day shift alongside contract operators to build firsthand understanding of the system in production - before transitioning to a supervisory and multi-site role as operations mature.What You'll DoDeployment ExecutionOwn site preparation, robot installation, system integration, and commissioning at new European partner sitesLead SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) sign-off with partner technical teams; ensure systems meet production-readiness criteria before handover to steady-state opsCoordinate deployment timelines with Rhoda HQ AE and engineering teams; manage site-specific dependencies and risksDocument configurations, integration decisions, and site-specific adaptations for each deploymentOperational FrameworkDesign and maintain the operational runbook for each deployed site: error response procedures, escalation paths, consumables management, shift handover standardsTrain and onboard contract operators at each site; set quality and documentation standards; ensure consistent execution across shiftsManage the Tier 2 local service partner: define scope and SLA, oversee training on Rhoda hardware, manage the callout processCapture field learnings systematically - failure modes, edge cases, near-misses - and feed structured insights to the AE team and HQ EngineeringMaintenance & ReliabilityExecute scheduled preventative maintenance visits at active sites (monthly/quarterly cadence per site)Coordinate software and firmware updates with HQ Engineering; execute on-site where remote deployment is not possibleManage on-site spare parts inventory at each customer facilityPhase 1 Ramp - Wolfsburg (first 1–2 months)Cover the day shift on-site during initial production ramp to build firsthand operational expertiseTransition day...