Launch Manager - United States - RIVR

Description

RIVR is a Swiss robotics company pioneering Physical AI and robotic solutions to revolutionize last-mile delivery, giving 1 human the power of 1000. Through the combination of artificial neural networks and innovative robot designs with wheels and legs, RIVR aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in last-mile delivery. Founded as Swiss-Mile, the company rebranded to RIVR in 2025 to better reflect its mission of driving the future of intelligent robotics. Join our innovative team, renowned for pioneering robotic design and neural network applications in robotics that improve environmental understanding and decision-making. With a robust research foundation and notable contributions from ETH Zurich, we are leaders in translating artificial intelligence and robotics into practical, real-world applications.
RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you're passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.
Job Description
As Launch Manager, you will lead RIVR's first deployments in the United States, managing every step from site planning and setup through to successful handover to local operations. You'll operate in ambiguity and thrive in fast-moving environments, bridging technical and operational teams to turn cutting-edge robotics into reliable, real-world logistics performance.
This role combines planning, project execution, and hands-on leadership in the field. You'll define and own the local launch plan, coordinate across internal and external stakeholders, manage budgets and KPIs, and build scalable processes that can be replicated in future markets.
This is a high-impact role for someone who loves to make things happen, someone equally comfortable interacting with local partners as troubleshooting with engineers. While our main US office is located in Austin, Texas, this role offers remote flexibility and is open to candidates based anywhere in the continental U.S., provided you are comfortable with up to 50% domestic travel.
What you'll be doing

• Design and own the launch plans: Translate company goals and site selections into a concrete, phased plan covering preparation, pilot, and early scale-up stages (0-6 months). Define key activities, milestones, dependencies, and deliverables to ensure readiness for launch.
• Identify and secure launch sites: Conduct on-the-ground scouting and evaluation of potential deployment areas, considering logistics, regulatory feasibility, and infrastructure needs. Negotiate site access and local partnerships as needed.
• Lead end-to-end launch execution: Coordinate all activities across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring readiness of robots, infrastructure, and local support functions before launch.
• Drive daily field operations: Act as the operational lead during the launch phase, ensuring all systems run smoothly, issues are resolved quickly, and field feedback is systematically captured and shared with Engineering.
• Manage and monitor budgets: Own the initial deployment budget, tracking spend, identifying efficiencies, and ensuring a lean and cost-effective setup.
• Build and coordinate the local launch team: Support hiring, onboarding, and training of local field operators or technicians. Define team workflows, shift plans, and escalation processes to maintain operational continuity.
• Establish KPIs and reporting: Develop early success metrics (e.g., uptime, delivery reliability, cost per route) and report on progress to leadership, proposing corrective actions when needed.
• Ensure compliance and safety: Guarantee that all launch activities comply with local regulations, safety standards, and company policies. Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams to secure necessary permits or authorizations.
• Create scalable launch playbooks: Document learnings, best practices, and process templates to accelerate future market entries.
• Transition to steady-state operations: Once the launch is stable and KPIs are met, lead the structured handover to the local Operations Manager, ensuring full knowledge transfer and a smooth transition (3-6 months).

What you must have

• Proven experience in launching and scaling operations in logistics, mobility, or tech-driven field environments.
• Strong background in operations management, project management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high-uncertainty, fast-changing environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, from engineers to city partners.
• Solid understanding of operational metrics, KPIs, and financial tracking.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Operations, Business, or related technical field.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically (up to 50%).

Get some bonus points

• Prior experience launching robotics, autonomous vehicles, or on-demand logistics services.
• Startup or scale-up experience, you're at your best when building structure from scratch.
• Hands-on technical curiosity and comfort working closely with engineering teams.
• Familiarity with compliance, safety, or city-permitting processes for new mobility tech.

RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you're passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.