Launch Manager (US Launch Team)
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Job Location:
Austin, TX - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Department:
Job Summary
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 youre 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 RIVRs first deployments in the United States managing every step from site planning and setup through to successful handover to local operations. Youll 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. Youll 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 youll 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 (06 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 (36 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.
- Bachelors degree or higher in Operations Business or related technical field.
- Valid drivers 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 youre 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 youre passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.
We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.
Required Experience:
Manager
Key Skills
- Computer Hardware
- Fund Management
- Attorney At Law
- Jni
- Analytics
About Company
Discover RIVR's innovative Physical AI solutions revolutionizing last-mile delivery. Our autonomous robots ensure faster, safer, and sustainable deliveries of parcels, groceries, and meals
