About this role
About Mecka AI
Mecka AI is building the data infrastructure layer for robotics and embodied AI.
We design and operate global systems for data capture, data labeling, and hardware-enabled workflows used by leading AI labs and robotics companies to train and validate humanoid and embodied AI systems.
We work closely with frontier robotics teams to bridge real-world data, simulation, learning-based systems, and deployed hardware.
We’re hiring a Special Projects Lead to build and run scientific programmes that produce high-quality data for AI and robotics. You’ll work across scientific partnerships, programme development and laboratory operations, taking initiatives from an initial brief through launch and ongoing delivery.
This is a hands-on strategy and operations role. You’ll assess opportunities, set operating priorities and work through the practical challenges of getting new programmes running. You should be comfortable shaping a plan, making decisions with incomplete information and doing the work needed to deliver it.
What you will do:
- Develop scientific programmes. Translate commercial and scientific objectives into practical plans, milestones and operating requirements.
- Build and manage partnerships. Develop relationships with scientific organisations, coordinate agreements and onboarding, and manage ongoing performance.
- Launch new initiatives. Establish workflows, coordinate equipment and resources, train teams and resolve readiness gaps.
- Own operating performance. Manage quality, throughput, schedules and cost. Identify bottlenecks and improve how programmes run.
- Coordinate people and resources. Manage partner teams, vendors and logistics across locations. Keep commitments clear and resolve issues directly.
- Make informed operating decisions. Evaluate opportunities, test assumptions and use delivery evidence to decide what to improve, expand or stop.
What you bring:
- Scientific fluency from laboratory experience or sustained work with experimental scientists.
- A track record of launching and running programmes or operations, with responsibility for delivery, quality and cost.
- Experience managing external partnerships and coordinating people, vendors and operational resources.
- Evidence of prioritizing work, evaluating tradeoffs and making sound decisions under uncertainty.
- Willingness and ability to execute directly, including resolving practical problems alongside coordinating others.
Even better if you have:
- Scientific or laboratory operations, research partnerships or technical special projects.
- Founder or early startup experience involving substantial operating responsibility.
- Building and improving operations across multiple sites or international partner teams.
A Note on Applying
Studies show women and candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they meet 100% of the listed qualifications, while others apply after meeting 60%. If you don't check every box above but believe you can do the job, we encourage you to apply — we're looking for capability and trajectory, not a perfect checklist match.
Inclusive Hiring at Mecka
We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive candidate experience. Should you require any accommodation whatsoever during the interview process, please inform us without any hesitation. Mecka is dedicated to ensuring equal treatment and opportunity in all phases of recruitment, selection, and employment, in compliance with employment law. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other protected category. Mecka is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture of inclusivity and maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment
Mecka uses artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to support administrative and efficiency-focused aspects of our recruitment process. This includes activities such as drafting job descriptions, generating interview questions, note-taking and recordings, and supporting sourcing and scheduling workflows. All candidate evaluations, interviews, and hiring decisions are made by members of the Mecka team. While AI tools may assist with screening and assessment, they do not replace human judgment in selection decisions. Our use of AI is intended to streamline routine tasks, improve consistency, and enhance the overall candidate experience. We are committed to upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all hiring activities. Mecka regularly reviews its recruitment practices to mitigate bias and to ensure alignment with applicable laws and evolving best practices.
Compensation
$160K – $200K • Offers Equity