Data Operations Lead

HappyRobot

HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across voice, email, and enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z and Base10 with over $60M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide.

Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments - where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy. Learn more about our vision in our manifesto.

Role Overview:

Working hand-in-hand with Engineering, Data Ops tackles two critical challenges: identifying the exact data required to build industry-leading AI audio models, and figuring out how to acquire and scale that data efficiently.

As a key member of this team, you will drive the complete lifecycle of our data collection and annotation efforts. You will act as the vital link between research objectives and daily operations, coordinating both internal teams and external vendors to ensure top-tier datasets are delivered on schedule. Furthermore, you will help expand our operational capacity by upgrading our tools, streamlining workflows, and nurturing a high-performing team of data labelers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translate Research Needs: Convert complex research requirements into clear, actionable data specifications and labeling workflows.
• Manage End-to-End Operations: Oversee the full lifecycle of data acquisition, ensuring datasets are delivered on schedule and meet rigorous quality standards.
• Lead Labeling Teams: Direct both in-house and third-party labeling teams by setting guidelines, prioritizing workflows, implementing robust quality control (QC) processes, and monitoring overall throughput.
• Scale and Optimize: Continuously improve operational tooling and processes while supporting the hiring, training, and development of our growing labeling workforce.

Who You Are:

• Detail-Obsessed: Data is all about the details. You excel at collaborating with researchers to craft clear project guidelines and building airtight processes to ensure data meets those standards.
• A Strong Communicator: You possess excellent people skills. You are comfortable interacting with researchers, managing external vendors, delivering constructive feedback, and keeping large labeling teams aligned to hit deadlines.
• Passionate About Audio AI: You are driven by a desire to push the frontiers of new technology and make content universally accessible.
• Highly Motivated & Autonomous: You have a relentless work ethic and operate well without hand-holding. You take initiative from day one, prioritize learning, and leave your ego at the door to help the team lead the evolution of audio AI.
• An Analytical Problem Solver: You tackle complex challenges with a first-principles mindset, consistently striving for excellence and delivering high-quality work efficiently.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work at a high-growth AI startup, backed by top investors.
• Rapidly growing and backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, and Base10.
• Ownership & Autonomy - Take full ownership of projects and ship fast.
• Top-Tier Compensation - Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup.
• Comprehensive Benefits - Healthcare, dental, vision coverage.
• Work With the Best - Join a world-class team of engineers and builders

Our Operating Principles:

Extreme Ownership

We take full responsibility for our work, outcomes, and team success. No excuses, no blame-shifting — if something needs fixing, we own it and make it better. This means stepping up, even when it's not "your job." If a ball is dropped, we pick it up. If a customer is unhappy, we fix it. If a process is broken, we redesign it. We don't wait for someone else to solve it — we lead with accountability and expect the same from those around us.

Craftsmanship

Putting care and intention into every task, striving for excellence, and taking deep ownership of the quality and outcome of your work. Craftsmanship means never settling for "just fine." We sweat the details because details compound. Whether it's a product feature, an internal doc, or a sales call — we treat it as a reflection of our standards. We aim to deliver jaw-dropping customer experiences by being curious, meticulous, and proud of what we build — even when nobody's watching.

We are "majos" Be friendly & have fun with your coworkers. Always be genuine & honest, but kind. "Majo" is our way of saying: be a good human. Be approachable, helpful, and warm. We're building something ambitious, and it's easier (and more fun) when we enjoy the ride together. We give feedback with kindness, challenge each other with respect, and celebrate wins together without ego.

Urgency with Focus Create the highest impact in the shortest amount of time. Move fast, but in the right direction. We operate with speed because time is our most limited resource. But speed without focus is chaos. We prioritize ruthlessly, act decisively, and stay aligned. We aim for high leverage: the biggest results from the simplest, smartest actions. We're running a high-speed marathon — not a sprint with no strategy.

Talent Density and Meritocracy Hire only people who can raise the average; 'exceptional performance is the passing grade.' Ability trumps seniority. We believe the best teams are built on talent density — every hire should raise the bar. We reward contribution, not titles or tenure. We give ownership to those who earn it, and we all hold each other to a high standard. A-players want to work with other A-players — that's how we win.

First-Principles Thinking Strip a problem to physics-level facts, ignore industry dogma, rebuild the solution from scratch. We don't copy-paste solutions. We go back to basics, ask why things are the way they are, and rebuild from the ground up if needed. This mindset pushes us to innovate, challenge stale assumptions, and move faster than incumbents. It's how we build what others think is impossible.