Product Operations Associate (NZ) at dronedeploy

About DroneDeploy DroneDeploy powers field teams with robotics and AI. As the only reality capture platform that combines robotic automation, AI agents, and a truly unified system, DroneDeploy allows critical industries to operate with speed and confidence. From construction and energy to agriculture, the world’s largest companies use DroneDeploy to simplify field operations, improve safety, and make smarter decisions, faster. By combining aerial drones, 360 and fixed cameras, ground robots and proprietary AI, we’re bringing the power of automation and visual intelligence to all stakeholders, from the field to the boardroom. At DroneDeploy, we thrive in a mostly remote-first culture rooted in innovation and impact. We’ve been recognized as a Best Place to Work in the SF Bay Area and named one of America’s Great Places to Work—but what truly sets us apart is the experience you gain: solving real-world challenges with cutting-edge technology, surrounded by teammates who are as passionate as they are supportive. Our team is bold, mission-driven, and building something that matters. We foster a culture where a variety of perspectives drive smart decisions, and where growth—both personal and professional—is part of the journey. Whether it’s flexible schedules, family-friendly benefits, or our strong track record of internal promotions, we invest in people as much as we do in product. If you’re looking to be part of something ambitious, authentic, and transformative, you’ll find your place at DroneDeploy. Role Overview The DroneDeploy AI team is responsible for building and scaling robotics operations that power real-world inspections, data capture, and autonomous workflows. We’re hiring a Product Operations Associate to operate robots remotely, analyze data captures, optimize AI-driven workflows, and act as the bridge between operations, product, and engineering. This role is essential for keeping our robots running safely and efficiently on-site, turning captured data into actionable insights, implementing AI workflows, and supporting our remote operations team. We value initiative, curiosity, and people who can translate frontline operational experience into improvements that directly impact product and engineering decisions. Join a team that’s breaking new ground in industrial robotics and AI, and help shape the future of how robots, people and AI work together in real world scenarios. The position is a fixed-term for 3 months, with the possibility of extension. Work Environment • Work Location: Must be based in Auckland, New Zealand and able to work from the Auckland office at least three days per week. This is a full-time role with flexible working hours, but requires strong overlap with standard office hours. • Business Travel: Must be able to travel domestically and internationally, with occasional international travel required. May also need to support international customers across U.S. time zones. • AI tooling: Comfortable working with AI tools, including prompt tuning, testing, and evaluating outputs to improve real-world workflows. Responsibilities • Operate and monitor robots remotely, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently. • Act as the ops team voice in product and engineering discussions, providing real-world feedback and validating new features. • Coordinate a distributed remote ops team: assign tasks, unblock issues, and keep operations running smoothly. • Own daily planning, task tracking, and documentation across shifts and time zones. • Produce daily summaries and reports on robot performance, metrics, and operational trends. • Maintain operational playbooks and knowledge bases for repeatable, scalable processes. • Work with customers and site teams to resolve daily operational blockers, ensuring robots can operate safely and efficiently. • Identify gaps between product intent and real-world usage, and turn frontline experience into actionable improvements. • Leverage AI and automation tools to streamline workflows, detect anomalies, and reduce manual effort. Requirements • Strong organizational skills: able to manage tasks, shifts, and workflows across distributed or remote teams. • Experience producing reports, metrics, or summaries that clearly communicate operational performance to stakeholders. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to translate technical observations into actionable insights. Can tailor communication for different audiences. • Able to coordinate with cross-functional teams and work directly with customers or site teams to resolve operational blockers. • Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-moving environment. • Detail-oriented while able to prioritize what matters most; anticipates and mitigates operational risks. • Curious about emerging technology and AI; excited to experiment, iterate, and optimize workflows. Having built web applications or tools is a bonus. • Occasionally lift and position robots and related equipment (typically up to 50 lbs / 23 kg). • Comfortable attaching and securing payloads (e.g., 360° cameras) onto robotic platforms. • Basic knowledge of construction projects, including the various phases of construction and the operational workings of a job site • Familiarity with basic scripting, vibe-coding, dashboards, or workflow automation. Employee Offerings & Benefits (Benefits may vary by location and role) These are just some of the perks you'll enjoy—there's more to discover once you join us! Culture of Innovation & Collaboration – Thrive in an environment that values creativity and teamwork. Drone Certification – Get certified and gain unique, hands-on skills with our full backing. Flexible Work Arrangements – Enjoy autonomy with remote-first options and schedule flexibility. Paid Family Leave – Take the time you need to support your family during life’s most important moments. Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Plans designed to support your well-being. Career & Growth Development – Build new skills and unlock opportunities through continuous learning. Flexible PTO – Take time off when you need it to recharge—we trust you to manage your time well. Employee Referral Bonus – Know someone great? Refer them and earn a bonus when they join our team. ---- DroneDeploy is an equal opportunity employer. All DroneDeploy employees are responsible for protecting the company and customer data by following information security policies and procedures. Please refer to our Recruitment Privacy Notice for information about privacy during the recruiting process.