Associate Manager, Tactical Operations

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

What we are looking for

Aurora's Product and Development Operations team is making the technology of the future a reality. We are at the fore-front of technology, providing thought partnership to product, operations & engineering and ensuring commercial operations capabilities are delivered on time, safely and efficiently.

We are looking for an Associate Manager, Tactical Operations to serve as the "boots on the ground" leader responsible for activating new endpoints. You will be deployed to new markets for 3-6 month rotations to implement our operational playbook, troubleshoot issues, and build a high-performing local team. You are the bridge between our central strategy and local execution.

You will report to Development Test Operations leadership. This role requires sustained on-site deployment in new markets up to 3 months at a time.

In this role you will

• Site Activation: Lead the on-site setup of new endpoints, ensuring all infrastructure, systems, and processes are ready for launch.

• Playbook Development: Develop standard launch and site operations playbooks to ensure consistency across the network.

• Playbook Execution: Implement and enforce the company's standard operations playbooks and SOPs to ensure consistency across the network.

• Operational Excellence: Manage day-to-day operations during the critical launch phase, including troubleshooting, resolving customer issues, and optimizing workflows.

• Talent Development: Lead the hiring, onboarding, and training of permanent local operations staff and leads.

• Transition Management: Build local capacity by mentoring and empowering the permanent team, ensuring they are fully capable of running the site independently before the deployment period ends.

• Feedback Loop: Provide real-time feedback to the Senior Manager, Development Test Operations on playbook effectiveness, site challenges, and process improvements.

Required Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in terminal operations, logistics, or site management, including people management experience

• Deep understanding of terminal workflows, endpoint setup, and operational playbooks

• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop teams in a fast-paced environment

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure

• Willingness to travel and be deployed to new sites for 3-6 month durations

• Strong customer-facing skills, with the ability to manage relationships and smooth over operational friction

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the autonomous vehicle, trucking, transportation, or logistics industry

• Experience standing up a new site, terminal, or facility from greenfield through steady-state operations

• Familiarity with continuous improvement methods (Lean, Six Sigma, standard work, root-cause analysis)

• Experience hiring and building a frontline operations team in a new market

• Comfort working with operational data and BI tools (Tableau, Looker, PowerBI) to monitor site performance

• BA/BS degree in a related field, or equivalent practical experience

The base salary range for this position is $111,000 - $160,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at Aurora

At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together - all without any jerks.

We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy, and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, Aurorans are expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week, with some roles requiring more frequent in-office presence, up to 5 days per week, based on operational needs.

OurCareers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

Our commitment to inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.