Role Overview
Data Collection Operator
A Data Collection Operator performs hands-on robotics data collection and produces high-quality demonstration data used to train and refine robotic systems. In this role, you will execute precise physical manipulation tasks (assembling, sorting, packing) while wearing motion-capture sensors, as well as control robotic manipulators via teleoperation interfaces like VR headsets and leader-follower rigs. Operators handle daily station setup, calibration, data uploading, and quality tagging, while documenting hardware glitches or protocol ambiguities to ensure researchers receive reliable training data.
Typical Activities
Performing assigned manipulation tasks (assembling, sorting, packing, handling objects) wearing motion-capture and body-worn sensor equipment.
Operating robotic manipulators through teleoperation rigs, including VR headsets, leader-follower arms, haptic devices, and handheld controllers.
Setting up, calibrating, and shutting down collection stations daily while monitoring camera streams, frame rates, and sensor feeds.
Uploading, tagging, and validating collected session data, flagging low-quality, out-of-protocol, or corrupt files.
Documenting hardware failures, dropped sensor frames, and unclear instructions, communicating bugs to the Shift Lead and engineering team.
Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized workspace while participating in protocol reviews and pilot testing for new data collection tasks.

Candidate Profiles & Disqualifiers
Target Profile
Excellent hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and spatial awareness with the physical capability to perform repetitive, precise tasks over multi-hour sessions.
Strong reliability, attention to detail, and ability to follow structured, step-by-step written protocols consistently.
Basic computer proficiency (file management, web forms, data dashboards, simple quality logging).
Clear verbal and written communication skills to articulate hardware bugs, protocol gaps, or software glitches.
Physical Capability: Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift up to ~35 lbs, and wear VR headsets/mocap sensors for extended periods.
Strong interest in robotics and AI development with a commitment to high data accuracy.
Preferred Backgrounds: Experience with robot teleoperation, VR/gaming controllers, mocap systems, warehouse/fulfillment, assembly, QA testing, manufacturing, or lab operations.
Wrong Profile
Candidates looking for pure software development, CAD engineering, or research roles who do not want to execute physical collection tasks.
Individuals uncomfortable wearing VR headsets, haptic equipment, or body sensors for multi-hour sessions.
Candidates with poor attendance histories or difficulty following strict, repetitive protocols without deviating.
Non-local candidates unable to commute to the San Francisco lab 5 days a week (M–F, 9 AM–6 PM PST).

Candidate Screening & Submission Process
Screening
1. Confirm Candidate Understanding & Interest
Confirm interest in the role and working with Anthropic (disclosed during phone screen).
Confirm agreement with the W2 contract setup at $32.00 – $36.00/hr.
Verify availability for a 6-month full-time commitment in San Francisco, CA.
Confirm ability to work 100% onsite, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM PST.
Confirm physical capability to stand, bend, wear VR headsets, perform repetitive tasks, and lift up to 35 lbs.
2. Verify Operational Experience & Technical Fit
Confirm strong hand-eye coordination and comfort with physical, repetitive tasks.
Assess exposure to VR equipment, gaming controllers, teleoperation, motion capture, or hands-on assembly/warehouse environments.
Verify basic computer literacy (file uploading, logging data quality, tracking bugs).
Assess communication skills and reliability/punctuality habits.

Data collection VR

Similar Other Jobs