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Manager, AV Technical Operations

Nashville, TN

At Lyft, our purpose is to serve and connect. We aim to achieve this by cultivating a work environment where all team members belong and have the opportunity to thrive.  Flexdrive is a subsidiary of Lyft that works together with Lyft teams to realize our shared mission. 

At Flexdrive, we're at the forefront of revolutionizing transportation by building the operational backbone for autonomous vehicle (AV) fleets. As a leader in fleet management, we're leveraging our expertise to enter the AV space, forming strategic partnerships with cutting-edge technology providers. We're looking for dedicated team members to help us pioneer this new chapter.

About the Role

Flexdrive is at the forefront of the autonomous vehicle (AV) revolution. As the Manager, AV Technical Operations, you will be the program leader responsible for establishing and scaling our internal AV technical service operations..

In this highly visible role, you will lead the design, launch, and ongoing performance of our internal AV service and maintenance operation. You will partner with our recruitment team to build the founding team of Technicians, help lead the development of a technical training and certification program, and create the definitive playbook for our AV repair operations.  Ultimately, you are accountable for the end-to-end performance of our service and repair program, ensuring maximum fleet readiness and building a highly capable technical workforce. 

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Build-Out & Infrastructure
    • Design the Service Standard: Lead the strategic launch of our internal service and repair program. Define the headcount models, shop layouts, tooling requirements, and operational workflows for high-efficiency maintenance operations.
    • Depot Launch Leadership: Act as the operational lead for new depot build-outs (both new construction and facility remodels). Collaborate with Real Estate and Construction teams to ensure maintenance bays, lifts, and HV charging infrastructure meet strict AV operational specifications.
    • Tooling & Supply Chain: Establish direct procurement channels and lifecycle management for heavy equipment (alignment racks, ADAS calibration fixtures) and specialized HV repair tooling.
  • Technical Leadership, Recruiting & Training
    • Talent Acquisition & Recruiting: Partner with the People team to define the AV technician hiring profile. Develop the recruitment and retention strategy for our technical workforce, partnering closely with the Talent Acquisition team to execute on hiring goals, technician assessments, and onboarding.
    • Training & Certification Program: Help lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive technical training and certification program. Establish rigorous onboarding and training pathways that ensure all staff achieve and maintain 100% compliance with strict OEM, high-voltage (HV), and AV-specific repair certifications.
    • Continuous Development: Build the framework for ongoing technical development and recertification. Ensure the team's skills evolve alongside rapid hardware and software updates, creating a culture of continuous learning and safety.
    • Cross-Functional Technical Liaison: Serve as the primary operational and technical bridge between the service floor, internal engineering teams, and external AV/OEM partners to manage diagnostic escalations and hardware modifications.
  • Fleet Maintenance Operations & Financial Performance
    • Operational Excellence: Own the fleet health metrics and program performance. Minimize VOR (Vehicle Off Road) time by optimizing shift schedules, parts availability, and work order prioritization.
    • OpEx Budget Management: Own the operational budget for the service and repair program. Track and optimize costs related to labor, tooling, and consumables to achieve targeted Cost Per Mile metrics.
    • Process Engineering: Develop, document, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the internal workforce, translating complex technical requirements into executable repair workflows for technicians.
    • Performance Management: Drive a data-led operation, holding the program accountable to strict KPIs regarding First-Time Fix Rate (FTFR), Cycle Time, and Cost Per Repair.
  • Safety & Compliance
    • Safety Culture: Execute and continuously improve a safety-first Safety Management System (SMS) culture. Oversee High Voltage (HV) safety protocols (NFPA 70E), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and hazardous waste management..
    • Quality Assurance: Establish a comprehensive Quality Control (QC) framework with multi-stage inspection and validation protocols. Design quality gates including diagnostic scans, functional testing, and final vehicle readiness certification. Ensure 100% compliance with AV technical standards before vehicles return to autonomous service.

Experience:

  • Experience: 5+ years of program management or operational leadership specifically within the Autonomous Vehicle (AV), Electric Vehicle (EV), or Advanced Mobility sectors.
  • Recruiting & Talent Development: Demonstrated experience recruiting technical talent, building competency frameworks, and managing technical training programs for service/repair operations.
  • Program Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex operations and influence cross-functional teams (Real Estate, HR, Engineering) to deliver on launch timelines.
  • The "Builder" Mindset: Proven experience launching new service centers or maintenance facilities from scratch (not just running existing ones). Experience with facility layout, permitting, and equipment procurement is essential.
  • Technical Depth: Solid understanding of AV sensor systems (lidar, radar, cameras), EV high-voltage systems, and automotive service operations. Sufficient technical depth to effectively lead a technical team, interpret performance data, and make informed operational decisions. This is a program leadership role—you will have Master Technicians and technical experts on your team to handle the hands-on technical work.
  • Operational Rigor: Experience managing high-velocity operations using data. Proficiency with Fleet Management Systems (FMS), ticketing systems, and data visualization (Tableau/Excel).
  • Travel: Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, particularly during peak depot launch phases.
  • Bonus Points
    • Experience working with JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), Zeekr, or Hyundai AV platforms.
    • Certifications: ASE Master Technician (or proven experience managing and assessing ASE/OEM certified technicians), I-Car Certification, Six Sigma/Lean, or PMP.

Benefits:

  • Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
  • Mental health benefits
  • Family building benefits
  • Child care and pet benefits
  • 401(k) plan to help save for your future
  • In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary paid time off, hourly team members have 15 days paid time off
  • 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible
  • Subsidized commuter benefits
  • Lyft Pink - Lyft team members get an exclusive opportunity to test new benefits of our Ridership Program

Lyft is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace that fosters belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Lyft highly values having employees working in-office to foster a collaborative work environment and company culture. This role will be in-office on a hybrid schedule following the establishment of a Lyft office in Nashville — Team Members will be expected to work in the office 3 days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Lyft considers working in the office at least 3 days per week to be an essential function of this hybrid role. Additionally, hybrid roles have the flexibility to work from anywhere for up to 4 weeks per year. #Hybrid

The expected base pay range for this position in the Nashville area is $108,240 - $135,300. Salary ranges are dependent on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience and geographic location. Range is not inclusive of potential equity offering, bonus or benefits. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range specific to your working location and other factors during the hiring process.

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