LEONID A.
Pittsburgh,United States
Summary
Dynamic technical operations leader with expertise in driving cross-functional teams to deliver innovative robotic solutions. Proven track record in overseeing complex program development from concept to deployment, aligning technical capabilities with business objectives to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director Of Technical Operations
Carnegie Robotics
Pittsburgh, United States
04.2025 - Current
- Provide strategic and technical leadership across all engineering technician teams and field operations, ensuring reliable execution of complex autonomy and robotic platform initiatives. Oversee platform integration, system validation, and full life cycle program development-from concept through deployment. Drive cross functional coordination between engineering, production, and customer groups to deliver scalable, high performance solutions. Maintain and expand business development relationships by representing technical capabilities, identifying growth opportunities, and aligning operational execution with company objectives.
- Oversaw development and integration of automation technologies, driving innovation and improving system capabilities.
- Led technical operations to improve functionality and reliability of robotic systems, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
- Managed cross-functional teams to enhance project execution and communication, fostering collaboration across departments.
Technical Project Program Manager
Carnegie Robotics
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2022 - 04.2025
- Oversaw development and integration of drive-by-wire, redundant safety, sensor selection, remote-control, teleoperation, custom compute, and thermal solutions, ensuring alignment with project goals.
- Managed multiple concurrent projects, balancing priorities and resources effectively.
- Managed costs, design, development, testing, and customer relations for each project, delivering results on time and within budget.
- Oversaw multiple defense-related projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Developed and produced off-road autonomy capable platforms for the DARPA RACER program.
- Completed 17 "lite vehicles" | Polaris RZR | and retrofitted a handful of US govt. Owned 10-ton tracked vehicles with exact same sensor, computer, and software architecture as the "Lite" vehicles.
- Moved the Lite Autonomy capable off-road vehicle into an official product offering that is available in various trim levels.
- Supported sales department by generating leads and responding to inquiries.
- Work is primarily in the Off-Road autonomy space, with one being heavily focused on utilizing Passive sensors only.
Head of Field Operations
Thoro.ai
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Established a national field deployment team utilizing best practices.
- Co-led redesign, testing, and validation of autonomy kit, targeting 50% reduction in bill of materials.
- Initiated second AMR project in warehouse to enhance operational capabilities.
- Launched most viable product version to select customers for feedback and iterative improvements.
- Accomplished: Nine months Later Thoro and 'partner' announced the cheapest AMR of that size and class to the market.
- Created training videos, manuals, and troubleshooting videos to empower the end user.
- Oversaw project ownership to ensure alignment with Spinout and Carnegie Robotics objectives.
Field Testing Manager
Carnegie Robotics LLC
03.2018 - 09.2021
- Collaborated with the safety team to achieve the markets first and only 3rd part safety certified AMR within the US and EU.
- Promoted to internal subject matter expert; executed training on specific AMR field applications and operability.
- Functioned as the first field testing engineer for the company in 2018, creating foundational practices.
- Empowered the development team by briefing them on the good and the bad that was seen in the field within software, hardware, or usability.
- Engaged directly with end-users to gain insights into their needs and challenges.
- Bridged gap between development and end-user issues, enhancing communication and feedback.
- Created a system for prioritizing and reviewing logs produced in testing.
Field Operations Manager | Continued
Carnegie Robotics LLC
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2018 - 09.2021
- Led the development of the market's first Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation attachment on a robot during COVID.
- Established floor cleaning AMR sales and service dealership, addressing market demand in Pittsburgh area.
- Trained all of the customers field service team | 4,000 people across the globe.
- Educated customers on proper installations, services, and workarounds for the robotic side of the platform.
- Created framework for installing and training end-users, facilitating successful adoption of autonomy in workflows.
- Secured contract to train deployment teams within client's ecosystem, supporting national deployment team at THORO.
- Enabled a fleet for early release testing.
- Sold 20 units across environments.
- Empowered to have control over all sales and service in an 80-mile radius.
- Hired one person initially and grew it to an 8-person team.
- Established specific roles and duties to support multiple efforts across a variety of robotic solutions | production line assistance, hardware testing, software testing, developing safety, and user manuals.
- Provided expertise as Subject Matter Expert for the client side, resulting in opportunities for international travel.
Field Engineer
BEST MEDICAL
Greater Pittsburgh Area
11.2016 - 03.2018
- Traveled 80% of the time.
- Executed installation and repair of medical equipment nationally and in Canada, ensuring operational readiness and compliance.
- Coordinated schedules and communications with clients to ensure project alignment and satisfaction.
- Promoted and facilitated additional service and training packages during onsite visits to enhance client offerings.
- Led the end-user training program for all product lines.
- Established knowledge in key topics to support team and client understanding.
- Transitioned into the research and development lab working directly with the engineers on legacy product testing and new product design inputs.
Lead Operations Engineer | Field Engineer
Breen Energy Solutions
03.2016 - 11.2017
- Led crew of 4-8 across multiple locations to ensure project completion and operational efficiency.
- Executed the installation, removal, and operation of specialized equipment within power plants nationwide.
- Operated a large equipment, sky lifts, fork trucks, pallet jacks, excavator, and a skid steer.
- Firmware updates, fine-tuned and programmed PLC drives, maintain safety and quality control on all sites.
- Established virtual private networks from the field sites back to HQ for remote support and firmware update.
- Specialized in carbon neutralization within power plants.
- Coordinated parts, supplies, and personnel logistics for each job to streamline operations.
Lead Field Engineer
Gyrodata Incorporated
Greater Pittsburgh Area
07.2014 - 01.2016
- Traveled the country doing well-bore surveys for the Oil & gas industry.
- Instituted effective troubleshooting strategies and executed field fixes to resolve equipment issues promptly.
- Performed duties setting up and testing all equipment daily and calibrated to ensure all data was accurate.
- Maintained on-call availability 24/7 to address urgent issues.
- Maintained safety certifications to ensure compliance with onshore drilling standards, including OSHA, HAZMAT, Rigging, and Heavy Equipment.
- Traveled to multiple offices to lead training sessions, enhancing team knowledge and skills.
- Hosted training classes for international employees in the Pittsburgh office.
Water Transfer Supervisor
Southpointe Energy Services
06.2012 - 07.2014
Education
High School Diploma - General Studies
West Mifflin Area High School
01-2009
Skills
- Test strategy
- Software Testing
- System Testing
- Functional Testing
- Agile Testing
- Quality Control
- Test Cases
- Business transformation
- Project implementation
- IT Enabled Business Transformation
- IT Transformation
- Program Management
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
Certification
Osha 10, OSHA-Safety-Training.com
Accomplishments
- Autonomy Kit Redesign: Reduced bill of materials by 50% through redesigning autonomy kit.
- Vehicle Production Completion: Completed 17 Polaris RZR lite vehicles for DARPA RACER program.
- Global Team Training: Trained 4,000 field service team members globally in AMR installation.
- Field Testing Expansion: Secured 25 testing locations in first year for field applications.
Languages
- Russian
- English, Advanced
- Russian, Intermediate
Timeline
Director Of Technical Operations
Carnegie Robotics
04.2025 - Current
Technical Project Program Manager
Carnegie Robotics
04.2022 - 04.2025
Head of Field Operations
Thoro.ai
10.2021 - 04.2022
Field Testing Manager
Carnegie Robotics LLC
03.2018 - 09.2021
Field Operations Manager | Continued
Carnegie Robotics LLC
03.2018 - 09.2021
Field Engineer
BEST MEDICAL
11.2016 - 03.2018
Lead Operations Engineer | Field Engineer
Breen Energy Solutions
03.2016 - 11.2017
Lead Field Engineer
Gyrodata Incorporated
07.2014 - 01.2016
Water Transfer Supervisor
Southpointe Energy Services
06.2012 - 07.2014
High School Diploma - General Studies
West Mifflin Area High School