Squad Lead

Note: This is a mid-level leadership position at WATonomous. Squad Leads manage specific technical or administrative squads within our larger divisions, serving as the bridge between team members and directors.

Application Note: Current WATonomous members who have shown initiative and technical/administrative expertise are encouraged to apply. You can also directly contact your division director to express interest in squad lead opportunities.

Description

WATonomous is seeking dedicated Squad Leads to manage focused teams within our technical projects and administrative divisions. As a Squad Lead, you'll be responsible for a specific area of work—such as perception algorithms, path planning, hardware integration, social media, or sponsor relations. You'll guide a small team of 3-8 members, ensuring successful delivery of your squad's objectives while fostering member growth and development.

This role offers an excellent stepping stone into leadership, providing hands-on management experience while maintaining involvement in technical or administrative work. Squad Leads report to Project Directors and work closely with other squad leads to ensure seamless integration across the organization.

Responsibilities

As a Squad Lead at WATonomous, you will:

• Technical/Administrative Leadership: Guide your squad's work and ensure quality deliverables
• Task Management: Break down project goals into actionable tasks for squad members
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and career development support to squad members
• Progress Tracking: Monitor squad progress and report to your Project Director
• Cross-Squad Coordination: Collaborate with other squad leads to integrate work
• Knowledge Transfer: Document processes and ensure knowledge sharing within your squad
• Recruitment Support: Help identify and onboard new members for your squad
• Meeting Facilitation: Run effective squad meetings and working sessions
• Quality Assurance: Review squad outputs and maintain high standards
• Innovation: Propose new approaches and improvements within your domain

Key Qualifications

Required:

• Active WATonomous member with demonstrated commitment
• Strong technical or administrative skills in your squad's domain
• Good communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to break down complex problems into manageable tasks
• Basic project management and organizational skills

Nice to Have:

• Previous leadership experience (in any context)
• 1+ terms of experience in WATonomous
• Track record of successful project delivery
• Mentorship or teaching experience
• Familiarity with agile/scrum methodologies
• Relevant industry experience or internships
• Strong network within your technical/administrative domain

Leadership Development Path

Squad Lead positions offer:

• Direct management experience with a small team
• Exposure to strategic planning through director meetings
• Leadership training and workshops
• Mentorship from Project Directors
• Clear progression path to Director roles
• Opportunity to shape your squad's culture and processes

What We Offer

• Hands-on leadership experience in a supportive environment
• Continued technical/administrative involvement alongside management duties
• Direct impact on project success and team member development
• Leadership skills that transfer to industry roles
• Recognition for your contributions at team meetings and events
• Priority consideration for Director positions
• Flexible arrangements based on academic schedule

Time Commitment

This is a part-time leadership position requiring approximately 8-12 hours per week, including:

• Weekly squad meetings (1-2 hours)
• Regular one-on-ones with squad members
• Technical/administrative work within your domain
• Coordination meetings with other squad leads
• Monthly meetings with your Project Director
• Documentation and planning time

Squad Success Metrics

Your performance will be evaluated based on:

• Squad deliverables completed on schedule
• Team member satisfaction and growth
• Quality of technical/administrative outputs
• Effective collaboration with other squads
• Knowledge documentation and sharing
• Squad member retention and engagement

Ideal Squad Lead Profile

WATonomous values Squad Leads who:

• Lead by example through quality work and dedication
• Can balance doing the work with enabling others
• Communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences
• Show patience and empathy when mentoring team members
• Take ownership of problems while empowering solutions
• Maintain technical/administrative excellence while developing management skills
• See their role as developing future leaders

Growth Opportunities

Successful Squad Leads often:

• Progress to Director positions within 1-2 terms
• Receive strong industry references and network connections
• Develop skills highly valued in technical/administrative leadership roles
• Build lasting relationships with squad members
• Create lasting improvements in team processes

Whether you're a technical expert ready to share your knowledge or an administrative star looking to scale your impact, we want to hear from you if you're ready to take the next step in leadership while maintaining your hands-on involvement with WATonomous projects.