(Senior) Manager, National Robotics Programme Office (NRPO)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Robotics Programme Office (NRPO) is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to oversee and manage R&D projects within the robotics sector. The role involves strategy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and promoting collaboration within the ecosystem. Ideal candidates will have a robust background in robotics, project management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in robotics or automation.
• 3 years managing robotics or automation projects.
• Strong communication and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D projects funded by NRPO.
• Assist in implementing strategies for NRPO's objectives.
• Support events showcasing Singapore's robotics ecosystem.

Skills

Project Management

Interpersonal Communication

Problem-solving

Technical Understanding

Education

Background in Science, Computer Science, Robotics, or Engineering

Tools

ROS

AI

Public Research Grant Management

Job description

Job Description

The National Robotics Programme Office (NRPO) is responsible for catalysing differentiated robotics R&D capabilities at our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Research Institutes (RIs) for the benefit of our economy and society. NRPO also works to foster public-private partnerships to ensure robotics technologies and IPs developed with public funding are relevant for industry and are commercialised into useful products, services, and solutions that are adopted in Singapore and around the world.

A key role of NRPO is to bring together end-users across different industries, robotics & automation companies, and our IHLs/RIs to identify use cases and technology gaps that public-private partnerships can help to address. In doing so, we enhance Singapore's robotics R&D capabilities and help Singapore-based robotics & automation companies to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market.

Another key role of NRPO is to work with partner agencies to grow our robotics (supply-side) industry, including system integrators, robot vendors, software, and component suppliers. A vibrant robotics industry with local companies developing and manufacturing robotics products and solutions for export will support our end-user industries and facilitate the commercialization of technologies and IPs developed by our IHLs/RIs.

We are seeking a highly independent and motivated individual with experience in robotics to join NRPO and perform the following tasks:

1. Assist the Director/Deputy Director (Capability Development) in implementing strategies and initiatives to achieve NRPO's objectives.
2. Manage R&D projects funded by NRPO, including proposal scoping with research performers and industry partners, grant administration, and project tracking to ensure milestones and deliverables are met.
3. Assess robotics R&D projects from other initiatives, providing input during proposal submission, midterm reviews, and final evaluations.
4. Participate in and support robotics R&D technology roadmapping efforts with the research community, including involvement in public sector robotics workgroups as needed.
5. Facilitate standards development by gathering industry feedback on best practices and initiating standards projects with relevant partners.
6. Serve as secretariat for various NRPO meetings and committees, and undertake organizational roles such as Business Continuity Manager or Procurement Champion as assigned.
7. Support events showcasing Singapore's robotics ecosystem to foster collaboration among end-users, companies, and research institutions, including local and international events.

Requirements:

1. 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in robotics or automation, preferably with a background in science, computer science, robotics, or engineering to understand technical aspects.
2. At least 3 years of experience managing robotics or automation projects with proven outcomes; experience in program management and strategic alignment is advantageous.
3. Knowledge of robotics software such as ROS, AI, and familiarity with public research grant management or related processes is a plus.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.
5. Proactive problem-solving attitude with high independence, capable of orchestrating collaboration within the robotics ecosystem and managing stakeholder interests.
6. Excellent writing skills and ability to synthesize information clearly for reports, presentations, and stakeholder communication.