Associate Director, Robotics Engineering – Physical AI

Jobtailor; New Jersey; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in New Jersey seeks a senior Robotics Program Leader to drive a portfolio of robotics and autonomous automation initiatives from concept through implementation. You will define scope, evaluate technologies, and develop practical solutions aligned to manufacturing and supply chain goals.

You will guide design, integration, and deployment of robotics systems, supervise external vendors, coach engineers, and lead programs across multiple sites to deliver scalable, GMP-compliant automation

Qualifications

• 8+ years in robotics, automation, manufacturing, biotech or pharma.
• Experience leading robotics projects in regulated environments.
• Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration.
• Experience with machine vision or AI-enabled automation preferred.
• Experience applying Deep Learning / Machine Learning models.
• GMP/regulatory manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital projects.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead change and influence stakeholders with problem-solving.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• Visa sponsorship available; travel up to 50% may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead robotics and automation programs from concept to implementation.
• Define scope, evaluate technologies, and develop practical solutions.
• Guide design and deployment of robotics systems and integration.
• Support simulation studies, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
• Direct engineering firms, integrators, and vendors to meet objectives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Supply Chain.

Skills

Robotics Leadership

Industrial Robotics

Deep Learning

Machine Learning

GMP Compliance

Capital Projects

System Integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

Machine Vision

Industrial Automation

Job description

• Lead a portfolio of robotics and autonomous automation programs from concept through implementation
• Define scope, evaluate technologies, and develop practical solutions aligned to business needs
• Guide design and deployment of robotics systems and equipment integration
• Support simulation studies, proof-of-concept development, commissioning, qualification, and startup
• Direct engineering firms, integrators, and vendors to achieve program objectives
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops, Digital Manufacturing, GSEC S&T Organizations, Global MPS, and Operations stakeholders
• Establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation
• Coach and develop engineers and support broader adoption of new capabilities
• Lead advanced automation and robotics programs across manufacturing operations and multiple sites
• Deliver scalable physical AI and automation solutions that improve manufacturing and supply chain performance

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or a related field
• Experience leading robotics or autonomous systems projects in regulated or industrial environments
• Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration
• Experience with machine vision, AI-enabled automation, or autonomous material handling preferred
• Experience applying Deep Learning / Machine Learning models
• Experience in GMP or regulated manufacturing environments preferred
• Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital project execution
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Ability to lead change across functions and influence stakeholdersStrong problem-solving skills and sound engineering judgment
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related science field required
• Advanced degree preferred
• Visa sponsorship available
• Up to 50% domestic and international travel may be required

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in leading robotics and automation programs, with a strong focus on integrating advanced technologies and improving manufacturing performance. Proven ability to guide teams through project execution in regulated environments while fostering collaboration and innovation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Robotics Program Leadership
• Industrial Robotics Integration
• Deep Learning / Machine Learning Application
• GMP Compliance Experience
• Project Execution in Regulated Environments

Hard Skills

• Robotics
• Automation
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Machine Vision
• AI-Enabled Automation
• Commissioning
• Qualification
• Validation
• Capital Project Execution
• Integration

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Problem-Solving
• Influencing Stakeholders

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• Advanced Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

• Biotech
• Pharma
• Regulated Environments
• Manufacturing Operations
• Supply Chain Performance