Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI

MSD Malaysia; Rahway, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Company seeks an Associate Director of Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead initiatives across robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling in manufacturing. The role spans concept to startup, steering multiple programs with external partners and suppliers.

The candidate will bring deep technical depth and change leadership, guiding programs across GMP/regulatory environments and collaborating with Digital Manufacturing and Operations to deliver

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or related field.
• Experience leading robotics projects in regulated environments.
• Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration.
• Experience with machine vision or AI-enabled automation.
• Experience applying Deep Learning / Machine Learning models.
• Experience in GMP or regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of robotics programs from concept through implementation.
• Define scope, evaluate technologies, and develop practical solutions.
• 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.
• Work with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops and Digital Manufacturing division stakeholders.
• Help establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation.
• Coach and develop engineers and support broader adoption of new capabilities.

Skills

Robotics experience

Automation systems

Industrial environments

Machine vision

Deep learning

Regulatory compliance

Change management

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Description Our Company is seeking an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling initiatives across our manufacturing operations. This role sits within Global Engineering Solutions (GES) Early Engagement Group and is focused on equipment-based automation and physical AI solutions that improve operational performance, flexibility, and reliability. The position will provide leadership across the lifecycle of multiple programs, from early concept development and technology evaluation through design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and startup. The successful candidate will bring both technical depth and change leadership. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of advanced automation at our Company, guide execution across a portfolio of programs, and work closely with internal partners and external suppliers to deliver practical, scalable solutions. The role will collaborate extensively with Digital Manufacturing division , GSEC S&T Organizations, Global MPS and Operations while maintaining primary accountability for the physical automation and robotics solutions themselves.

What you’ll do

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. Work with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops and Digital Manufacturing division stakeholders. Help establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation. Coach and develop engineers and support broader adoption of new capabilities.

What we’re looking for

• 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 stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound engineering judgment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related science field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Why join our Company?

Lead a meaningful portfolio of advanced automation and robotics programs Help shape the future of physical AI and autonomous platform implementation at scale Work across multiple sites and business areas in a collaborative, high-performing organization Build solutions that have direct impact on manufacturing and supply chain performance Our Company offers a competitive rewards package and benefits designed to support employees and their families.

Required Skills

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Artificial Intelligence Technologies
• Automation Systems
• Capital Project Management
• Change Management
• Data Analysis
• Decision Making
• Drug Product Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Scale-Up
• Regulatory Compliance
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Strategic Thinking
• Technical Transfer

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Travel

Up to 50% travel may be required, including domestic and international travel, depending on project needs.

Employment Details

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 50% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a

San Francisco Residents Only

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Job Posting End Date

Job Posting End Date: 10/3/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Our Company

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.