Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI

Biopharma Careers; West Point (MS); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Sick days

Job summary

Biopharma Careers seeks an Associate Director of Robotics Engineering to lead a portfolio spanning robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling across manufacturing operations. The role influences program direction, collaborates with internal partners and suppliers, and drives scalable physical AI solutions.

The candidate will guide lifecycle activities from concept through startup, manage stakeholder alignment, and champion adoption of advanced automation across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in robotics, automation, or manufacturing engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead robotics and autonomous automation programs from concept through implementation.
• Define scope and evaluate technologies to meet business needs.
• Guide design and deployment of robotics systems and equipment integration.
• Support simulation studies, POC development, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
• Direct engineering firms, integrators, and vendors to meet program objectives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops and Digital Manufacturing stakeholders.
• Establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation.

Skills

Automation Systems

AI Technologies

Data Analysis

Regulatory Compliance

Root Cause Analysis

Strategic Thinking

Technical Transfer

Capital Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

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 judgement.

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

Travel

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

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

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. During the application or hiring process.

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:

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

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.

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 .

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: Domestic

VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements: 50%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: Not Indicated

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

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.

Requisition ID:R415424