Associate Director, Robotics & Physical AI Programs

Merck & Co.; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Director of Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling across manufacturing operations.

You will drive projects from concept to implementation, define scope, evaluate technologies, and guide integration with operations, quality, and digital manufacturing teams in a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or related field.
• Experience leading robotics or autonomous systems projects in regulated 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.
• GMP or regulated manufacturing environment experience 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Robotics leadership

Automation systems

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Capital project mgmt

Decision making

Root cause analysis

Strategic thinking

Technical transfer

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Robot platforms

Job description

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Director of Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling across manufacturing operations.

You will drive projects from concept to implementation, define scope, evaluate technologies, and guide integration with operations, quality, and digital manufacturing teams in a hybrid work model.