Associate Director, Robotics & Physical AI Solutions

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling initiatives across manufacturing operations.

You will guide concept development through startup, work with internal partners and external vendors, and influence the direction of advanced automation while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in robotics, automation, or related manufacturing engineering fields.
• Experience with regulated or industrial environments.
• Knowledge of GMP/modulated manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Leadership and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead robotics and autonomous automation programs from concept to implementation.
• Define scope, evaluate tech, and develop practical solutions aligned to business needs.
• Guide design and deployment of robotics systems and integration.
• Support commissioning, qualification, and startup activities.
• Direct engineers, integrators, and vendors to meet objectives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Digital Manufacturing teams.
• Establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and automation.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Automation Systems

Capital Project Management

Change Management

Data Analysis

Decision Making

Drug Product Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Scale-Up

Regulatory Compliance

Root Cause Analysis

Strategic Thinking

Technical Transfer

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling initiatives across manufacturing operations.

You will guide concept development through startup, work with internal partners and external vendors, and influence the direction of advanced automation while ensuring regulatory compliance.