Robotics & Physical AI Leader | Associate Director

Merck

West Point (PA)

Hybrid

USD 142,000 - 224,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Merck seeks an Associate Director of Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio spanning robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling across manufacturing operations. This role reports to Global Engineering Solutions and collaborates with Digital Manufacturing and external partners to deliver scalable automation solutions.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in robotics/automation within regulated environments, strong leadership, and experience with ML,

Qualifications

8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or 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.
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.

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.
Help establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation.
Coach and develop engineers and support broader adoption of new capabilities.