Robotics & Physical AI Program Leader

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

Job summary

MSD seeks an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling across manufacturing operations. You will guide programs from concept through startup, evaluate technologies, and coordinate with internal partners and external suppliers to deliver scalable automation solutions in a regulated environment.

Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

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

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

MSD seeks an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling across manufacturing operations. You will guide programs from concept through startup, evaluate technologies, and coordinate with internal partners and external suppliers to deliver scalable automation solutions in a regulated environment.

Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in