Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI
Merck
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
IT
Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI — lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling initiatives across manufacturing operations.
What You’ll Do
- Lead 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 stakeholders.
- Establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation.
- Coach and develop engineers; support broader adoption of new capabilities.
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years’ experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or related field.
- Experience leading robotics/autonomous systems projects in regulated or industrial environments.
- Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration.
- Machine vision, AI-enabled automation, or autonomous material handling preferred.
- Experience applying Deep Learning/Machine Learning models.
- GMP/regulated manufacturing preferred.
- Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital project execution.
- Strong communication, collaboration, leadership, change leadership, problem-solving, and engineering judgment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science required; advanced degree preferred.
Required/Preferred Skills
- Required skills include: AI, automation systems, capital project management, change management, data analysis, decision making, lean manufacturing, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory compliance, root cause analysis (RCA), strategic thinking, technical transfer.
Travel
- Up to 50% travel may be required.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees).
What You’ll Do
- Lead 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 stakeholders.
- Establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation.
- Coach and develop engineers; support broader adoption of new capabilities.
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years’ experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or related field.
- Experience leading robotics/autonomous systems projects in regulated or industrial environments.
- Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration.
- Machine vision, AI-enabled automation, or autonomous material handling preferred.
- Experience applying Deep Learning/Machine Learning models.
- GMP/regulated manufacturing preferred.
- Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital project execution.
- Strong communication, collaboration, leadership, change leadership, problem-solving, and engineering judgment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science required; advanced degree preferred.
Required/Preferred Skills
- Required skills include: AI, automation systems, capital project management, change management, data analysis, decision making, lean manufacturing, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory compliance, root cause analysis (RCA), strategic thinking, technical transfer.
Travel
- Up to 50% travel may be required.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees).