Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI
Merck
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (West Point, PA)
United States
IT
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, deployment, and equipment integration of robotics systems.
- Support simulation studies, proof-of-concept development, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
- Direct engineering firms, integrators, and vendors to achieve program objectives.
- Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops, and Digital Manufacturing; establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities.
- Coach and develop engineers and support broader adoption of new capabilities.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- 8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or related field.
- Experience leading robotics/autonomous projects in regulated or industrial environments.
- Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration.
- Experience applying Deep Learning/Machine Learning models.
- Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital project execution.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science; advanced degree preferred.
Preferred Skills:
- Machine vision, AI-enabled automation, or autonomous material handling.
- GMP or regulated manufacturing environments.
Required Skills (examples):
- AI, automation systems, capital project management, change management, data analysis, regulatory compliance, root cause analysis (RCA), technical transfer.
Travel:
- Up to 50% travel (domestic/international).
Benefits:
- Competitive rewards package and benefits supporting employees and families (medical, dental, vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate/sick days).
Application:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
- 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, deployment, and equipment integration of robotics systems.
- Support simulation studies, proof-of-concept development, commissioning, qualification, and startup.
- Direct engineering firms, integrators, and vendors to achieve program objectives.
- Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops, and Digital Manufacturing; establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities.
- Coach and develop engineers and support broader adoption of new capabilities.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- 8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, manufacturing engineering, biotech, pharma, or related field.
- Experience leading robotics/autonomous projects in regulated or industrial environments.
- Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration.
- Experience applying Deep Learning/Machine Learning models.
- Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital project execution.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related science; advanced degree preferred.
Preferred Skills:
- Machine vision, AI-enabled automation, or autonomous material handling.
- GMP or regulated manufacturing environments.
Required Skills (examples):
- AI, automation systems, capital project management, change management, data analysis, regulatory compliance, root cause analysis (RCA), technical transfer.
Travel:
- Up to 50% travel (domestic/international).
Benefits:
- Competitive rewards package and benefits supporting employees and families (medical, dental, vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate/sick days).
Application:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.