Lead Robotics Application Engineer
Merck
June 24, 2026
On-site
Rahway, NJ
IT
Responsibilities:
- Lead the architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and support of robotics applications and automation solutions.
- Define technical standards, best practices, and governance for robotics application development and lifecycle management.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to identify high-value automation opportunities and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Evaluate and select robotics platforms, tools, and integration patterns aligned with enterprise strategy.
- Serve as the technical lead on complex robotics initiatives (solution design, system integration, validation, troubleshooting).
- Provide guidance and mentorship to engineers and other team members.
- Ensure solutions meet performance, reliability, security, compliance, and maintainability requirements.
- Collaborate with vendors and implementation partners to assess capabilities, manage deliverables, and resolve technical issues.
- Support project planning, estimation, risk management, and milestone tracking for robotics programs.
- Stay current with emerging technologies in robotics, automation, AI, machine learning, and intelligent systems.
- Present technical recommendations and project updates to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Required:
- BS in engineering/CS/robotics/automation/IS or related OR MS with 8 years experience OR PhD with 5 years.
- 10+ years progressive experience in robotics/automation/software/controls.
- Demonstrated experience leading design and delivery in complex enterprise environments.
- Robotics application development, integration, testing, deployment, and support.
- Leadership experience guiding technical and cross-functional teams/contractors.
- Experience working across operations, IT, quality, engineering, and business.
- Ability to design scalable, secure, reliable automation solutions.
- Programming/scripting: Python, C#, Java, PLC-related languages, or similar.
- Knowledge of robotics frameworks, machine vision, sensors, motion/control systems, and integration technologies.
- System integration using APIs, databases, messaging, industrial protocols, or enterprise apps.
- Strong analytical/problem-solving and project leadership (planning/prioritization/execution).
- Communication/influence; explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Familiarity with validation, documentation, and compliance in regulated environments (if applicable).
- Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Preferred:
- Large-scale, multi-site, or regulated environment implementations.
- Vendor management, technical evaluations, and solution lifecycle governance.
- Collaborative robots/AMRs/industrial robotics systems.
- AI/ML-enabled automation, computer vision, or intelligent process automation.
- Agile/Scrum/hybrid delivery.
- Life sciences/manufacturing/logistics/lab automation or other regulated industries.
- Relevant professional certifications.
Required Skills:
Asset Management, Emerging Technologies, Industrial Robotics, Intelligent Automation (IA), IT Operation, Laboratory Automation, Management System Development, Project Leadership/Management/Planning, Requirements Management, Robotic Automation, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, System Designs/Integration, Technical Issues, Technical Leadership.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
- Lead the architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and support of robotics applications and automation solutions.
- Define technical standards, best practices, and governance for robotics application development and lifecycle management.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to identify high-value automation opportunities and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Evaluate and select robotics platforms, tools, and integration patterns aligned with enterprise strategy.
- Serve as the technical lead on complex robotics initiatives (solution design, system integration, validation, troubleshooting).
- Provide guidance and mentorship to engineers and other team members.
- Ensure solutions meet performance, reliability, security, compliance, and maintainability requirements.
- Collaborate with vendors and implementation partners to assess capabilities, manage deliverables, and resolve technical issues.
- Support project planning, estimation, risk management, and milestone tracking for robotics programs.
- Stay current with emerging technologies in robotics, automation, AI, machine learning, and intelligent systems.
- Present technical recommendations and project updates to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Required:
- BS in engineering/CS/robotics/automation/IS or related OR MS with 8 years experience OR PhD with 5 years.
- 10+ years progressive experience in robotics/automation/software/controls.
- Demonstrated experience leading design and delivery in complex enterprise environments.
- Robotics application development, integration, testing, deployment, and support.
- Leadership experience guiding technical and cross-functional teams/contractors.
- Experience working across operations, IT, quality, engineering, and business.
- Ability to design scalable, secure, reliable automation solutions.
- Programming/scripting: Python, C#, Java, PLC-related languages, or similar.
- Knowledge of robotics frameworks, machine vision, sensors, motion/control systems, and integration technologies.
- System integration using APIs, databases, messaging, industrial protocols, or enterprise apps.
- Strong analytical/problem-solving and project leadership (planning/prioritization/execution).
- Communication/influence; explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Familiarity with validation, documentation, and compliance in regulated environments (if applicable).
- Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Preferred:
- Large-scale, multi-site, or regulated environment implementations.
- Vendor management, technical evaluations, and solution lifecycle governance.
- Collaborative robots/AMRs/industrial robotics systems.
- AI/ML-enabled automation, computer vision, or intelligent process automation.
- Agile/Scrum/hybrid delivery.
- Life sciences/manufacturing/logistics/lab automation or other regulated industries.
- Relevant professional certifications.
Required Skills:
Asset Management, Emerging Technologies, Industrial Robotics, Intelligent Automation (IA), IT Operation, Laboratory Automation, Management System Development, Project Leadership/Management/Planning, Requirements Management, Robotic Automation, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, System Designs/Integration, Technical Issues, Technical Leadership.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.