Lead Automation Solutions Architect

PE-Backed Life Science & Research Equipment Manufacturer

Valor Front has been retained by a private equity-backed manufacturer of equipment for life science and biomedical research facilities to identify a Lead Automation Solutions Architect. Our client is a recognized leader in its market and is launching a new automation vertical. The goal is to deliver fully integrated, automated solutions that help research customers run more efficient, safer, and more cost-effective facilities.

This is a senior technical leadership position and the technical authority for our client's automation programs. You will define how robotics, AGVs/AMRs, machine vision, industrial controls, software, conveyors, and material handling systems work together as one complete customer solution.

Our client has never had this role before, so you will take a high-level vision and run with it. You will own system architecture, technology strategy, partner integration, and deployment, from the first customer site visit through final acceptance testing. This is not a traditional project engineer position. It is a strategic, hands-on role shaping the technical direction of our client's future robotics and AGV/AMR platforms.

• Define and evolve the overall architecture for integrated automation systems, including robotics, AGVs/AMRs, material handling, controls, software, machine vision, and safety systems
• Set up the system architecture and execution plan within your first 30 to 60 days
• Build and commission an operational prototype at our client's in-house demonstration site within about six months, giving leadership a proven solution to show customers
• Partner with robotics integrators, AGV/AMR suppliers, conveyor suppliers, and internal equipment teams to tie multiple technologies into one working system
• Define robotic system requirements, transfer interfaces, machine vision requirements, material flow strategies, and facility logistics concepts
• Establish standards, functional requirements, interface definitions, and technology roadmaps that support repeatable, scalable deployments
• Act as technical lead across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and service teams, influencing decisions without direct authority
• Work directly with customers and product management to understand workflows and operational challenges, assess facility footprints, and translate needs into practical solutions
• Support concept development, technical presentations, facility planning, and proposals
• Guide testing, commissioning, validation, site acceptance testing, and field acceptance testing at customer sites
• Evaluate emerging technologies and drive continuous improvement across future programs
• Help shape the long-term vision of bringing more integration capability in-house over the next three to five years

• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, systems integration, robotics, material handling, or AGV/AMR technologies
• Proven track record of architecting how multiple systems operate together, not only designing a single subsystem
• Hands-on robotics experience, including robotic cells, end-of-arm tooling, safety integration, and production deployment
• Experience with PLC-based automation, industrial controls and networking, and HMI/SCADA platforms
• Customer-facing engineering, solutions, or applications experience, from discovery and requirements gathering through solution delivery
• Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary technical programs that involve external technology suppliers and integration partners
• Self-directed and comfortable taking a high-level brief and driving it to completion…