Associate Director, Robotics Engineering​/Physical AI

Job Description

Our Company is seeking an Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling initiatives across our manufacturing operations.

This role sits within Global Engineering Solutions (GES) Early Engagement Group and is focused on equipment-based automation and physical AI solutions that improve operational performance, flexibility, and reliability. The position will provide leadership across the lifecycle of multiple programs, from early concept development and technology evaluation through design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and startup.

The successful candidate will bring both technical depth and change leadership. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of advanced automation at our Company, guide execution across a portfolio of programs, and work closely with internal partners and external suppliers to deliver practical, scalable solutions. The role will collaborate extensively with Digital Manufacturing division , GSEC S&T Organizations, Global MPS and Operations while maintaining primary accountability for the physical automation and robotics solutions themselves.

• 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.

• 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 judgement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related science field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

• Lead a meaningful portfolio of advanced automation and robotics programs
• Help shape the future of physical AI and autonomous platform implementation at scale
• Work across multiple sites and business areas in a collaborative, high-performing organization
• Build solutions that have direct impact on manufacturing and supply chain performance

Up to 50% travel may be required, including domestic and international travel, depending on project needs.

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

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. During the application or hiring process.

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

We will consider for employment all qualified…