Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI

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.

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  Lead a portfolio of robotics and autonomous automation programs from concept through implementation.

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  Define scope, evaluate technologies, and develop practical solutions aligned to business needs.

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  Guide design and deployment of robotics systems and equipment integration.

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  Support simulation studies, proof-of-concept development, commissioning, qualification, and startup.

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  Direct engineering firms, integrators, and vendors to achieve program objectives.

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  Work with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Automation, Tech Ops and Digital Manufacturing division stakeholders.

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  Help establish standards, governance, and roadmap priorities for robotics and advanced automation.

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  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 judgment.

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

• Advanced degree preferred.

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

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.