Lead Robotics Application Engineer

Merck•Durham, NC

1d•$142,400 - $224,100•Onsite

About The Position

At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We're at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Join us in our mission to drive innovation and make a difference. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical knowledge of robotics platforms and application development with strong leadership, stakeholder management, and delivery capabilities. This individual will be responsible for shaping the robotics application strategy, leading complex implementation efforts, ensuring reliable and scalable solutions, and driving measurable business value.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Automation, Information Systems, or a related technical field OR Master’s degree with eight (8) years experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience.
Ten or more (10+) years of progressive experience in robotics, automation, software engineering, controls engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Demonstrated experience leading the design and delivery of robotics or automation solutions in a complex enterprise environment.
Experience with robotics application development, integration, testing, deployment, and support.
Prior leadership experience in guiding technical teams, contractors, or cross-functional project teams.
Experience working with stakeholders across operations, IT, quality, engineering, and business functions.
Strong technical expertise in robotics systems, automation platforms, and application development.
Ability to design scalable, secure, and reliable automation solutions.
Proficiency in relevant programming or scripting languages, such as Python, C#, Java, PLC-related languages, or similar.
Knowledge of robotics frameworks, machine vision, sensors, motion systems, control systems, and integration technologies.
Experience with system integration using APIs, databases, messaging platforms, industrial protocols, or enterprise applications.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
Excellent project leadership skills, including planning, prioritization, and execution.
Strong communication and influence skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Familiarity with validation, documentation, and compliance requirements in regulated environments, if applicable.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on technical execution.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or contributing to large-scale, multi-site, or regulated environment implementations.
Experience with vendor management, technical evaluations, and solution lifecycle governance.
Experience with collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, or industrial robotics systems.
Experience with AI/ML-enabled automation, computer vision, or intelligent process automation.
Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid delivery methodologies.
Experience in life sciences, manufacturing, logistics, laboratory automation, or other highly regulated industries.
Professional certifications related to robotics, automation, project management, or cloud/platform technologies.

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, including solution design, system integration, validation, and troubleshooting.
Provide guidance and mentorship to engineers, developers, analysts, and other team members.
Ensure solutions meet requirements for performance, reliability, security, compliance, and maintainability.
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 business stakeholders.