Senior Manager, Robotics and Vision Systems

AbbVie•North Chicago, IL

3h•$124,500 - $236,500•Onsite

About The Position

This role partners with manufacturing sites to develop detailed robotics roadmaps, lead opportunity discovery, and translate site needs into a prioritized portfolio of automation initiatives aligned to Factory of the Future strategy. The position identifies, evaluates, and incubates emerging robotics, vision, automation, and physical AI technologies, then supports scale-up by defining repeatable deployment models, reducing implementation cycle time, and helping sites move from pilots to sustained adoption. Technical ownership of robotics and vision system design, integration, troubleshooting, standards, and lifecycle support remains a key secondary responsibility in enabling scalable, safe, and consistent adoption across the network.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
Should have a master’s in robotics or similar.
A background in robotics is preferred.
A background in computer vision and machine/deep learning will also be extremely beneficial.
In addition, 5-10 years of experience is a must.
Experience with teaching / set up of robots and Vision Hardware Set Up, Lighting Techniques, Camera Hardware Selection
Experience with the design, build, and start-up of manufacturing systems.
Experience with design, set up, and debugging of automation systems.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and assignments with a high level of autonomy.
Strong skills in robotics, computer vision, and programming languages are typically required.
Train other engineers
Working with outside vendors/integrators may be needed.
Work onsite in the lab most of the time
Willing to travel several times per year.
Possesses a strong technical knowledge and application of concepts, practices, and procedures. Works on problems of complex scope where analysis of situations or data involves multiple competing factors. Exercises judgment and advises management as to the appropriate actions.
Interacts well with diverse groups within engineering and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators.
Listens to and understands others' points of view and articulates tactfully and respectfully one's own perspective orally, in writing, and in presentations.
Demonstrated and been recognized for excellence in breadth and depth of knowledge in robotics and vision systems.
Interacts well with diverse groups across the corporation and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators. Possesses interpersonal skills to negotiate and reconcile differences, while optimizing overall organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Partner with manufacturing sites to develop detailed robotics roadmaps, lead opportunity discovery, and translate site needs into a prioritized portfolio of automation initiatives supported by clear business cases, value assumptions, implementation requirements, and expected operational impact.
Build and maintain site-by-site roadmaps and technology roadmaps that align business priorities, operational needs, technical feasibility, and long-term Factory of the Future strategy.
Identify, evaluate, and incubate emerging robotics, vision, automation, and physical AI technologies by engaging new, innovative, and cutting-edge external companies, technology partners, and internal subject matter experts to develop scalable solutions for deployment across AbbVie.
Facilitate seminars, workshops, and discovery sessions with cross-functional stakeholders to surface opportunities, align areas of focus, and generate actionable project concepts.
Create and develop scalable physical products and support the scale-up of proven technologies by defining repeatable deployment models, reducing implementation cycle time, and helping sites move from pilots to sustained adoption.
Work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, digital, quality, safety, and site teams to establish company-wide standards, practices, and deployment approaches that enable scalable robotics adoption.
Serve as a strategic connector across sites, functions, and vendors to accelerate deployment readiness, share lessons learned, and promote consistent execution of robotics and automation programs.
Provide robotics and vision systems technical expertise to support solution definition, equipment selection, functional requirements, integration methods, and compliance with applicable company standards.
Collaborate with process, controls, engineering, operations, equipment suppliers, and integration partners to translate manufacturing requirements into robust robotic, vision, automation, and physical AI applications.
Support deployment, startup, troubleshooting, optimization, lifecycle planning, and retrospective reviews for robotics and vision systems, helping capture lessons learned and improve future deployments.