Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI

MSD

Confirmed live yesterday High trust
Remote

Quick summary

Work type
Remote
Location
West Point, PA
Salary
$142,400–$224,100 / yr
Posted
8 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday
Closes
Oct 3, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $243k
This role $183k
$124k most similar roles pay here $310k

This role pays less than 87% of similar roles. Most pay $208,042–$278,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $183k versus about $243k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About MSD

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is the international name for Merck & Co., a major U.S.-based pharmaceutical company.

MSD currently has 15 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,000–$184,200 across 15 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at MSD

At a glance

TL;DR · Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI

Associate Director, Robotics Engineering / Physical AI joins the Global Engineering Solutions Early Engagement Group to lead a portfolio of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, and automated material handling initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role manages the full lifecycle of programs, including concept development, technology evaluation, design, implementation, commissioning, qualification, and startup. The successful candidate will oversee equipment-based automation and physical AI solutions to improve operational performance and reliability while collaborating with internal partners and external vendors. Key technical requirements include experience with industrial robotics platforms, machine vision, AI-enabled automation, and applying Deep Learning or Machine Learning models. The role requires expertise in capital project management, root cause analysis, and manufacturing scale-up within regulated environments like GMP. Candidates must possess strong engineering judgment to solve complex problems involving automated systems and infrastructure integration.

What you'll do

  • Lead a portfolio of robotics and autonomous automation programs from initial concept through final implementation.
  • Define project scope, evaluate emerging technologies, and develop practical solutions aligned with business needs.
  • Oversee the design, deployment, and integration of robotics systems and automated equipment.
  • Manage simulation studies, proof-of-concept development, commissioning, qualification, and startup phases.
  • Direct engineering firms, integrators, and external vendors to achieve specific program objectives.
  • Establish standards, governance models, and roadmap priorities for advanced automation technologies.
  • Coach and develop engineers while driving the adoption of new capabilities across the organization.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related science field is required.
  • An advanced degree is preferred.
  • Candidates must have 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 is required.
  • Experience with industrial robotics platforms and integration is required.
  • Experience with machine vision, AI-enabled automation, autonomous material handling, or applying Deep Learning/Machine Learning models is preferred.
  • Experience in GMP or regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.
  • Experience with commissioning, qualification, validation, and capital project execution is required.

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