Senior Director – Robotics Engineering & Intelligent Systems

Role Overview

We are seeking a senior technical leader to define, build, and evolve next‑generation robotic systems within a growing automation organisation. This position is deeply hands-on and combines technical authority with strategic influence across advanced robotics programs. You will be responsible for shaping system architecture, guiding innovation from early research through full-scale deployment, and establishing best practices for long-term software and platform sustainability.

This role plays a critical part in transforming complex robotic concepts into robust, production-ready solutions by working closely with multidisciplinary teams across software, hardware, product development, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the technical vision and execution of intelligent robotic platforms, from early-stage experimentation to industrial deployment.
• Define and evolve software architectures for complex robotic systems, ensuring performance, modularity, and maintainability at scale.
• Act as the primary technical authority for robotic software frameworks, with deep involvement in modern middleware, distributed systems, and real-time control.
• Design, develop, and oversee robotic software platforms built on contemporary robotics ecosystems, ensuring alignment with long-term product strategy.
• Lead the definition of system-level requirements, software specifications, and interface contracts across robotics applications.
• Drive innovation in motion planning, control strategies, and robotic autonomy in dynamic and constrained environments.
• Partner with product, research, and manufacturing teams to align engineering solutions with commercial and operational goals.
• Provide technical leadership through design reviews, architectural decisions, and mentorship of senior engineers.
• Evaluate, engage, and technically manage external technology partners, integrators, and specialist consultants.
• Influence future-proof technology roadmaps by tracking emerging trends in robotics, automation, and intelligent systems.

Experience & Qualifications

• Advanced academic background in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering discipline. (Ideally Phd level)
• Extensive professional experience delivering complex robotic systems, ideally within industrial, automation, or advanced manufacturing contexts. (8 + years of experience)
• Demonstrated expertise with modern robotics software frameworks and distributed robotic architectures.
• Proven experience delivering:
  • Motion and task planning solutions in environments with tight spatial, safety, or collision constraints. (Motion Planning background is a must)
  • Real-time control systems integrated with perception, sensing, and vision pipelines.
• Strong foundation in software architecture, system integration, and engineering best practices for long-lived robotic platforms.
• Track record of programming and deploying industrial robotic systems across multiple use cases.
• Ability to lead technically demanding initiatives involving cross-functional stakeholders and evolving requirements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, balancing technical depth with business awareness.
• Passion for advancing robotic capabilities and remaining engaged with the broader robotics and automation community.

What Sets This Role Apart

• High influence over both near-term technical decisions and long-term platform direction.
• Freedom to shape architectural standards and engineering culture.
• Opportunity to bridge advanced research with real-world industrial impact.
• Leadership role that remains technically grounded rather than purely managerial.