Role Overview for VP Engineering with a Robotics Systems Integrator – Greenville, SC
The Vice President of Engineering is a senior executive leadership position responsible for the overarching strategy, direction, and execution of all engineering functions within the organization. This includes mechanical design, electrical engineering, controls engineering, software development, and research & development. You will be a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the CEO, and will play a critical role in shaping the company’s technology roadmap, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex, multi-million-dollar automation projects.
This is not merely a management role; it is a strategic leadership role that demands a visionary with deep technical expertise and exceptional business acumen. You will be tasked with scaling the engineering team, optimizing processes, and ensuring that the company remains a leader in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s growth, profitability, and reputation for excellence. You will be the champion of technical innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics, machine vision, AI, and IoT integration to solve our clients’ most challenging manufacturing problems.
Key Responsibilities of VP Engineering with a Robotics Systems Integrator – Greenville, SC
Strategic & Technical Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive engineering strategy and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to maintain and advance the company’s market-leading position.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and accountable culture. Oversee talent acquisition, professional development, performance management, and succession planning to build a scalable and world-class engineering organization.
Project Execution & Delivery Excellence
Assume ultimate responsibility for the successful execution of all engineering projects. Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. Implement and refine project management methodologies to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
Process Optimization & Quality Assurance
Champion and implement engineering best practices, standards, and processes across the entire department. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the quality of designs and deliverables. Establish rigorous quality assurance, testing, and validation protocols.
Research & Development Leadership
Spearhead the company’s R&D efforts to drive innovation and develop next-generation automation solutions. Direct research into new robotic technologies, advanced software algorithms, machine learning applications, and proprietary intellectual property.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the executive team and other department heads. Collaborate closely with Sales and Applications Engineering to provide technical expertise during the pre-sales process, develop accurate proposals, and ensure solutions are technically sound. Work with Operations and Project Management to ensure a seamless transition from design to installation and commissioning.
Budgetary & Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual engineering department budget, including capital expenditures, staffing, and R&D investments. Provide accurate forecasting and ensure fiscal responsibility while empowering the team with the resources needed for success.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the senior technical voice of the company in high-level client meetings and industry events. Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, technology partners, and suppliers to support business growth and technological advancement.
Requirements for the VP Engineering with a Robotics Systems Integrator – Greenville, SC
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field is required. A Master’s degree in Engineering or an MBA is strongly preferred.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior engineering leadership capacity (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering) for a company of comparable size and complexity.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and extensive experience within the robotics systems integration or industrial automation industry is mandatory. You must have a proven track record of leading teams that design and deploy complex, custom automation systems.
Technical Proficiency
Deep and broad technical knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines relevant to robotics, including mechanical design principles, electrical systems, PLC/HMI programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), robotic programming (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa), machine vision systems, motion control, and industrial networking protocols.
Project Management Acumen
Proven success in managing a portfolio of large-scale, complex engineering projects from concept through commissioning. Strong understanding of project management principles, risk mitigation, and resource planning.
Strategic & Business Acumen
Ability to think strategically, analyze market trends, and translate business goals into a tangible technology strategy. Experience with departmental budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource management is essential.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. A track record of building, mentoring, and retaining high-caliber engineering talent. Ability to inspire confidence and lead through influence across all levels of an organization. A deep understanding of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) standards and best practices is highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
- An attractive executive base salary commensurate with experience.
- A significant performance-based annual bonus and long-term incentive plan/equity participation.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
- Full relocation assistance package for qualified candidates to the vibrant Greenville, SC area.
- A budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continuing education.
- The opportunity to hold a high-impact, C-suite adjacent role with significant autonomy and the ability to shape the future of a rapidly growing company.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this confidential Vice President of Engineering opportunity. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their resumes for immediate and discreet consideration. This is a chance to join a dynamic leadership team and make a lasting impact on the future of manufacturing and automation.
To explore this confidential opportunity further and join a team at the forefront of industrial innovation, please review our focus in the Industrial Automation & Robotics Integrator Executive Search Firm and submit your resume through the application portal. We look forward to connecting with you.
