Role Overview for VP of Engineering (Robotics) – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is exclusively partnering with a groundbreaking robotics firm based in the vibrant innovation hub of Pittsburgh, PA, to identify a visionary and dynamic VP of Engineering (Robotics). This critical leadership role calls for an exceptional individual who can not only set a strategic technical direction but also inspire and lead a world-class engineering team to deliver cutting-edge robotic solutions.
As the VP of Engineering, you will be at the forefront of defining the next generation of our client’s product roadmap, overseeing the entire engineering lifecycle from conceptualization and research & development through to design, testing, and deployment. Your expertise will be instrumental in scaling operations, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring technical excellence across all robotics platforms.
The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of robotics systems, including hardware, software, AI/ML, and control systems, coupled with a proven track record of leading large, complex engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact, driving technological advancements that will redefine industries and solve real-world challenges.
You will work closely with executive leadership, product management, and business development teams to translate strategic goals into actionable engineering initiatives, ensuring our client maintains its competitive edge and market leadership. If you are passionate about robotics, thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, and are ready to lead a team of brilliant engineers in creating revolutionary robotic technologies, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Engineering (Robotics) – Pittsburgh, PA
Strategic Technical Leadership
Define and execute the overall technical strategy and architectural roadmap for all robotics products and platforms. Align engineering initiatives with the company’s long-term vision and business objectives, ensuring scalability, reliability, and innovation.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of robotics engineers (software, hardware, AI/ML, controls). Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven engineering culture, promoting continuous learning and professional growth. Conduct performance reviews, set clear goals, and facilitate career development pathways.
Product Development Lifecycle Management
Oversee the entire engineering product lifecycle, from initial research and prototyping to design, development, testing, validation, and production deployment. Implement robust engineering processes and best practices to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, robust, and safe robotic systems.
Technical Architecture & Design
Drive the architectural decisions for complex robotic systems, ensuring modularity, interoperability, and future-proofing. Guide the team in making sound technical choices for hardware components, software frameworks, algorithms, and integration strategies.
Budget & Resource Management
Manage the engineering budget, including resource allocation, tool procurement, and project expenditures. Optimize resource utilization to maximize efficiency and achieve project milestones within financial constraints.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with product management to translate market needs and user requirements into technical specifications. Collaborate with research, manufacturing, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless product integration, deployment, and support. Act as a key technical liaison for external partners and customers.
Innovation & Research & Development
Champion a culture of continuous innovation, encouraging exploration of emerging technologies, research breakthroughs, and novel approaches in robotics, AI, machine learning, computer vision, and autonomous navigation. Allocate resources for R&D projects that drive future product differentiation.
Quality, Reliability & Safety Assurance
Establish and enforce rigorous engineering standards, testing protocols, and quality assurance processes to ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of all robotic products. Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Intellectual Property & Patents
Guide the team in identifying and protecting valuable intellectual property, contributing to the company’s patent portfolio and maintaining a competitive advantage in the robotics landscape.
Mentorship and Technical Guidance
Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to senior engineers and team leads, resolving complex technical challenges and fostering an environment of technical excellence and problem-solving.
Requirements for the VP of Engineering (Robotics) – Pittsburgh, PA
Educational Background
Master’s or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field. A strong academic foundation in control systems, AI, machine learning, computer vision, or mechatronics is highly desirable.
Extensive Robotics Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in robotics engineering, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership or management role, overseeing large-scale robotics projects and multidisciplinary teams. Experience with various types of robotics (e.g., industrial, mobile, collaborative, medical) is a plus.
Leadership & Management Acumen
Proven track record of successfully building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing engineering teams. Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage technical talent effectively, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Technical Proficiency
Deep hands-on expertise in several core robotics areas, including but not limited to: kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, control systems, sensor fusion (Lidar, Radar, Camera), perception, localization, mapping (SLAM), and path planning.
Software Engineering Expertise
Strong proficiency in modern software development methodologies and programming languages commonly used in robotics, such as C++, Python, and Java. Extensive experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS), real-time operating systems (RTOS), and embedded systems development.
Hardware Integration & Design
Solid understanding of robotics hardware, including actuators, sensors, motor control, power systems, and mechanical design principles. Experience with hardware-software integration and debugging at the system level.
AI/Machine Learning for Robotics
Practical experience applying AI and machine learning techniques to robotics problems, such as object recognition, semantic segmentation, reinforcement learning for control, or predictive maintenance.
System Architecture & Design
Demonstrated ability to design and architect complex, scalable, and robust robotic systems from the ground up, considering factors like safety, cost, performance, and manufacturability.
Project & Program Management
Expert-level understanding of agile development methodologies and experience managing large, complex engineering programs with multiple dependencies and stakeholders. PMP or similar certification is a plus.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership, investors, and clients. Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and influence across the organization.
Problem-Solving & Innovation
A highly analytical mindset with a strong ability to identify problems, propose innovative solutions, and drive them to successful implementation. A passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in rewarding its team members generously for their dedication and groundbreaking work. As the VP of Engineering (Robotics), you will be offered a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Highly Competitive Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with your extensive experience and the critical nature of this leadership role.
Equity/Stock Options
Significant equity participation in a rapidly growing company, allowing you to share directly in the company’s success and future value creation.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, with low deductibles and extensive network access.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions, helping you plan securely for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Flexible vacation and sick leave policies to ensure a healthy work-life balance, encouraging you to recharge and pursue personal interests.
Professional Development
Budget and opportunities for continuous learning, including conferences, workshops, certifications, and advanced education to keep you at the forefront of robotics innovation.
Relocation Assistance
For candidates moving to the vibrant Pittsburgh area, comprehensive relocation support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.
Dynamic Work Environment
Work in a state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge robotics labs and equipment, fostering creativity and collaboration.
Innovative Culture
Be part of a passionate, brilliant, and diverse team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of robotics technology and making a tangible impact on the world.
Wellness Programs
Access to various wellness initiatives and resources designed to promote physical and mental health.
Commuter Benefits
Assistance with transportation costs for an easier commute.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished and visionary engineering leader ready to take on a pivotal role in shaping the future of robotics with a leading-edge company in Pittsburgh, we invite you to connect with JRG Partners. We are managing this exclusive search and are eager to learn more about your qualifications and aspirations.
To express your interest and submit your application, please send your detailed resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and leadership philosophy to our dedicated recruiting team. In your cover letter, please highlight specific achievements in robotics engineering leadership and your vision for this role.
Apply Now: Submit your application directly through our portal or reach out to our specialist recruiters at JRG Partners Engineering & Technology practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity further.
