
Industrial Automation & Robotics Executive Recruiters
Connecting Talent with Tomorrow’s Technology: Industrial Automation & Robotics Division Recruiters
Your Trusted Talent Partner for Smart Manufacturing Leadership
In the age of Industry 4.0, where advanced robotics, AI, and IoT are transforming how goods are made and delivered, the need for forward-thinking leadership in industrial automation has never been greater. From automating production lines to integrating cyber-physical systems, companies require visionary executives who can lead digital transformation, drive operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge.
At JRG Partners, we specialize in recruiting top-tier talent across the industrial automation and robotics landscape. Whether you’re a tech-driven OEM, an automation integrator, or a global manufacturer embracing smart factory technologies, our executive search services deliver candidates who bring both engineering expertise and strategic leadership.
With our deep understanding of the technology ecosystem and evolving workforce needs, we help you secure transformative leaders who can navigate complexity, manage change, and deliver results.
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search assignment parameters.
Finding the right executive in automation and robotics requires more than just industry knowledge—it demands insight into emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and dynamic market demands. JRG Partners delivers on all fronts.
We are not generalist recruiters. Our niche lies in architecture, engineering, construction, and technology—with a dedicated practice in industrial automation and robotics. This specialization ensures that we understand the technical skill sets, certifications, and innovation mindset required in today’s high-tech industrial environments.
The most qualified leaders in automation—those driving change in manufacturing, logistics, and production—are rarely on the market. Our proprietary network gives you access to passive candidates with proven leadership in automation strategy, controls engineering, systems integration, and digital transformation.
We go beyond resumes to evaluate a candidate’s capacity to lead complex automation initiatives. Our vetting process considers their experience with SCADA, PLCs, robotics systems, machine learning integration, predictive maintenance, and MES/ERP implementations—alongside their ability to lead teams and deliver business impact.
Every engagement is treated as a strategic partnership. Our confidential and consultative approach ensures alignment with your company’s technology roadmap, business model, and cultural values—leading to a successful, long-term hire.
JRG Partners’ executive search capabilities span across multiple verticals within the industrial automation and robotics sector. We identify leaders with both technical depth and strategic acumen to drive innovation and digital transformation in complex, high-stakes environments.
We tailor our search to the nuances of each sector and its unique automation needs:
Discrete & Process Manufacturing: Placing leaders experienced in automating large-scale production using robotics, vision systems, and real-time analytics.
Warehousing & Logistics Automation: Recruiting experts in AGVs, AMRs, and warehouse management systems to streamline fulfillment and reduce downtime.
Automotive & Aerospace: Sourcing executives with a strong background in precision manufacturing, robotics integration, and lean operations.
Pharmaceuticals & Food Production: Targeting leaders who can automate highly regulated environments with validated systems, compliance protocols, and sanitary designs.
Smart Factories & Industry 4.0 Integrators: Finding visionaries with cross-functional knowledge in IIoT, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud-based automation platforms.
We place senior-level talent across a wide range of key automation and engineering leadership positions, including:
Chief Automation Officer / VP of Industrial Technology: Executives leading automation strategy, innovation, and digital transformation.
Director / VP of Controls Engineering: Technical leaders who drive PLC/HMI/SCADA system development, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Director of Robotics Integration: Specialists in collaborative robotics (cobots), motion control, and robotic process automation.
VP of Engineering / CTO: High-level technical leaders responsible for product development, system architecture, and engineering team leadership.
General Manager / Business Unit Leader: P&L owners with domain expertise and operational leadership across automation projects or divisions.
We understand how organizational structure impacts leadership requirements. Our expertise includes:
Automation OEMs & Equipment Manufacturers: Recruiting executives to drive innovation, product development, and customer-centric design.
System Integrators: Placing client-facing leaders with the technical expertise to manage complex automation projects from design to commissioning.
Manufacturing Enterprises: Finding in-house leaders who can modernize production, reduce cycle times, and align automation with business outcomes.
Technology Startups in Robotics & AI: Helping startups scale by recruiting technical founders, engineering leaders, and go-to-market strategists.
At JRG Partners, every search is built on a methodical, strategic process that minimizes hiring risk and maximizes cultural and technical fit.
We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your company’s vision, tech stack, growth plans, and the exact leadership competencies required. A detailed Position Specification is developed to guide the search.
We leverage original research and our private network to identify high-impact, often passive, candidates from your direct competitors and adjacent industries.
Our vetting process includes multiple rounds of interviews focused on technical depth, innovation mindset, cross-functional leadership, and cultural alignment.
Only the most qualified, fully vetted candidates are presented—typically a curated shortlist of 3-5 high-caliber professionals ready to make an impact.
We manage the process end-to-end—scheduling interviews, gathering feedback, conducting reference checks, and advising through the offer and negotiation stage.
Our partnership continues well beyond placement. We maintain regular follow-ups to support successful onboarding, integration, and long-term retention.
At JRG Partners, we specialize in recruiting transformative leaders in Industrial Automation and Robotics across the United States. From sourcing pioneering Chief Automation Officers to placing senior-level talent in robotics engineering, controls systems, and smart manufacturing, we are trusted by global manufacturers, technology innovators, and system integrators alike for confidential, strategic, and high-impact placements.
In today’s era of Industry 4.0, automation and robotics are no longer optional—they are essential for competitiveness, efficiency, and scalability. Whether you’re integrating AI-driven systems, optimizing automated warehouses, or deploying autonomous production lines, JRG Partners understands the specialized leadership needed to drive innovation and ROI in industrial operations.
Our national reach spans established industrial hubs like Detroit, Houston, Charlotte, and Milwaukee, as well as automation and robotics innovation centers such as Pittsburgh, Boston, San Jose, and Austin. We tailor each search to the regional talent market, technological maturity, and business model of our clients—ensuring that every placement aligns with both technical demands and cultural fit.
From advanced manufacturing and logistics to energy, aerospace, automotive, and life sciences, JRG Partners has built a reputation for delivering automation-focused leaders who bring deep technical knowledge, cross-functional leadership, and forward-thinking innovation. With a proprietary executive search methodology and an unwavering commitment to discretion, we are your trusted partner for securing top-tier talent in automation and robotics.
Effective leadership in industrial automation means blending deep technical expertise with strategic vision, change management, and digital fluency. Here’s what our clients have to say about partnering with JRG Partners:
Looking to automate operations, scale smart manufacturing, or accelerate your Industry 4.0 journey?
JRG Partners is ready to help you recruit high-impact automation and robotics executives who deliver measurable results. Whether you’re seeking a visionary Chief Automation Officer, a hands-on Robotics Integration Lead, or a strategic VP of Engineering, we’ll help you find talent who understands how to drive innovation, control complexity, and build for the future.
Let’s shape the future of industrial automation—one leadership hire at a time.
In a world increasingly powered by intelligent machines and real-time data, executive leadership in automation and robotics is vital. Below are some common questions about how JRG Partners supports your critical leadership hires in this transformative sector.
We serve clients across advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics, life sciences, logistics, and energy sectors. Our candidates bring expertise in controls engineering, robotics integration, machine vision systems, predictive maintenance, and smart factory implementation.
Most automation executive searches are completed within 6 to 10 weeks, depending on technical complexity and location. For urgent initiatives—such as plant upgrades or system rollouts—we offer accelerated search timelines and interim leadership options.
Yes. We offer access to interim CTOs, Automation Directors, and Robotics Consultants who can step in during transitions, technology upgrades, or critical deployment phases—ensuring continuity and speed while we conduct a full-time search.
Our candidates typically hold advanced degrees in Electrical, Mechanical, or Robotics Engineering, along with certifications in areas like PLC programming, SCADA systems, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 tools. Many also bring experience with platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell, Fanuc, ABB, and Mitsubishi, as well as with AI/ML and IIoT.
Confidentiality is built into our process. We never disclose client or candidate identities without consent. For stealth leadership changes or competitive talent searches, we operate with complete discretion and integrity, protecting your business strategies and internal dynamics.