VP Automation, Robotics Engineering

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the automation, robotics, and applied-AI strategy and execution across worldwide Supply Chain locations.

• Lead and expand the automation engineering team, comprising engineers, technicians, and project managers.

• Hold comprehensive technical responsibility for hardware and software from research and development to implementation and transition to steady-state Operations.

• Manage vendor agreements and service level agreements (SLAs) for automation solutions, focusing on uptime, throughput, reporting, and flawless execution.

• Handle technical escalations for automation-related issues and collaborate with IT, Operations, Maintenance, and external vendors/integrators.

• Develop automation capabilities at new production facilities as they become operational.

• Collaborate with Operations and Continuous Improvement to streamline and stabilize processes prior to automation.

• Implement AI-driven capabilities, such as AI grading, machine-vision quality control, predictive maintenance, robotic sorting and repair, and robotic process control.

• Work alongside site operations and equipment maintenance teams to ensure reliability and uptime standards.

• Collaborate with Planning, Procurement, Data, and Technology to integrate robotic execution with unit-level outcome data, forecasting, grading, and routing models.

• Ensure that automated systems utilize the shared demand, inventory, and returns data platform.

• Develop and advocate for multi-year capital investment cases in automation and robotics.

• Oversee automation hardware, robotics, and software vendors across an international multi-site presence.

• Create a pipeline for robotics and automation talent and facilitate skill development for floor teams.

• Position automation capabilities for potential externalization as a service for clients and partners.

• Report on roadmap progress, achievement of exit-criteria, and site-level performance to senior leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in automation, robotics, or process engineering leadership.

• Proven experience in managing or scaling multi-site or global manufacturing/production automation initiatives.

• Practical experience in deploying automation and robotics in a high-volume operational context — manufacturing, electronics repair/refurbishment, or distribution.

• Experience in managing vendor contracts, SLAs, and performance for outsourced or vendor-supported automation solutions.

• Proficient in overseeing the complete lifecycle of a technical solution from R&D through implementation and transition to steady-state operations.

• Background in applying process improvement or Lean methodologies prior to automation efforts.

• Experience in leading technical teams across multiple international locations.

• Proven ability to establish new technical capabilities at a new site from inception.

• Experience in securing and defending capital based on strategic capability and market positioning.

• Proven track record of transitioning AI or machine-learning capabilities from pilot phases to ongoing production operations, including necessary data foundations.

• Knowledge of robotics and industrial automation controls.

• Familiarity with computer vision/machine vision inspection systems, including AI-based grading and automated quality verification.

• Competence in demand forecasting, unit-level decision-making, routing logic, and supporting data/AI platforms.

• Knowledge of predictive maintenance and equipment reliability methodologies.

• Experience in robotic process control and workflow/conveyance automation.

• Skills in capital equipment planning, hardware/software integration, and vendor management.

• Proficiency in vendor contract and SLA management, focusing on uptime, throughput, and performance reporting.

• Strong financial acumen and business-case development skills.

• Experience in cross-site and cross-cultural leadership across various geographies and time zones.

• Ability to manage stakeholders across operations, quality, engineering, IT, and external vendor/integrator partners.

• Capability to build expertise from the ground up in ambiguous, rapidly scaling environments.

• Excellent communication skills for engaging executive, operational, and site-level audiences.

• Proven leadership skills in hiring, mentoring, and retaining technical teams.

• Ability to lead changes in organizational structures and processes.

• Executive presence with the ability to present roadmaps, investment proposals, and performance metrics to senior leadership.

• Skill in influencing and aligning peer leaders and cross-functional partners without direct authority.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

🏝️ Benefits

• Regular travel to Asurion's global operations and other production sites is required.