Lead Automation Solutions Architect

Lead Automation Solutions Architect - Robotics, AGV/AMR & Systems Integration

PE-Backed Life Science & Research Equipment Manufacturer

Introduction

Valor Front has been retained by a private equity-backed manufacturer of equipment for life science and biomedical research facilities to identify a Lead Automation Solutions Architect. Our client is a recognized leader in its market and is launching a new automation vertical. The goal is to deliver fully integrated, automated solutions that help research customers run more efficient, safer, and more cost-effective facilities.

About the Role

This is a senior technical leadership position and the technical authority for our client's automation programs. You will define how robotics, AGVs/AMRs, machine vision, industrial controls, software, conveyors, and material handling systems work together as one complete customer solution.

Our client has never had this role before, so you will take a high-level vision and run with it. You will own system architecture, technology strategy, partner integration, and deployment, from the first customer site visit through final acceptance testing. This is not a traditional project engineer position.

It is a strategic, hands-on role shaping the technical direction of our client's future robotics and AGV/AMR platforms.

What You Will Do

• Define and evolve the overall architecture for integrated automation systems, including robotics, AGVs/AMRs, material handling, controls, software, machine vision, and safety systems
• Set up the system architecture and execution plan within your first 30 to 60 days
• Build and commission an operational prototype at our client's in-house demonstration site within about six months, giving leadership a proven solution to show customers
• Partner with robotics integrators, AGV/AMR suppliers, conveyor suppliers, and internal equipment teams to tie multiple technologies into one working system
• Define robotic system requirements, transfer interfaces, machine vision requirements, material flow strategies, and facility logistics concepts
• Establish standards, functional requirements, interface definitions, and technology roadmaps that support repeatable, scalable deployments
• Act as technical lead across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and service teams, influencing decisions without direct authority
• Work directly with customers and product management to understand workflows and operational challenges, assess facility footprints, and translate needs into practical solutions
• Support concept development, technical presentations, facility planning, and proposals
• Guide testing, commissioning, validation, site acceptance testing, and field acceptance testing at customer sites
• Evaluate emerging technologies and drive continuous improvement across future programs
• Help shape the long-term vision of bringing more integration capability in-house over the next three to five years

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, systems integration, robotics, material handling, or AGV/AMR technologies
• Proven track record of architecting how multiple systems operate together, not only designing a single subsystem
• Hands-on robotics experience, including robotic cells, end-of-arm tooling, safety integration, and production deployment
• Experience with PLC-based automation, industrial controls and networking, and HMI/SCADA platforms
• Customer-facing engineering, solutions, or applications experience, from discovery and requirements gathering through solution delivery
• Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary technical programs that involve external technology suppliers and integration partners
• Self-directed and comfortable taking a high-level brief and driving it to completion independently
• Strong systems thinking, with a clear understanding of how robotics, controls, software, material flow, facility operations, and human workflows interact
• Excellent communication, documentation, and presentation skills
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required

Preferred:

• AGV/AMR experience, including fleet management, traffic management, docking interfaces, and facility logistics
• Background in pharmaceutical, life science, biomedical research, laboratory automation, or GMP/GLP regulated environments
• Experience with automated wash systems, machine vision, throughput analysis, workflow optimization, or simulation tools
• Experience with safety systems and risk assessment
• Experience designing automation standards, reference architectures, or platforms
• Experience with ABB, FANUC, or Omron automation platforms
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Revit, or Simplify3D
• PE license and/or PMP certification a plus

Ideal Backgrounds

Candidates from robotics integration, warehouse and logistics automation, pharmaceutical and life science automation, semiconductor automation, material handling, automation consulting firms, systems integrators, robotic OEMs, and advanced manufacturing organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why This Opportunity

This is a rare chance to build something from the ground up. You will define the architecture for a new business vertical at an established, growing, private equity-backed industry leader. You will have direct access to senior leadership, real ownership of the technical direction, and a visible first milestone: a working prototype customers can see in action.

Once the prototype is proven, you will take the solution to customer sites and repeat deployments across new facilities. Your work will directly help research institutions lower costs and improve working conditions in their facilities.

Location

Central New Jersey (on-site; relocation assistance may be available)

Travel: On-site during the prototype build, then regular travel to customer sites for deployments