Robotics AI Strategy and Program Lead

Aquent is partnering with a pioneering force in the manufacturing sector that is relentlessly pushing the boundaries of innovation to build one of the most ambitious AI and robotics programs globally. In this pivotal role, you will have the unique opportunity to directly shape the future of intelligent automation, translating groundbreaking technical visions into tangible realities across a vast global network. By bridging the gap between advanced AI research and real-world physical deployment, your work will drive immediate, profound efficiency and help shape the next industrial revolution.

The Opportunity

Step into a high-visibility position operating at the intersection of advanced AI research, robotics engineering, data infrastructure, and global manufacturing. You will be instrumental in driving multi-team initiatives, refining cutting-edge strategies, and translating deep technical details into executive-level business outcomes. This role is perfect for a strategic thinker and executor who thrives in navigating organizational complexity and is excited about deploying real, cutting-edge technology directly into physical production environments.

What You Will Do

• Drive multi-team initiatives, including the development of physical AI capabilities, telemetry pipelines, and analytics tooling, from initial framing through execution, measurement, and iteration.
• Build and maintain comprehensive program roadmaps, dependency maps, and risk registers, proactively clearing organizational blockers across various departments.
• Establish and lead critical operating rhythms, including standups, reviews, and steering forums, engaging with Research, Engineering, and Product teams.
• Partner with leadership to refine the robotics AI strategy, including problem selection, technology bets, and business success metrics.
• Craft structured storyboards, memos, and executive-ready presentations for senior decision-makers, synthesizing complex trade-offs into actionable choices.
• Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that directly connect technical milestones to enterprise manufacturing outcomes and operational metrics.
• Define data logging and telemetry requirements, run custom SQL queries, analyze datasets using Python or R, and translate raw data into actionable insights.
• Build and maintain high-impact dashboards using tools like Looker or Power BI on Databricks to track performance and deployment health.
• Design and deploy GenAI-powered workflows and agents to automate reporting and repetitive analytical tasks, while championing modern analytics, tracking (Jira), and low/no-code platforms (Power Apps, AppSheet).
• Serve as a fluent partner to AI researchers and roboticists, understanding technical challenges in data collection, labeling, model evaluation, and physical deployment.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of experience across management consulting, corporate strategy, technical program management (TPM), product management, data science, or advanced data analytics.
• Meaningful experience in AI, ML, or robotics (e.g., applied ML, computer vision, robotics AI, or intelligent automation).
• Hands-on proficiency with SQL, Python or R, and enterprise dashboarding tools (Looker or Power BI) on modern data platforms (Databricks).
• Practical experience using GenAI tools/copilots in daily workflows and designing/orchestrating AI-assisted workflows or agents.
• Experience with Jira and low/no-code application builders such as Power Apps or AppSheet.
• Proven track record of leading large, ambiguous, cross-functional programs with parallel technical workstreams.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to dive into granular technical discussions with engineers and synthesize big-picture strategy for senior executives.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Background in physical AI, robotics, or computer vision deployed in manufacturing, industrial, or logistics environments.
• Experience navigating the bridge between AI research and production systems.
• Track record of instrumenting reliability, coverage, throughput, and performance metrics for AI/robotics platforms.
• Hands-on experience navigating complex enterprise processes (security, procurement, vendor onboarding) to maintain technical momentum.