Senior Robotics Project Engineer

Role Summary

The Senior Project Engineer leads the planning, coordination, and execution of automated cage washroom projects within vivarium environments. This role serves as the primary technical interface with customers, robotics integrators, AGV vendors, and internal engineering teams. The engineer ensures that all mechanical, electrical, controls, and workflow elements integrate seamlessly into a high‑reliability, GMP‑aligned research facility.

The position requires strong project leadership, deep technical fluency in automation and material‑handling systems, and the ability to translate customer requirements into engineered solutions that meet performance, safety, and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead design reviews, requirements discussions, and workflow mapping sessions with vivarium operations teams, facility managers, and researchers.
• Translate customer needs into detailed engineering specifications and system requirements.
• Present technical concepts, project updates, and risk assessments to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Project Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Develop and manage system layouts, equipment specifications, and integration plans for cage washrooms, robotics, and AGV systems.
• Oversee mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering activities to ensure alignment with project scope and performance criteria.
• Conduct feasibility studies, throughput analyses, and workflow optimization for automated cage handling.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant standards

Robotics & AGV Coordination

• Coordinate with robotics integrators and AGV vendors to define interfaces, communication protocols, safety zones, and handoff points.
• Review and approve vendor engineering documentation, including functional design specs, network architecture, and safety assessments.
• Support integration of robotic arms, conveyors, automated dump stations, and AGV fleet management systems into the cage wash workflow.
• Participate in FAT/SAT testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.

Project Management & Execution

• Develop project schedules, milestones, and resource plans; track progress and manage risks.
• Lead onsite installation coordination, ensuring alignment between construction teams, equipment vendors, and facility operations.
• Manage change orders, technical deviations, and scope clarifications.
• Ensure all deliverables meet quality, performance, and safety requirements.

Testing, Validation & Documentation

• Lead system testing, including functional testing, throughput verification, and safety validation.
• Prepare and review engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, O&M manuals, and validation packages.
• Support customer training on system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 7+ years of engineering experience, including at least 3 years in automation, robotics, material handling, or AGV systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi‑vendor technical projects.
• Strong understanding of automated wash systems, industrial controls, and facility integration.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit preferred).
• Excellent communication, customer‑facing, and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in vivarium operations, biomedical research facilities, or GMP/GLP environments.
• Familiarity with robotic arm programming concepts, AGV fleet management, and industrial safety standards.
• Knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience with throughput modeling or simulation tools.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or PMP certification.

Success Profile

A successful Senior Project Engineer in this role is:

• Technically fluentacross mechanical, electrical, and automation domains.
• Customer‑centric, able to build trust and guide clients through complex decisions.
• Detail‑oriented, ensuring every interface between robotics, AGVs, and cage wash equipment is engineered correctly.
• Calm under pressure, especially during commissioning and integration phases.
• Collaborative, working effectively with vendors, contractors, and internal teams.

EOE/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disability