Robotics AI Strategy and Program Lead

Imagine shaping the future of intelligent automation by bridging the gap between advanced AI research and real-world physical deployment across a vast global network. In this high-impact role, you will drive the next industrial revolution, translating groundbreaking technical visions into tangible realities that yield immediate, profound efficiencies on a global scale.

The Opportunity

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. 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.