Manager, Automation Engineering

Key Skills

CAD, Leadership, Product Development, Product Management

Job Description

THE COMPANY

Our mission is to build the Covariant Brain, a universal AI to give robots the ability to see, reason and act on the world around them. Bringing AI from research in the lab to the infinite variability and constant change of our customer’s real-world operations requires new ideas, approaches and techniques.

Success in the real world requires a team that represents that world: diversity of backgrounds, points of view, and experiences. Our common denominator: ambitious expectations, love of learning, empathy for those around us, and a team-first mindset.

THE ROLE

You will be drawing upon your experience in machine design, industrial automation, robotics, mechatronics, and control systems to lead a highly collaborative cross-disciplinary team to design & build robotic cells for new and exciting applications of our robotics AI technology.

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Lead the Automation Team in developing novel robotic automation products and accessories that will be delivered at scale 
• Working closely with the Product Team to iterate requirements and design to solve real customer problems
• Working closely with the Deployment Team to introduce robotic systems into our ever-growing fleet
• Working closely with the Supply chain Team to introduce designs to production

YOU WILL

• Lead a team to develop robotic work cells for a variety of applications and take designs from concept/feasibility to volume production release
• Build and test prototype assemblies, support research, software, and business developments with capabilities demonstration
• Have a comprehensive understanding of factory installation process & procedures, and define or assist in Factory Acceptance tests and customer sign-off
• Mentor team members and help them grow technically and professionally
• Contribute to building a world-class automation and product development team by setting the standards and infrastructure for excellence in mechanical, electrical, and control systems design
• Occasionally spend up to two weeks on-site (domestic and international), primarily for early pilot-phase deployments, and develop documentation preparing to scale automated solutions

YOU HAVE

• At least 10 years of experience designing and implementing industrial automation systems with at least 5 years of experience leading engineering teams
• A Bachelor’s level degree or higher in a mechanical, electrical, or related engineering field
• Multiple successful deployments of industrial robotic systems
• Exceptional Product Data Management and Product Lifecycle Management skills in any package 
• Skills in making buy-or-build decisions for procurement of industrial automation equipment including pneumatics, motors (stepper/servo/AC) and sensors
• Proficiency in working with a diverse range of vendors for purchased and custom parts
• Proficiency in working with third-party design resources, system integrators, and contract manufacturers
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards 

NICE TO HAVES

• Proficient with agile and waterfall project management techniques
• Programming experience in any language
• CAD experience in any package
• Proficient with hand tools, electrical work & rapid prototyping
• High volume manufacturing

SAMPLE WEEK IN THE LIFE

• Monday: Kick off the week planning with your team and cross functional partners in product and deployment.
• Tuesday: Focus day (remote), need to work on that budget
• Wednesday: Spends some time in the lab prototyping and working up new ideas
• Thursday: One on ones and interviews for your growing team
• Friday: Review this weeks benchmark data, support the pre-sales team with a technical review and visit a supplier with the supply chain team.

COMPANY CORE VALUES

LEARNING CONSTANTLY 

STRIVING FOR EMPATHY 

TAKING ON THE IMPOSSIBLE, TOGETHER 

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO 
• Flexible work hours
• 401(k) plan and match (applies only to United States employees)
• Lunch and dinner each day (for on-site employees)
• Monthly Health & Wellness budget
• Quarterly Learning budget

Atcovariant.ai we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community.Covariant.ai is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.