Senior Manager, Open Innovation - Robotics

Key Skills

AI Robotic systems, Analytical and Problem solving, Linux Operating system, Python Programming, PyTorch, UI design, Unix Operating system, UX design

Job Description

Lab Summary:

Samsung Research America’s Open Innovation team identifies and incubates innovative external technologies that accelerate Samsung’s development and market position of its industry-leading consumer devices. We proactively research and create partnership & investment opportunities with breakthrough technologies that lay the foundation for the future of Samsung’s core product & services across smartphones, tablets, wearables, PCs, TVs, appliances, and more. In addition to driving both the technical and business processes to validate and commercialize new technologies in Samsung’s existing products, we maintain a strong pulse on the market to find the next big thing.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Manager, Open Innovation - Robotics is responsible for researching, identifying, partnering, and promoting external robotics innovations to develop collaboration opportunities for accelerating Samsung’s R&D efforts and formulate strategies to deliver innovative solutions through Samsung’s device ecosystem.

In this role, you will navigate the startup & university communities to identify the latest advances in robotics hardware & software, develop business cases to promote the most relevant and impactful technology breakthroughs with our leadership team, foster partnerships, and drive pivotal initiatives that increase Samsung’s differentiation in the space.

Position Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate domain expertise by paying close attention to market trends, breakthroughs in technology, and navigate startups, university research & publications in robotics that are relevant to Samsung’s existing robot products & research activities to inform future development
• Navigate the various advances in the core technology for robotics including, but not limited to, locomotion, manipulation, actuation, sensors, SLAM, simulation, power management, compute, and the intersection with AI & foundation models
• Develop business cases that highlight new revenue-generating opportunities for robotics that Samsung could enter to promote to senior leadership teams
• Identify new opportunities and key research areas that Samsung and SRA can embrace to secure core technology for future development and champion them throughout the organization
• Foster relationships with external technology startups, VCs, and universities to find breakthrough innovations and effectively communicate their value proposition to Samsung R&D teams and executives globally
• Be the primary liaison between partners and Samsung by leading discussions, facilitating evaluations, and driving POCs with an eye towards partnership, commercialization, investment, and/or M&A
• Be the internal champion for partner’s strategic goals and vision and advocate their needs to stakeholders ensuring awareness and understanding through effective communication
• Coordinate cross-functional and cross-geo team activities, setting project milestones, and motivating teams to meet project timelines and deliverables
• Proactively address ambiguity through strategic thinking followed by tactical execution
• Form a clear understanding of team priorities to balance urgent vs. daily activities
• Proactively build concepts and define new consumer experiences through partners

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in technology or engineering discipline required (e.g. EE, CS, or similar), Post-graduate (MS, PhD and/or MBA) degree or equivalent combination or education, training, and experience
• 8+ years of professional experience in robotics, as a technology researcher, product manager or hardware/software engineer in a technology company with a foundational understanding of robotics hardware, software, and artificial intelligence
• Effective interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Strong personal network within the industry, startup and ventures community
• Experience in leading complex, multi-team and cross-geographic projects to success
• Excellent written, verbal communications and presentation skills
• Ability to deal with ambiguity associated with working in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally (20%)

Special Attributes

• Positive attitude and energy, persistence, and flexibility
• Great communication skills: clear, patient, and well adapted to the audience and situation
• Analytical skills to formulate and present structured, objective recommendations and respond to challenges and objections
• Personal skills to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments and delivery on tight schedules
• Ability to position and sell technology to executive audiences

Our total rewards programs are designed to motivate and engage exceptional talent. The base pay range for roles at this level is listed below, but may be higher or lower in other states due to geographic differentials in the labor market. Within the base pay range, individual rates depend on a number of factors—including the role’s function and location as well as the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education and training. This is part of our comprehensive compensation package with annual bonus eligibility and generous benefits to help you live life well.

Base Pay Range

$188,400—$282,450 USD

Additional Information

Be careful not to disclose information related to the trade secrets of your previous or current employer(s)

Essential Job Functions

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Samsung Research America is committed to complying with all Federal, State and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the recruiter or email sratalent@samsung.com.

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity

Samsung Research America is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For more information regarding protection from discrimination under Federal law for applicants and employees, please refer to the links below.