Robotics Application Engineer – Advanced AI Integration

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Organization Overview:

We are at the forefront of the robotics revolution, developing next-generation systems that integrate cutting-edge AI models to drive innovation in manufacturing. Our mission is to create highly flexible, intelligent robotic solutions that not only optimize processes but also set new standards for adaptability, safety, and precision. As we scale our technologies, we are looking for a talented Robotics Application Engineer to help deploy AI-powered robotics systems and ensure their safe, reliable operation in complex manufacturing environments.

As a Robotics Application Engineer focused on the deployment of advanced AI models into robotic systems, you will play a key role in integrating and deploying next-generation robotic solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and performance. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including AI researchers, hardware engineers, and safety experts, to ensure that our robotics systems are not only high-performing but also safe, adaptable, and scalable within dynamic production environments.

Responsibilities:

• AI Integration: Lead the deployment and integration of advanced AI models (such as machine learning, computer vision, and reinforcement learning) into robotic systems to enhance decision-making, task execution, and adaptability in real-world manufacturing environments.
• System Optimization: Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to optimize AI algorithms for real-time performance in robotics applications, ensuring minimal latency and robust behavior under varying conditions.
• Verification and Validation: Develop and implement novel verification methods to test and validate the performance of AI-driven robotics systems in complex manufacturing environments. This will include the design of new testing protocols.
• Safety & Risk Mitigation: Work with safety experts to develop and implement safety mitigations, ensuring that the robotics systems meet industry standards and regulations, particularly as AI-driven systems are deployed in unstructured or dynamic manufacturing environments.
• Deployment and Support: Oversee the deployment of robotics systems into production operations, providing troubleshooting, technical support, and optimization as needed during the integration phase.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation for system deployment processes, safety protocols, testing results, and AI integration methods. Provide regular reports to stakeholders regarding system performance and improvements.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in robotics, automation, or AI-driven systems deployment, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Experience in integrating AI models into robotic systems (robot control, machine learning, computer vision, etc.).

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Experience with novel safety verification methods and risk analysis for autonomous or semi-autonomous systems is highly desirable.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or ROS (Robot Operating System).
• Knowledge of AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, etc.).
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC-UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with industrial controls systems (Rockwell PLCs) and Safety Controllers.
• Knowledge in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Project)
• Strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize both hardware and software components of robotic systems.
• Familiarity with industry safety standards and risk mitigation strategies in robotics (e.g., ISO 10218, ISO 13482, EN 61508).
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with a customer-centric approach to solving technical challenges.
• Proficiency in working cross-functionally to deliver on highly complex tasks that may have aggressive timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to work within and lead diverse, cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, operations, tech scientists, quality, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply solutions to different situations by understanding customer needs and/or applying strong problem-solving skills.

Additional Information:

• Significant domestic and international travel will be required (up to 25%-50%).
• May require work in a construction and manufacturing environment; safety equipment and/or gowning may be required.
• This is NOT a remote position.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location.  The anticipated wage for this position is

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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