Robotics Application and Growth Leader

Why This Role / Why NowThis is a rare opportunity to build and lead a robotics program at a successful, growing, employee-owned automation company that is ready to invest in robotics as a strategic growth engine.Our core automation business is strong, our customer relationships are established, and demand for robotics continues to accelerate. What we lack today is a dedicated leader to own robotics from concept through execution—someone who can turn interest into wins and wins into a scalable, profitable business.This role comes with executive support, investment backing, and real authority to shape how robotics is sold, designed, and delivered. The right individual will not be inheriting a mature program—they will be creating one, with a clear mandate to drive growth, improve competitiveness, and build long-term value in an employee-owned environment where results are shared.If you are looking for a role where your technical expertise directly influences strategy, revenue, and the future of the business, this is it.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Robotics Applications & Growth Leader to transform and scale our industrial robotics program. Today, robotics is an underdeveloped but high-potential offering. This role is a player/coach position responsible for owning front-end robotics applications engineering, driving competitive solutions, improving win rates, and building a repeatable, profitable robotics business.This individual will serve as the technical and commercial leader for robotics, partnering closely with sales, engineering, and customers to turn opportunities into wins—and wins into a scalable program.Key Outcomes (First 12–24 Months)Increase robotics bookings from ~2 projects/year to 10+ within 18 monthsImprove robotics quote win rate to 40%+Reduce average robotics project cost through creative concepts and standardizationEstablish 3–5 repeatable robotic cell architecturesPosition robotics as a core, profitable growth engineKey ResponsibilitiesApplications Engineering & Concept DevelopmentLead front-end robotics solution design and application feasibilityGuide team to develop clear, cost-effective concepts that balance performance, risk, and ROIEstimating & Quoting LeadershipOwn ROM and detailed estimates for robotic systemsDrive scope discipline, reuse proven designs, and improve quote competitivenessPartner with project management and controls teams while maintaining cost accountabilityCustomer-Facing Technical Sales SupportSupport sales in discovery meetings, on-site process reviews, and technical presentationsTranslate customer problems into practical robotic solutions with clear value propositionsServe as the technical face of robotics during pursuit and proposal stagesRobotics Program DevelopmentCreate standard robotic architectures, templates, and best practicesDevelop “Good / Better / Best” solution frameworks by applicationEstablish scalable approaches to programming, safety, EOAT, and controlsVendor & Technology LeadershipLead relationships with robot OEMs and EOAT suppliersLeverage vendor resources for training, demos, and pre-sales supportInternal Enablement & CoachingMentor engineers and enable cross-functional teams on robotics best practicesSupport smooth handoff from sales to executionHelp build and scale a dedicated robotics team over timeRequired Qualifications7+ years of experience in industrial roboticsStrong applications engineering backgroundProven experience designing and estimating robotic cellsCustomer-facing technical experience in an automation or integration environmentAbility to simplify designs and control project costPreferred Experience15+ years of experience in industrial roboticsBackground with various robotic OEM platformsExperience with material handling, palletizing, machine tending, welding, or assemblyKnowledge of robotic safety standards (RIA / ISO / R15.06)Compensation & GrowthCompetitive base salary plus performance-based bonus tied to robotics growthClear path to expanded leadership responsibility and potential business unit ownershipThis is a rare opportunity to build and lead a robotics program, not simply support one.Pieper Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.