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Director Robotics Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do Automation, Robotics, Instrumentation * Lead the development and integration of ... Direct experience with AI-guided experimental design or model-in-the-loop workflows. Compensation ...

What You'll Do Automation, Robotics, Instrumentation * Lead the development and integration of ... Direct experience with AI-guided experimental design or model-in-the-loop workflows. Compensation ...

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Director Robotics information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$121K

$201.4K

How much do director robotics jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director robotics in Chicago, IL is $121,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $161,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Robotics, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Robotics, you need advanced expertise in robotics engineering, project management, and a strong background in computer science or mechanical engineering, usually supported by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with robotics platforms, programming languages (such as Python, C++), automation systems, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are highly valuable. Strategic vision, leadership, and excellent communication skills help drive innovation and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for successfully leading complex robotics initiatives, optimizing processes, and maintaining a competitive edge in technology-driven industries.

How does a Director of Robotics typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive successful robotics projects?

As a Director of Robotics, you will frequently work with multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, software development, product management, and operations. Collaboration often involves aligning project goals, coordinating timelines, and ensuring technical requirements are met across departments. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as you'll be responsible for facilitating meetings, resolving conflicts, and integrating feedback from various stakeholders. This collaborative approach helps ensure robotics solutions are innovative, feasible, and aligned with organizational strategy.

What does a Director of Robotics do?

A Director of Robotics oversees the strategy, development, and implementation of robotics technologies within an organization. They lead teams of engineers and researchers, manage projects, allocate budgets, and ensure that robotic solutions align with business goals. This role also involves staying up-to-date with industry trends, evaluating new technologies, and collaborating with other departments to drive innovation and efficiency. The Director of Robotics often plays a key role in setting the vision for automation and robotics initiatives across the company.

What is the difference between Director Robotics vs Robotics Engineer?

AspectDirector RoboticsRobotics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Engineering, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing teams, strategic planning, project managementDesign, develop, test robotic systems; hands-on engineering work
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, research institutionsRobotics firms, manufacturing, research labs

The main difference is that a Director Robotics focuses on strategic leadership, team management, and project oversight, while a Robotics Engineer is primarily involved in designing and developing robotic systems. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but the Director role emphasizes management and planning skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Robotics jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Robotics jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Director Robotics jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Director Robotics jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Robotics jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Robotics job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Robotics job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,022 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
Associate Director, Robotics and Automation - Factory of the Future (Hybrid)

Associate Director, Robotics and Automation - Factory of the Future (Hybrid)

AbbVie

Chicago, IL • On-site

$141.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Associate Director, Robotics and Automation - Factory of the Future will lead the strategy, deployment, and management of advanced robotics and automation solutions across AbbVie's manufacturing and operational sites. This role fosters innovation and drives transformation by integrating cutting-edge robotics with smart automation to improve efficiency, quality, and flexibility in production environments. The position partners with Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and value realization in a regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute an enterprise strategy for robotics and automation in alignment with AbbVie's Factory of the Future vision and operational excellence targets.
  • Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of robotics and automation systems, including design, selection, deployment, validation, and continuous improvement for manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and material handling.
  • Identify, assess, and drive adoption of innovative robotics (e.g., collaborative robots, AGVs/AMRs) and automation technologies (e.g., AI-powered process automation, digital twins, automated inspection systems).
  • Lead cross-disciplinary teams and foster close collaboration across Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and EHS to enable seamless and compliant integration of robotic and automation solutions.
  • Ensure systems meet all applicable safety, quality, GxP, and FDA regulatory requirements.
  • Build, standardize, and maintain best practices and frameworks for robotics/automation implementation, data connectivity, and integration with digital manufacturing platforms (e.g., MES, SCADA, IoT).
  • Oversee training, upskilling, and change management initiatives to support workforce adoption and develop internal robotics and automation expertise.
  • Support audits, inspections, CAPAs, and risk management activities related to automated and robotic systems.
  • Remain current on robotics, automation, and industry 4.0 trends, and lead evaluation of new partners, vendors, and integrators.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Robotics, Automation, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years' experience in robotics, industrial automation, or digital manufacturing, preferably within pharmaceutical, biotech, or highly regulated industries.
  • Proven record of delivering large-scale robotics/automation projects from concept to operational maturity.
  • Strong technical leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Knowledge of GxP and FDA requirements for automated systems and manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with robotics integration with MES, SCADA, IoT, and digital factory tools.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013