Description
VP of Engineering (Systems Architecture & Robotics)
About CertAir
CertAir is pioneering next-generation cleanroom certification through robotics, IoT, and AI-enabled systems. Our platform integrates advanced sensing, computational modeling, and real-time data services to deliver enterprise-grade solutions in regulated environments. We are scaling rapidly and seek a proven technical leader to architect, build, and commercialize our software and robotic systems.
Here’s an overview of the solution… covering robotics and software (IoT is the meshed network for field service technicians) https://youtu.be/gqSH-CcoXmc. We have other near term automation projects serving some of the largest life science companies in the world.
Position Summary
We seek a VP of Engineering with a focus on system-level architecture and integration, orchestrating software and robotics domains into a cohesive, compliant platform. This leader will align architectures across cloud, IoT mesh, robotics, and sensing technologies, while driving end-to-end product development and commercialization. The role requires both deep technical acumen and executive leadership to ensure product, compliance, and operational goals scale with the company.
Key Responsibilities
Systems & Technology Leadership
- Own overall system architecture spanning cloud, edge, IoT, and robotics.
- Integrate ROS-2, IoT devices, and cloud services into a secure, scalable ecosystem.
- Guide adoption of communication frameworks (MQTT, WebSocket, gRPC).
- Ensure interoperability of sensing stacks (LiDAR, IR, cameras) via a unified API/data layer.
- Establish durable, compliant policies for data storage, archiving, and retrieval.
- Design IoT mesh/aggregator functions for multi-user coordination.
Engineering & Product Development
- Lead multidisciplinary teams (internal, offshore, contractors, and future hires) across software, robotics, IoT/AI, mechanical, and CFD/HPC.
- Drive stage-gate NPD from concept through commercialization in regulated environments.
- Build system observability and monitoring into all layers.
- Balance short-term product delivery with long-term platform scalability.
Leadership & Operations
- Scale an evolving org by filling gaps, adding capabilities, and aligning partners with internal teams.
- Serve as the primary technical interface with outsourced manufacturing: DFM/DFA, stage-gates, validation, and quality planning.
- Coordinate closely with external design partners on specs, CAD/BOM reviews, and acceptance criteria.
- Govern joint development with partners, defining R&Rs, deliverables, and cost/schedule controls.
- Partner with operations on ERP/QMS processes (change control, release mgmt., device history records).
- Manage vendor relationships, budgets, and technical collaborations.
- Represent CertAir as a technical executive with customers and strategic partners.
Compliance & Security
- Ensure products meet regulated industry standards (ANSI/A3 R15.06-2025, Machinery Directive, 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 14644, GMP).
- Champion secure-by-design principles: encryption, audit trails, data integrity, chain-of-custody.
- Implement role-based access controls at the system level.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years leading complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs with successful commercialization of software/robotics systems.
- Proven ability to build cohesive teams out of incomplete org structures.
- Expertise in ROS-2, IoT mesh networking, and distributed system integration.
- Strong knowledge of sensors (LiDAR, IR, cameras, particle counters, photometers).
- Familiarity with cloud services for compliant storage, archiving, and streaming.
- Experience with modern API/messaging frameworks (MQTT, WebSocket, REST, gRPC).
- Track record of leading onshore/offshore and cross-functional engineering teams.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- High EQ: a kind leader who raises others up, builds trust, and communicates clearly.
- Must-have strengths: systems architecture, distributed team integration, outsourced manufacturing oversight, stage-gate product development, multiple lifecycle commercializations.
- Excellent project management skills; able to break down initiatives, drive execution, and engage teams.
- Systems thinker who bridges embedded, edge, and cloud into cohesive architectures.
- Entrepreneurial and adaptable, thriving in a fast-growth startup; balances integration/governance with hands-on support.
- Passionate about robotics, IoT, and compliance-driven engineering.
- Comfortable representing CertAir with partners, customers, and executives.
- Data-driven, proactive problem solver with resilience and a sense of humor.
- Willing to travel (domestic and international) for customer, partner, and manufacturing engagements.
Location & Travel
- Open; Northeastern US preferred.
- Periodic travel required to partner and customer sites.
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Note: .co, not .com
