Deputy Director, Capability Development 2, National Robotics Programme Office

Deputy Director, Capability Development 2, National Robotics Programme Office (NRPO)

The National Robotics Programme (NRP) works with multiple stakeholders in the Singapore robotics ecosystem to build differentiated public R&D capabilities in support of industry to develop innovative products and solutions for Singapore and the world. NRP covers the entire life cycle of the development; from problem identification, market survey, solution ideas generation, project formulation, R&D, test-bedding, system engineering, product development, and commercialization. We work closely with industry partners, Institutes of Higher Learning / A*STAR Research Institutes (IHLs/RIs), and government agencies.

NRP seeks a visionary person to help spearhead the development of Singapore's national robotics technology roadmap and keep Singapore at the forefront of global robotics technology development and innovation. As Deputy Director, you will keep our team and partners apprised of the latest robotics technology trends and innovations, work with the global robotics research community to conceptualize and drive impactful robotics R&D programmes at the national level. You will also support our team and partners with your robotics technical expertise in various initiatives as required.

The key responsibilities are:

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision
   • Define the technological vision and roadmap for NRP, aligning with national economic and industrial priorities.
   • Identify emerging trends (such as Embodied AI) to position the nation at the forefront of robotics innovation.
2. Ecosystem Development
   • Build partnerships among academia, industry, and government to accelerate R&D and commercialization.
   • Work with NRP's teams to establish research and innovation initiatives to support startups and SMEs.
   • Synergise and organize the Robotics R&D efforts in Singapore.
3. Research & Development (R&D)
   • Oversee high-impact R&D initiatives in priority areas.
   • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and support RIE's funding for cutting-edge projects (e.g. shaping project scopes and evaluate the technical merit).
4. Standards Advocacy
   • Work with Singapore Standards Council and EnterpriseSG teams to fulfill NRP's role as the lead organization for Robotics Standards, both locally and in international Standards organisations (e.g. ISO and ASTM).
5. Talent Development
   • Collaborate with IHLs and RIs to develop the required robotics research and engineering talents for Singapore, including working with educational institutions to design robotics curricula and vocational training, and start initiatives to upskill workers as required.
6. International Collaboration
   • Forge global partnerships to enhance Singapore's R&D capabilities and talent pool.
   • Position the nation as the R&D collaborator of choice.
7. Public Engagement & Advocacy
   • Champion public awareness campaigns to foster trust in robotics technologies.
   • Showcase success stories via demos, conferences, and media engagements.

Job Requirements

Qualification & Field of Study

• Minimum Masters Degrees in Science or Engineering such as Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechatronics & Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science.

Min. Years of Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experiences in the areas such as R&D Planning, Road-Mapping, Strategy Formulation, Projects Management, Collaboration & Partnership.

Other Requirements (e.g. Skills, Competencies)

• A strong leader to orchestrate collaboration of various stakeholders within the Robotics eco-system. A good and effective team player and leader. Proven success in managing large-scale R&D projects and cross-sector partnerships. Experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement (government, industry, academia). Experience in public-sector tech initiatives or international R&D programs.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.