Head of Technology - Applied Robotics

Head of Technology, Applied Robotics Research Centre | Dubai, UAEA well-funded, internationally connected applied robotics research centre in Dubai is hiring its most senior technical authority. This is a confidential search.The roleThe centre’s mission is to turn world-class research into robots that work in the real world. As Head of Technology, you will own the technology roadmap and make sure work across manipulation, social robotics, autonomy, perception and systems integration converges into field-ready systems rather than siloed academic outputs.This is a hands-on role. You’ll be in the architecture reviews, the integration problems and the code, not directing from a distance.What you’ll doDefine and deliver the centre-wide technology roadmap with the Director, and translate research progress into clear system-readiness and TRL milestones.Resolve cross-programme technical blockers such as sensor-actuator integration, real-time perception pipelines, human-robot interaction stacks, multi-robot coordination and edge-cloud partitioning.Set engineering standards for software architecture, data management, simulation (including Real2Sim2Real) and hardware-software interfaces.Own end-to-end systems integration, deployment Design-of-Experiment scenarios, and the testing protocols and acceptance criteria that prove deployment readiness.Champion an impact-first culture: capture and protect IP, and work with industry partners on commercialisation, licensing and spin-offs.Mentor senior engineers and technical leads, and help hire world-class applied robotics talent.What you bringA PhD in robotics, autonomous systems, mechatronics, computer science (robotics focus) or a closely related field.15+ years of progressive robotics R&D across academic and industrial settings.A proven record of robotic systems that were commercialised or deployed in real operational environments. Lab demonstrations alone are not enough.Deep expertise in at least three of: manipulation, autonomous navigation and planning, perception and sensor fusion, social/service robotics and HRI, and real-time systems integration.Experience leading R&D or product programmes, including budget, timeline and technical risk.Hands-on competence with ROS/ROS 2, simulation environments and CI/CD for robotic systems.A strong publication record, backed by patents, deployed systems or commercial outcomes.Also valued: cloud-robotics, edge or fleet-management experience; knowledge of safety and regulatory frameworks for autonomous systems; Gulf/MENA experience; success securing competitive or industry-sponsored research funding; technology transfer or spin-off experience.How to applyPlease send your CV, a statement of no more than two pages on your most significant contribution to a deployed or commercialised robotic system, and the names of three referees. Applications are handled in strict confidence, and we will not contact referees or your current employer without your consent.We welcome applicants of all backgrounds. Emiratisation candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.