Johnson Electric is a global leader in motion systems, electric motors, actuators, and related subsystems, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets worldwide. We are expanding our footprint in humanoid robotics and advanced automation and are looking for a Senior Lead Engineer (Application Engineering) to join our Shanghai team. This role will play a key part in shaping and deploying next-generation humanoid robot joint module solutions for global customers.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Product Manager to lead the full product lifecycle management of our core humanoid robotics solutions, including Joint Modules (Actuators) and Dexterous Hands.
Based in Shanghai, you will own the end-to-end product strategy from global market insight and product definition through development, validation, commercialization, customer adoption, and continuous product enhancement. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales and business leadership teams across China and globally, you will drive profitable growth and strengthen our leadership position within the global humanoid robotics ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Product Strategy & Market Intelligence
- Drive global market research and competitive analysis across the humanoid robotics ecosystem.
- Develop deep insights into customer requirements from leading robotics OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and emerging innovators worldwide.
- Monitor industry trends including high-integration actuators, force and tactile sensing, multimodal perception, transmission technologies, and next-generation robotics architectures.
- Define product roadmaps, technical requirements, and business cases for joint modules and dexterous hand solutions.
- Translate customer and market needs into robust Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) and product specifications.
Product Development & Validation
- Serve as the global product owner throughout the product lifecycle.
- Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, engineering, testing, manufacturing, and operations.
- Manage product development from concept, prototyping, design verification, reliability testing, pilot production, and launch readiness through mass production.
- Ensure products achieve performance, quality, cost, reliability, and scalability targets.
Commercialization & Go-to-Market Leadership
- Develop and execute global go-to-market strategies covering both direct OEM engagement and channel partner ecosystems.
- Define pricing strategies, value propositions, and commercial models to maximize market penetration and profitability.
- Create and deliver sales enablement programs, including product training, competitive positioning, demonstration scenarios, and customer application support.
- Partner with sales, business development, and field application engineering teams to accelerate customer acquisition and revenue growth.
Customer & Ecosystem Engagement
- Work directly with strategic customers during product evaluation, qualification, and deployment phases.
- Support joint development activities and customer validation programs.
- Drive collaboration with technology partners, suppliers, and industry ecosystems.
- Promote modularization and standardization initiatives to strengthen product competitiveness.
Business Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Establish an end-to-end product lifecycle management framework from market research through post-launch optimization.
- Monitor and improve key business metrics, including:
- Time-to-market
- Product launch success rate
- Order conversion rate
- Gross margin
- Customer retention
- Customer satisfaction and NPS
- Drive continuous product enhancement based on customer feedback and evolving market demands.
Risk Management & Innovation
- Identify and mitigate technology, supply chain, competitive, and geopolitical risks.
- Track emerging technologies and industry developments to shape next-generation product strategies.
- Lead innovation initiatives supporting future humanoid robotics platforms.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related discipline.
- Master's or PhD is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 8 years of product management or program management experience.
- At least 5 years within robotics, automation, motion control, mechatronics, precision electro-mechanical products, or related industries.
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in:
- Humanoid robotics
- Robotic actuators and joint modules
- Dexterous hands or end-effectors
- Motion systems and servo technologies
- Proven track record leading products from market research through development, validation, commercialization, and profitable growth.
- Experience working in multinational organizations, joint ventures, or global component suppliers is highly desirable.
Technical & Commercial Competencies
- Strong understanding of actuator systems, robotic joints, dexterous hand technologies, and associated performance trade-offs.
- Ability to bridge technical development and business strategy.
- Demonstrated success in product roadmap development, pricing strategy, and go-to-market execution.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Experience using PLM and requirements management tools.
- Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics platforms.
Leadership & Communication
- Exceptional cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence teams across engineering, operations, and commercial organizations globally.
- Fluent in Mandarin and English.
- Results-oriented, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment.
Why Join Us?
Join a pioneering team shaping the future of humanoid robotics. You will have the opportunity to define next-generation robotic products, work with leading global customers, and directly influence the commercial success of cutting-edge technologies in one of the industry's fastest-growing markets.
Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team
Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.
欢迎加入我们全球性、富包容和多元化的团队！
我们的目标是通过创新的驱动系统提高每一个产品接触者的生活质量。我们是一个真正的全球性团队，我们有着共同的价值观因而联结在一起。我们的文化是建基于每一位员工为公司带来的多样性、知识、技能、创意和才能之上。我们的员工是我们企业最宝贵的资产。我们致力于为员工提供一个包容、多元和平等的工作场所，在这里无论他们的年龄、性别、肤色、种族或宗教信仰如何，不同背景的员工都能感到受重视和尊重。我们致力于激励我们的员工成长，以主人翁精神行事，并在他们所做的工作中找到成就感和意义。