Global R&D Automation Director

Global R&D Automation Director  

Join Epiroc and shape the future of mining automation 

Epiroc is a global leader in mining and construction equipment, driving innovation in automation, digitalization, and sustainability. 

In this role, you will lead the next generation of automation development while fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and growth.  You’ll play a key role in ensuring that Epiroc remains at the forefront of mining automation—pushing boundaries, building partnerships, and delivering technologies that scale. 

Your Mission 

As Global R&D Automation Director, you will lead the automation strategy and development within Surface Division R&D. You share our vision of fully autonomous mining operations and are ready to play an important role in turning that vision into reality. 

 

You will: 

• Together with Marketing, drive the automation R&D strategy across the division, leading initiatives that enable fully autonomous rigs and advanced operator-assist technologies. 
   

• Scale automation solutions through modular system design and strategic platform thinking, ensuring efficient reuse across products and regions. 
   

• Lead and support senior R&D leaders across global locations, overseeing resource planning and budget allocation for Base Development (BD), New Product Development (NPD), and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI). 
   

• Align technology roadmaps across divisions, encouraging cross-functional collaboration between hardware, software, and system teams. 
   

• Build and manage partnerships with startups, research institutions, and suppliers to accelerate innovation through collaboration. 
   

• Represent automation R&D in steering committees and executive forums, contributing to strategic decisions across the organization. 
   

• Provide technical guidance in areas such as system integration, commissioning, and customer engagement, ensuring solutions meet real-world needs. 

Your Profile 

You are an inclusive, visionary, and execution-focused leader who thrives in a global, evolving environment. You are passionate about automation, innovation, and supporting people’s growth—and have a strong track record of building scalable systems and teams. 

You combine strategic insight with hands-on leadership. You navigate complexity with clarity, make thoughtful decisions, and create the conditions for others to succeed. You collaborate effectively across cultures, disciplines, and functions, and you build trust through transparency and action. 

Key Qualifications 

• Leadership: Proven experience leading and developing international teams, including people managers. You know how to build strong, inclusive cultures while ensuring compliance with HR and labor law requirements. 
   

• Technical Product Development: 8+ years of experience in complex product development. Background in automation, Drill & Blast, Exploration, or autonomous systems is an advantage. 
   

• Strategic Thinking: Experience in evaluating make-or-buy decisions, forming strategic partnerships, and driving scalable platform strategies. 
   

• Education: Degree in automation, software, mechatronics, or a related engineering field. 
   

• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with industrial automation, robotics, autonomous systems, and regulatory frameworks such as the EU Machinery Directive. 
   

• Project & Portfolio Management: Experience leading cross-functional programs and managing innovation portfolios. 
   

• Language: Professional fluency in English is required. Additional languages—such as Swedish, Mandarin, Telugu, Kannada, or Spanish—are a plus. 

 
 

Location  
  
This position can either be in Örebro, Sweden, or Garland, US.   

Approximately 15-25% international travel will be expected.  
  

Why Epiroc?  

By joining our team, you’ll make a big difference in the energy transition. At Epiroc, we take pride in being passionate innovators, driving the change toward a brighter future for both people and the planet. Guided by our values of Collaboration, Commitment, and Innovation, we foster a culture of trust, growth, and lasting impact.  

To support your journey, we offer a competitive Total Rewards Package, including:  
  

• Global career opportunities  

• Learning & Development programs  

• Benefits package, including variable compensation (bonus)  

• Flexible work culture promoting balance and well-being  

• Global Parental Leave Policy  

• Community involvement  

 

Leadership Expectations  

At Epiroc, we expect our leaders to be inspirers, accelerators, and new thinkers. We value leaders who lead by example and have the courage to challenge the status quo. Safety and sustainability are our top priorities, and we expect our leaders to actively promote safety, inclusion, and diversity, while also prioritizing the well-being and continuous development of our employees. We are looking for you who have the courage to believe in new ideas and see opportunities where others see challenges. Does this sound like you? We welcome your application!    

It all starts with people. People like you.  

  


Application and contact information 
 

We encourage you to submit your application through our online career site as soon as possible, but no later than July 11, 2025.   
 

We are committed to a thorough recruitment process, including interviews, reference checks and assessments. To ensure a safe working environment, we conduct identity checks and drug and alcohol screening. Our process is designed to be fair and inclusive; you can expect transparent communication and a balanced evaluation of your skills and experience.  
  

Please note that due to regulations, we cannot handle applications received through email.  

For questions about the position, please contact:  

Hiring Manager, Robert Saers, at robert.saers@epiroc.com   

Recruitment specialist, Nina Fazeli, at nina.fazeli@external.epiroc.com