Senior Robotic Systems Engineer

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a foundational engineering role at an early-stage industrial robotics startup in Munich, where you will own the core robotics software stack end-to-end. The team is small and ambitious, building a fully flexible, intelligent robotic work cell for demanding real-world tasks such as surface finishing, welding, and coating. Your work will directly shape the architecture and direction of the product.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own and evolve the core robotics software stack for an industrial robotic work cell.
• Develop and optimize motion planning, trajectory generation, and control algorithms.
• Integrate perception systems, including cameras, force/torque sensors, and LiDAR, into real-time control loops.
• Implement industrial safety concepts and fail-safe behaviors.
• Lead on-site testing, calibration, and commissioning of the robotic system.
• Drive architecture decisions and establish engineering best practices across the team.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 5 or more years of robotics engineering experience working with real robot hardware, not simulation only.
• Hands-on experience with industrial or collaborative robot arms (such as those from major industrial arm manufacturers), end-of-arm tooling, and associated sensors.
• Strong foundation in kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, and control theory.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python; comfort with ROS 2 is a strong plus.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA.
• Hands-on experience integrating vision and force/torque sensors into real-time control loops.
• Experience deploying robotic systems in real industrial production environments.
• Background in surface finishing, welding, or coating automation is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or OPC-UA is a plus.
• Eligible to work in Germany and able to work on-site in Munich five days per week.
• Fluent English; German is a plus.
• Comfortable with high ownership, broad architectural scope, and a fast-moving startup environment.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Estimated cash compensation is approximately €75,000 to €110,000 annually, plus meaningful equity participation. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must already be eligible to work in Germany.

LOCATION

On-site in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Five days per week in the office. Remote work is not available for this role.