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 for an intelligent robotic work cell targeting demanding industrial applications such as surface finishing, welding, and coating. You will work in a small, high-ownership team pushing the limits of what autonomous robots can do in real production environments.
What You'll Do
Own and evolve the full robotics software stack for the work cell, from low-level control to high-level task execution.
Develop and optimize motion planning, trajectory generation, and control algorithms for industrial robot arms.
Integrate perception systems (cameras, force/torque sensors, LiDAR) into real-time robot control loops.
Implement industrial safety concepts and fail-safe behaviors to meet production environment standards.
Lead on-site testing, calibration, and commissioning of the robotic system.
Drive architecture decisions and champion engineering best practices across the team.
What We're Looking For
5 or more years of hands-on robotics engineering experience with real robot hardware, not simulation-only backgrounds.
Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python, with a solid grasp of kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, and control theory.
Hands-on experience integrating vision and force/torque sensors into real-time robot control loops.
Experience with industrial or collaborative robot arms, end-of-arm tooling, and associated sensors.
Practical experience deploying robotic systems in real industrial or production environments.
Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or OPC-UA is a plus.
Background in machine vision or 3D perception is a plus.
Experience in surface finishing, welding, or coating automation is a strong plus.
Fluent English; German language skills are a bonus.
Eligible to work in Germany and able to work on-site in Munich five days per week.
Compensation & Benefits
Estimated cash compensation is approximately EUR 75,000 to EUR 110,000 annually, alongside meaningful equity participation. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Location
On-site, five days per week in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Remote work is not an option for this position.