Senior Robotic Systems Engineer

About this role

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.