Senior Robotic Systems Engineer

ABOUT THE ROLE This is a foundational engineering role at an early-stage industrial robotics startup in Munich, building intelligent robotic work cells designed to automate the most demanding manual tasks in industry — surface finishing, welding, and coating. You'll own the core robotics software stack end-to-end, from motion planning through real-world deployment, and have a direct hand in shaping the architecture of a physical product that operates in live production environments. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Own and evolve the full robotics software stack for an industrial robotic work cell. - Develop and optimise motion planning, trajectory generation, and closed-loop control algorithms. - Integrate perception hardware — cameras, force/torque sensors, LiDAR — into real-time control loops. - Design and implement industrial safety concepts and fail-safe behaviours. - Lead on-site testing, calibration, and commissioning of robot systems. - Drive architecture decisions and establish strong engineering practices across the team. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - 5+ years of hands-on robotics engineering experience with real robot hardware (e.g. industrial or collaborative arms). - Strong foundations in kinematics, dynamics, motion planning, and control theory applied to physical systems — not simulation-only. - Production-environment experience with motion planning and trajectory generation for industrial robot arms. - Proficiency in C++ and/or Python; comfortable working at the systems level. - Experience with ROS 2 and industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or OPC-UA is a strong plus. - Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks or CATIA). - Background in surface finishing, welding, coating, or related industrial processes is a meaningful advantage. - Must be eligible to work in Germany without visa sponsorship. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Estimated cash compensation of €75,000 – €110,000 annually, plus meaningful equity participation. Visa sponsorship is not available — candidates must already have the right to work in Germany. LOCATION On-site in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this role.