About this role
About the RoleThis is a foundational senior engineering hire at an early-stage industrial robotics startup in Munich. You will own the core robotics software stack end-to-end — from motion planning and control through to real-world deployment of an intelligent robotic work cell built for the hardest manual tasks in industry: surface finishing, welding, and coating.
This is a high-ownership, hands-on role for someone who thrives on turning real hardware into reliable, production-grade systems. You'll shape architecture decisions from day one on a small, ambitious team pushing the boundaries of industrial automation.
What You'll DoOwn and evolve the core robotics software stack of the work cell
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 control loops
Implement industrial safety concepts and fail-safe behaviors
Lead on-site testing, calibration, and commissioning activities
Drive system architecture decisions and establish engineering best practices
What We're Looking ForRequired:
5+ years of hands-on experience in robotics engineering, with a strong focus on real-world hardware (simulation-only backgrounds are not a fit)
Demonstrated experience with motion planning and trajectory generation for industrial robot arms in production environments (e.g. KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Universal Robots)
Proficiency in C++ and/or Python
Experience with ROS 2
Hands-on integration of force/torque sensors and/or vision systems
Solid grounding in kinematics, dynamics, and control theory
Eligible to work in Germany — visa sponsorship is not available
Nice to Have:
Background in surface finishing, welding, or industrial coating applications
Experience with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA)
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or OPC-UA
German language skills (not required)
Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive cash salary in the range of €75,000 – €110,000 annually
Meaningful equity participation — ownership is a core part of the offer
LocationMunich, Bavaria, Germany — fully on-site
Remote work is not available for this role
Candidates must already be eligible to work in Germany; no visa sponsorship is offered