About this role
About Navflex
At Navflex, we're pioneering the future of logistics automation through cutting-edge AI and
robotics. Our autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are transforming the way goods are loaded
and unloaded, enabling plug-and-play solutions that streamline operations and enhance
efficiency across the global supply chain for some of the world’s most demanding warehouse
Environments. Our international, cross‑disciplinary team in the EU and USA pairs robust mechatronics with cutting‑edge navigation and perception to deliver safe, reliable autonomy in real‑world warehouses and yards. Join us in shaping the future of intelligent logistics.
What makes us different
We bring hardware and AI into production, not just prototypes
We work directly with real warehouse operations and customer environments
We build systems that must be safe, reliable, and economically viable
What you can expect at the Munich Team
You will join a highly skilled, hands-on engineering team working at the intersection of robotics, product development, and real-world deployment, with direct impact on systems used by global customers.
What We Offer
The opportunity to work on robotics systems that are already used in real-world environments
A role where you can actively shape systems and see the impact of your work
A collaborative, international team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives
Plenty of room for personal and professional growth as we continue to scale
Challenging work alongside experienced engineers who are passionate about what they do
A culture that values ownership, learning, and continuous improvement
Competitive compensation
The Role
The Manager, Robotic Platforms Engineering is responsible for executing and delivering our mobile robotic platforms (hardware and software) while serving as a senior on-site engineering leader in Germany. This role ensures hardware systems are built, validated, and deployed reliably, supports system-level integration with robotics software and algorithms, and provides day-to-day technical guidance and people leadership to the Munich-based team, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
Why this role matters
This role plays a key role in advancing Navflex’s European innovation footprint through university collaborations and participation in EU research and innovation programs.
Success Measures - Success in this role will be measured by:
Reliable, on-time delivery of platform milestones
Hardware performance, durability, and fleet reliability in live deployments
Quality and completeness of validation and test evidence
Effectiveness of on-site technical leadership and support for the Munich team
Growth, engagement, and performance of direct reports
Quality of collaboration with software and algorithms teams at the system level
Progress in establishing academic partnerships and supporting EU-funded R&D initiatives
What You’ll Do
Robotic Platforms Hardware Execution & Delivery
Execute robotic platform’s hardware development and aligned with product requirements
Translate requirements into executable hardware workstreams, schedules, and technical plans
Drive delivery of prototypes, pilot units, and production-ready robotic systems
Ensure platform’s hardware designs meet requirements for reliability, safety, manufacturability, and serviceability
People Management & Team Development
Directly manage a team of hardware engineers based in Munich, including hiring, onboarding, and performance management
Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews
Identify development opportunities and support the growth of each team member
Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture that attracts and retains strong engineering talent
Partner with leadership and HR on compensation, leveling, and organizational planning for the Munich team
On-Site Technical Leadership
Act as the primary technical reference point on site in Munich
Provide hands-on technical guidance, mentorship, and direction to the local engineering team
Support cross-team alignment and day-to-day problem solving across hardware, software, algorithms, and field activities
Represent engineering leadership locally with partners, customers, and collaborators
System-Level Robotics Understanding
Maintain a working knowledge of Navflex’s robotics software stack and core algorithms
Partner closely with Software and Algorithms teams to ensure effective hardware - software co-design and integration
Identify system-level integration risks early and drive appropriate engineering trade-offs
Research Grants & Innovation (EU focus)
Build relationships with European universities, applied research institutes, and innovation partners
Support joint research initiatives aligned with Navflex’s technical roadmap
Contribute to relevant EU research and innovation programs (e.g., Horizon Europe)
Provide technical expertise and coordination for grant proposals and funded projects
What You’ll Bring
Core Expertise
Hardware engineering for robotics, automation, or electromechanical systems
Deployment and validation of robotic mobile platforms in real-world operational environments
System-level integration of hardware with robotics software and algorithms
Applied research collaboration and European innovation ecosystems
Direct management of engineering teams, including performance management and team development
Core Skills
Strong execution and delivery
Hands-on leadership and mentoring
Structured problem-solving
Clear communication across disciplines and cultures
Ability to operate effectively without formal authority
Engineering judgment in complex, real-world environments
Ability to attract, develop, and retain engineering talent
Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
8+ years of experience in hardware engineering, robotics, automation, or electromechanical systems
2+ years of direct people management experience in an engineering environment
Experience leading hardware engineering efforts in production or deployment environments
Working knowledge of robotics software and algorithms
Experience collaborating with external OEMs, suppliers, or research partners
Professional fluency in English
Willingness to travel up to 25%
Preferred, But Not Required
Experience with AMRs, forklifts, or industrial automation platforms
Prior involvement in university research collaborations or EU-funded programs
Familiarity with Horizon Europe or similar R&D funding mechanisms
Experience working in international or distributed engineering teams
Exposure to safety-critical or regulated systems (ISO, CE, ANSI)
German language proficiency
If you’re excited about building robotic systems that don’t just work in theory, but perform reliably in complex, real-world environments, we’d like to hear from you.