Senior Manager, Robotic Platforms Engineering - M/F/D

Navflex · via Arbeitnow ·

TypeFull-time job
LocationMunich
Posted3 hours ago
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.
Find more English Speaking Jobs in Germany on Arbeitnow
engineering
Apply on Arbeitnow →

Job sourced from Arbeitnow. Applications happen directly on the original platform — we never collect your data.