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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Manager, Robotic Platforms Engineering - **Company:** Navflex - **Location:** München, Germany - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer Engineering, Hardware Design, Robotic Automation Software, Systems Integration, Robot Operating System - **Published:** July 25, 2026 - **Apply:** https://de.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e6cde7b95dc18c77 ## About the Role * 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, * 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. ## Description 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 ## Related Videos - [Physical AI: The Era of Intelligent Machines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100141-physical-ai-the-era-of-intelligent-machines) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [Swapping a Data Warehouse at Runtime: Zero-Downtime Migration Without Changing a Single Client](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100311-swapping-a-data-warehouse-at-runtime-zero-downtime-migration-without-changing-a-single-client) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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