Senior Manager, Robotic Platforms Engineering

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
• 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)

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.