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

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.