Lead Plant Robotics Engineer

We are looking for a Lead Plant Robotics Engineer to develop the manufacturing solutions that allow us to mass-produce solid rocket motors. As the lead, you will own the robotic handling strategy for our pilot plant, from the first layout concept through commissioning and scale-up, and you will lead the robotics team. This is a unique opportunity to define how rockets are built at scale. The pilot plant is the blueprint for the production lines that follow, and the robotic cells you lead will handle containers, motor casings and energetic materials every day. About us We're a Germany-based rocketry startup currently in stealth mode, scaling up rapidly to meet the demand for high-performance, reliable, and scalable solid propulsion technologies for space and defense applications. We are building our first production facility, and are applying our knowledge toward serial production of solid rocket motors. We are working hard to build something truly spectacular. To thrive here you will need to be comfortable working at pace, with the autonomy to make decisions and execute on them quickly. If you're excited by hard technical challenges and want a role where you will make a real difference each day to the future of the company, we may be the place for you. At our company, job titles and career progression are earned, not determined by years of experience alone. They reflect the responsibility you take on and the dedication you bring to each project. If you're ready to rise to the challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Key responsibilities Own the robotics architecture of the pilot plant: robot selection, cell layouts, end-effectors, and handling concepts for buckets, transport boxes, motor casings and carriers. Lead the development of robotic handling solutions for dosing, mixing, casting, curing and demolding stations, including the explosion-protection concept (enclosure, pressure-resistant encapsulation or ATEX-certified equipment). Define robotics requirements for the full line and manage the interfaces with automation, process engineering, ERP/MES and external integrators. Lead the robotics engineering team and external suppliers, including specification, tendering, factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT). Drive cycle-time, throughput and availability targets using offline programming, simulation and data from the pilot line. Lead the risk assessment and safety concept for robotic cells together with safety engineering (Machinery Directive, ISO 10218, ISO 13849). What we are looking for Significant professional experience (typically 3+ years) designing and commissioning industrial robotic systems, ideally in manufacturing or process environments. Lead-level experience: you have led technical teams or acted as technical authority on a robotic project from concept to production. Strong knowledge of industrial robot platforms (ideally ABB, Fanuc), including programming, offline programming and simulation. Solid understanding of machine safety (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, ISO 10218, ISO 13849) and of structured risk assessment. A hands-on engineering mindset: you can move from a concept sketch to a CAD layout, and you can debug a cell on the shop floor. The ability to work with autonomy and at pace, and to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A degree in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience may also be relevant. Desirable experience Robotic handling in explosion-protected or hazardous environments (Directive 2014/34/EU, TRGS 720 ff.), or with powders, pastes or chemicals. Vision systems, force-torque sensing, or automated quality checks (X-ray or CT integration). Multi-robot coordination, gantry systems, or AGV integration at production scale. Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and PLC integration. Experience building production capability from zero in a startup or scale-up environment. Benefits and important information: We offer top-decile compensation packages, bonuses and meaningful equity, to attract exceptional aerospace talent. Every employee is awarded stock options in the company, you will directly benefit from your own hard work and success. Comprehensive relocation support including flights, shipping and visas. Lunch, dinner and drinks provided everyday Free access to shared company housing Please note, we are a fast paced, hyper-scaling startup. You will need to be comfortable working extended hours with high levels of autonomy, ownership, and flexibility, with contracts structured around a 48-hour working week. We are committed to building an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, has equal access to opportunity, and can thrive. We welcome different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences—and believe our differences make us stronger. Please submit applications in English Compensation: €80K – €100K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus • €80K – €100K • Offers Equity • Offers Bonus Find Jobs in Germany on Arbeitnow