Principal Concept Engineer - Pre-Sales Robotics Solutions (m/f/d)

At RobCo, we develop AI-powered robotic systems that make industrial processes more autonomous, efficient, and scalable. Our Autonomous Manufacturing Platform combines modular industrial hardware with physical AI, enabling rapid deployment and continuous optimisation in real-world production environments.
With offices in Munich, San Francisco and Austin, and the support of leading investors such as Lightspeed, Lingotto Innovation und Sequoia, we are working to redefine industrial automation.

Your Mission:
As a Principal Concept Engineer (m/f/d) at RobCo, your mission is to raise the technical quality and maturity of automation concepts across the entire Pre-Sales organization.

You work hands-on on RobCo’s most complex and high-impact automation projects, designing and shaping gold-standard robotic cells that set the benchmark for how automation at RobCo should look, feel, and perform. At the same time, you act as a technical reference for the team — reviewing concepts, challenging assumptions, and systematically improving how automation solutions are designed, evaluated, and presented.

What makes this role unique: This is not a classic sales engineering or system integrator role. At RobCo, you design complete, buildable automation concepts — from 3D cell layouts and peripheral selection to cost estimation and risk assessment.

As a Principal, you work on RobCo’s most complex automation challenges and set the technical benchmark for concept quality. You operate inside a robotics manufacturer, with direct access to product and engineering, and real ownership to define how high-quality automation concepts at RobCo are designed and delivered.

You can work on-site in Munich or remotely from anywhere in Germany (Munich presence is a strong plus).

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Design flagship automation concepts
  Own complex, high-impact automation concepts from the first customer requirements through a complete concept package: 3D cell design, robot + peripheral selection, supplier input, cycle time and throughput assumptions, budget/effort estimation, and risk assessment

• Set technical standards
  Define and evolve best practices for automation concepts, including 3D design expectations, component/supplier selection logic, cost and effort estimation approach and risk assessment methodology

• Own reference concepts
  Build and maintain gold-standard reference cells and reusable concept modules (layouts, peripherals, interfaces) that serve as benchmarks and accelerate future concepts.

• Review & challenge concepts
  Review concepts from other engineers, especially for complex or high-value deals, and actively challenge weak assumptions, risky designs, or insufficient technical depth.

• Drive methodology improvements
  Continuously improve how RobCo approaches feasibility analysis, automation design, and technical evaluation.

We are looking for a deep automation expert with long-term, hands-on experience in designing and building industrial automation solutions with industrial robots.

You bring:

• 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, robotics, special-purpose machinery, or industrial system design — including real-world build and commissioning exposure.
• Proven experience designing complete automation cells.
• Deep understanding of industrial robotics and automation components (robots, grippers, vision systems, conveyors, pneumatics, safety concepts, etc.).
• Strong technical judgment and the ability to assess feasibility, risk, and design quality with confidence.
• Experience reviewing, improving, and standardizing technical work across teams.
• The ability to explain complex automation topics clearly and constructively — both in design reviews and customer-facing discussions.
• A mindset focused on quality, robustness, and scalability.

• Fluent German (required) and professional English skills.

• Develop modular, software-defined robotics solutions with us that set new standards in automation.
• Help build robots powered by cutting-edge AI that perceive their environment, analyze data, and make intelligent decisions in real time.
• As part of a highly dynamic and fast-growing scale-up, you’ll take on responsibility from day one, drive your own projects, and see the direct impact of your work.
• Flat hierarchies, open communication, and regular 360° feedback enable fast decision-making and support both your professional and personal development.
• Your benefits at a glance:
  • Stay active with our subsidized Wellpass membership, giving you access to over 7,200 gyms and studios across Germany.
  • Flexible working hours, a modern office, and—depending on the role—the option to work from home.
  • Regular team events, ranging from relaxed beer & pizza nights on our rooftop terrace to shared experiences like ski trips or the Oktoberfest.