About the Role at RobCo

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 optimization in real production environments.

With locations in Munich, San Francisco, and Austin, and backed by leading investors such as Lightspeed, Lingotto Innovation, and Sequoia, we are working to redefine industrial automation.

At RobCo, we automate the ordinary, so humans can do the extraordinary. To achieve this, we are looking for an ambitious Principal Concept Engineer (m/f/d) to help us establish RobCo as leading provider of automation solutions.

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 Responsibilities

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.
Enable the team technically: Run design reviews, technical deep-dives, and internal workshops; coach Concept Engineers through hands-on feedback and real examples.

We're looking for someone who has:

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.

Why join RobCo?

Develop modular, software-defined robotics solutions with us that set new standards in automation.
Help us build robots equipped with state-of-the-art AI that perceive their environment, analyze data, and make intelligent decisions in real time.
As part of a very dynamic and fast-growing scale-up, you will 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 decisions and support your professional and personal development.
Work out across Germany in over 7,200 studios with our subsidized Wellpass membership.
Flexible working hours, a modern office, and—depending on the role—the option to work from home.
Regular team events—from relaxed beer & pizza nights on the rooftop terrace to shared experiences on ski trips or at Oktoberfest.

About RobCo

RobCo was founded in late 2020 in Munich and develops AI-powered robotic systems that bring learning and autonomy to industrial processes. The Autonomous Manufacturing Platform combines modular industrial hardware with a software architecture for physical AI, enabling rapid implementation, continuous optimization, and application-specific performance.

Through a Robotics-as-a-Service model, RobCo helps industrial companies automate manual tasks while reducing operational complexity and risk. The company covers a wide range of industrial applications, including machine tending, palletizing, dispensing, and welding.

RobCo operates in Europe and the USA, with locations in Munich, San Francisco, and Austin. The company is backed by leading global investors, including Lightspeed, Lingotto Innovation, and Sequoia.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

At RobCo, applicants are selected regardless of ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. All decisions throughout the recruitment process are based solely on applicants’ qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience, as well as relevant business requirements.