Senior Robotics Hardware Engineer – Next Generation Platform (m/f/d)

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. We are now building the next generation of our robotic platform - including new actuator technologies, grippers, and human-to-robot teaching interfaces. To drive this, we are looking for a Senior Robotics Hardware Engineer who will take end-to-end ownership of key subsystems and help translate high-level product concepts into robust, manufacturable hardware. This role goes beyond prototyping: you will architect, build, and steer core hardware components of the next RobCo robot in close collaboration with software, autonomy, and external engineering partners. Your Responsibilities - Own core robotic subsystems - Take full ownership of the design, development, and validation of critical hardware components of the next-generation robot platform - such as grippers, teaching devices, and actuator modules. - Design next-generation actuators - Design, prototype, and evaluate new actuator concepts (e.g., QDD-based systems) to replace existing solutions. Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and robustness. - Drive product-level mechanical design - Lead the development of robot subsystems from concept to production-ready design, including detailed CAD, tolerancing, and material selection. - Interface with external engineering partners - Act as the technical liaison with design agencies and DFM partners (e.g., Busse Design), ensuring designs are manufacturable, robust, and aligned with product goals. - System architecture & integration - Define subsystem architecture and ensure seamless integration with control, perception, and autonomy systems. - Prototype and validate - Build and test prototypes to validate design assumptions, performance, and reliability - using hands-on lab work when needed. - Make and drive technical decisions - Own key hardware decisions and represent your subsystem in cross-functional discussions with robotics, controls, and product teams. - Bridge concept to production - Guide designs through the transition from prototype to manufacturable product, including supplier interaction and iteration based on real-world constraints. We're looking for someone who has: - Strong robotics hardware background - Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or similar, with substantial experience designing electromechanical systems. - Experience owning complex hardware systems - Proven track record of owning and delivering hardware subsystems or products - from concept through validation (and ideally into production). - Actuator design experience (strong plus) - Experience with robotic actuators (e.g., BLDC motors, gear systems, QDD, torque sensing, or backdrivable systems), including performance trade-offs and control implications. - Deep mechanical design expertise - Advanced CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks), including designing for CNC, tolerancing, and structural/mechanical analysis. - DFM and supplier experience - Experience working with external partners and preparing designs for manufacturing (DFM, tolerancing, supplier discussions). - System-level thinking - Strong intuition for how mechanics, electronics, and control systems interact in real robotic systems. - Hands-on mindset - Comfortable building, testing, and debugging hardware directly when needed. - Cross-functional collaboration - Ability to work closely with software, autonomy, and product teams and translate requirements into robust hardware solutions. Why join RobCo? - Develop modular, software-defined robotics solutions with us that se