Principal Engineer – Autonomous Systems (m/f/d)

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential robotics organization based in Munich that is building mission-critical autonomous systems for demanding real-world deployments. Our client is seeking a Principal Engineer to take complete technical ownership of a complex autonomous product where perception, performance, and reliability directly impact operational outcomes.

This is not a management role. You will carry end-to-end technical responsibility—architecture, integration, field deployment, and consequences when systems fail. You work directly with leadership because you are the technical authority, not as a political step. You remain hands-on in the code, building alongside your team daily.

Responsibilities

• Own a complex autonomous system end-to-end, from architecture through field deployment
• Write production code daily in C++ and ROS2 under strict latency budgets
• Serve as the technical tiebreaker across all subsystems—perception, sensor fusion, embedded systems
• Test systems in the field with measurable pass/fail criteria
• Cut scope ruthlessly before optimizing; challenge requirements before implementing them
• Build solutions yourself, leading by going first rather than delegating
• Coach engineers through direct collaboration and hands-on contribution
• Interface directly with end customers without intermediary layers

What We're Looking For

• Proven track record of building and shipping systems, products, or projects with real users—not just plans or prototypes
• Experience taking a hardware and software solution from zero to production deployment, with measurable results to demonstrate impact
• Deep technical expertise in real-time embedded systems, sensor fusion, or perception—proven by systems currently running in the field
• Strong proficiency in C++ and ROS2 under latency constraints
• History of building something independently—a company, product, or project where you held sole responsibility
• Track record of making engineers better by building alongside them and providing direct coaching
• Instinct to question and eliminate requirements before implementation
• Active personal projects or contributions beyond work—you build because you must
• Citizenship of a NATO member country or close ally (required)
• Fluency in English; German is a plus

Work Environment

This role is based in Munich with a full-time on-site requirement (5 days per week). The team operates with clear ownership—every system has exactly one person with final authority. Decisions are made quickly without committees or sign-off meetings. Requirements are challenged and scope is eliminated before work begins. Testing happens in real-world conditions with binary milestones.

You will have full technical authority over a deployed system, direct customer contact, and work with a team that owns the mission end-to-end. This is not the right fit if you prefer consensus-driven decisions, prioritize titles over impact, or value elegant designs over functional running systems.

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and confirm alignment with the role requirements. We then submit qualified candidates to our client for their evaluation. Please do not attempt to contact the employer directly—all communication flows through our recruiting process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity

Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive hiring practices. We evaluate all candidates based on qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.