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

About This Role

We are representing a confidential robotics organization developing autonomous systems for demanding real-world applications. They are seeking a Principal Engineer to take full technical ownership of mission-critical robotic platforms where perception, performance, and reliability directly determine operational success.

This is a hands-on technical leadership position based in Munich, requiring 5 days on-site. You will own a complex autonomous system end-to-end—from architecture through field deployment—working directly with company leadership because you are the deepest technical authority. This role carries final decision-making power on architecture, integration, and deployment, with full accountability for system performance.

Responsibilities

• Own complete technical responsibility for autonomous robotic systems from concept through active field deployment
• Build solutions directly in code alongside your team—technical leadership means going first, not delegating
• Make final architectural and integration decisions across all subsystems with no approval layers above you
• Prioritize ruthlessly, cutting anything that does not contribute to the next milestone before optimization efforts
• Conduct field testing with clear, measurable pass/fail criteria rather than relying solely on simulation
• Serve as technical tiebreaker across perception, sensor fusion, and real-time embedded subsystems
• Elevate team capabilities through direct collaboration and coaching in the codebase
• Interface directly with end users and stakeholders without intermediary layers

What We're Looking For

• Proven track record building and deploying real systems, products, or projects with actual users—not just planning or conceptualizing
• Experience taking something you built from zero to production as the solely responsible party, with measurable outcomes
• Deep expertise in real-time embedded systems, sensor fusion, or perception demonstrated through deployed systems
• Strong proficiency in C++ and ROS2 under strict latency constraints
• History of building something independently (a company, product, or self-directed project) where you carried full responsibility
• Track record of improving engineering teams through hands-on collaboration and mentorship in the code
• Instinct to challenge and simplify requirements before implementation
• Citizenship of a NATO member country or close ally (required)
• Passion for building that extends beyond work hours—you create because you cannot help it

This role is not suitable if: You require multiple approval meetings before making decisions, you prioritize elegant design over functional running systems, or you prefer title over technical authority and consequence.

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team conducts initial screening to understand your technical background and building experience. Qualified candidates are then submitted to our client for their interview process. Please do not attempt to contact the client organization directly—all communication flows through our recruiting team to ensure a professional 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 equal employment opportunity. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.