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

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential robotics organization based in Munich that is building next-generation autonomous systems for demanding real-world applications. Our talent team is seeking a Principal Engineer who will take complete technical ownership of mission-critical autonomous platforms where perception, system performance, and reliability directly impact operational success.

This is a hands-on leadership role with full technical authority. You will work directly with company leadership, make final architectural decisions, and remain deeply involved in building solutions alongside your team. This is not a managerial position—you will be in the code every day, leading by example.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technical responsibility for complex autonomous robotic systems from architecture through field deployment
• Make final technical decisions across all subsystems and serve as the ultimate tiebreaker on architectural choices
• Build solutions directly in code alongside your team, leading from the front rather than through delegation
• Prioritize ruthlessly, cutting scope that does not serve the next milestone before optimizing existing systems
• Conduct field testing with clear, measurable pass/fail criteria
• Work directly with end customers without intermediary layers
• Elevate team capabilities through hands-on coaching and building alongside engineers

What We're Looking For

• Proven track record building and shipping real systems, products, or projects with actual users—not just conceptual work
• Experience taking something from zero to production where you were solely responsible, with measurable results
• Deep expertise in real-time embedded systems, sensor fusion, or perception demonstrated through deployed systems
• Strong C++ and ROS2 experience with ability to work under strict latency budgets
• Track record of building something independently (company, product, or project) where you carried full responsibility
• Instinct to challenge and simplify requirements rather than blindly implement them
• Experience making engineers better through direct collaboration and coaching
• Passion for building that extends beyond work hours
• Citizenship of a NATO member country or close ally
• Willingness to work on-site in Munich five days per week

How We Work With You

Interested candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our recruiting team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and ensure alignment with the role requirements. We then submit qualified candidates to our client for their review and interview process. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly—all communication should flow through Get A Job.ai to ensure a professional and coordinated process.

Pay

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

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive recruiting practices. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and work to ensure fair consideration throughout the hiring process.