Industrial Automation Team Lead

About R3 Robotics

Join us in solving one of industrial robotics' toughest challenges. R3 Robotics is developing the AI-powered dismantling platform that transforms end-of-life electric vehicle systems into strategic sources of critical materials. As global electrification accelerates, the surge in batteries and e-motors requires automated solutions that manual disassembly cannot provide. We are addressing this industrial bottleneck by enabling the automated dismantling of complex systems at scale through computer vision, artificial intelligence, and specialized robotic tooling.

Following a successful €20M Series A funding round led by HG Ventures and Suma Capital, we are expanding across Europe and preparing for our entry into the United States market in 2026. We partner with major industrial recyclers and automotive OEMs to deliver measurable impact. If you seek to work on advanced robotics within a well-funded organization scaling internationally, this is your opportunity.

The Role of an Industrial Automation Team Lead

At R3 Robotics, we're searching for an experienced Industrial Automation Team Lead to join our Automation team in Germany or Luxembourg. The role of the Industrial Automation Team Lead is to lead a team of engineers who design and implement control solutions for our state-of-the-art battery disassembly processes, involving PLCs, robots, HMI systems, motor drives, sensors, cameras, control cabinets, and actuators. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a ground up disassembly plant and be part of the R3 Robotics mission. R3 Robotics is a fast-paced environment where you will work with a cross-functional team on an incredibly exciting product.

Your Responsibilities

• Participate in conceptual development of automated equipment; review and write specifications, process requirements, design layouts, costs, and product lead-times.
• Lead a team of engineers.
• Design and install industrial electrical control panels, electro-mechanical sensors, conveyor systems. Manage and install electrical cabinets, field wiring, pneumatic and support services.
• Read and create electrical, pneumatic and sensor electrical schematics.
• Design, develop PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. Debug existing PLC code and troubleshoot where information is missing.
• Design, develop HMI screens for complex machinery. Build troubleshooting and visualization system to support machine operation by field operation using Availability, Quality and Throughput data.
• Implement (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) control safety systems for industrial machinery to mitigate risks for human and machine.
• Install and commission equipment in-house and at the client site. Lead both factory acceptance and Site acceptance protocols. Ensure that all equipment, processes, and methodologies comply with applicable standards, company policy and all Health and Safety Laws, acts, regulations and codes.
• Document and share knowledge across the automation team. Some travel is expected - e.g., for vendor visits, equipment installation and commissioning.

Your Profile

BSc Electrical Engineering (or equivalent – Majors in: Controls and Computer Control Systems, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, etc.).

• 5+ years’ experience in programming microcontrollers, motor controllers & actuators (Siemens, Festo, SEW are the primary equipment brands used in the factory).
• Demonstrated proficiency in software design for PLC, HMI, and debugging mechatronic systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge in troubleshooting and debugging electrical issues using electrical schematics and components manuals.
• Demonstrated experience in Automation Specification design redact for complex systems.
• Ability to interpret both mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Able to work under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines.
• Verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications (good to have)

• Knowledge of programming robots (e.g. ABB and UR are the primary brand used at site).
• Proficiency with Electrical CAD design.
• IPC programming knowledge (e.g. Beckhoff, B&R).
• Experience with known Vision System design.
• Verbal and written communication skills in French and German are a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.

Why Join R3 Robotics?

• Steepest learning curve possible by joining a VC backed startup, incl. access to the management team.
• Ability to take end-to-end ownership for high impact projects.
• Lucrative financial package with competitive salary.
• Many personal growth opportunities in a very entrepreneurial team setup.
• Complementary Health Insurance.

Key skills/competency

• Industrial Automation
• PLC Programming (Siemens, Festo, SEW)
• HMI Design
• Robotics (ABB, UR)
• Control Systems
• Electrical Design
• Team Leadership
• Computer Vision
• AI Integration
• Safety Systems (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA)