Senior Product Development Engineer

R3 Robotics

Luxembourg or Karlsruhe

Your role

We are seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer to contribute to the product design and R&D agenda within our Product Design Engineering function. You will be the technical engine behind R3's next generation of disassembly hardware — translating research insights and AI-robotics requirements into robust, manufacturable machine designs. This is a hands-on R&D role at the intersection of machine design, rapid prototyping, and systems integration, working closely with our Automation and Software teams.

 Your Responsibilities

Lead the full R&D cycle for mechanical sub-systems: from concept exploration and feasibility studies through to functional prototype, design validation, and manufacturing handover.
Own CAD design of Machine Handling Systems (MHS) and robotic end-effectors; lead concept and design reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
Define and execute prototype test protocols; iterate designs based on empirical data and failure analysis.
Partner with the Automation and Software teams to co-develop hardware-software interfaces and ensure product designs are optimised for vision-guided and force-controlled robot operations.
Develop and maintain technical documentation including design rationale, make-or-buy analyses, and R&D learnings to support IP development and institutional knowledge.
Contribute to technical specifications for RFQs, RFPs, and supplier engagement; support sourcing decisions with engineering rigour.
Support the transition of validated designs from R&D into production-ready machines in close collaboration with the engineering team and external suppliers.
Identify opportunities for design innovation that improve throughput, safety, material yield, and maintainability across R3's disassembly line.

Your profile

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronic, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent demonstrated experience).
5+ years of experience in machine design with a strong R&D or product development component; 3+ years working directly with mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies in a manufacturing or automation environment.
5+ years of advanced CAD design (Inventor preferred) across multiple MHS or robotic cell projects.
Proven track record taking complex products from research, concept through prototype and deployment — including robotic cells, custom tooling, and specialised machining operations.
Comfortable operating with high autonomy in a fast-moving R&D environment; able to make sound engineering judgements with incomplete information.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (software, controls, AI) and external fabrication partners.
Strong documentation habits: you write up your experiments, decisions, and learnings as a matter of course.
Nice-to-have: experience with force/torque-controlled manipulation, vision-guided robotics, or disassembly/recycling equipment.
Nice-to-have: experience authoring technical specifications for RFQ, RFP, or RFI processes.