Senior Robotics System Architect

Robotics System Architect

(Real‑Time Robotics & Low‑Latency Systems)

We are a defense technology startup based in Berlin
, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats
. Our team develops mission‑critical systems that combine hardware, software, and sensing to operate reliably in complex real‑world environments. As an early‑stage company, we work in stealth mode and place a strong emphasis on engineering rigor, ownership, and rapid iteration.

We are seeking a Robotics System Architect to lead the design and implementation of the robotics and real‑time software architecture for our ground‑based defense systems. This is a hands‑on, mission‑critical role with end‑to‑end ownership of the robotics stack, spanning real‑time perception, decision‑making, control, and actuation
. You will architect and implement a low‑latency, high‑reliability software system that integrates multiple sensors and electromechanical subsystems, operating under strict real‑time constraints. As an early team member, you will shape the overall system architecture, define software–hardware interfaces, and ensure the platform performs deterministically in time‑critical scenarios. This role is suited for a senior C++ engineer with deep robotics and real‑time systems experience who thrives in fast‑moving startup environments.

• Architect and implement the robotics software stack
  , spanning perception, decision logic, control, and actuation
• Design and develop high‑performance C++ modules and ROS 2 nodes supporting real‑time sensing, tracking, and control
• Build and integrate multi‑sensor processing pipelines
  , working with heterogeneous sensors and ensuring reliable data flow and health monitoring
• Develop low‑latency control systems for electromechanical subsystems, ensuring deterministic feedback loops from perception to actuation
• Optimize software for real‑time execution
  , including thread scheduling, concurrency control, and latency minimization
• Define and maintain clear interfaces between software and hardware
  , collaborating closely with electrical, mechanical, and embedded teams
• Lead hardware bring‑up activities
  , including sensor drivers, actuator interfaces, and firmware communication
• Design system‑level data flow and communication architectures (ROS 2 or custom), focusing on reliability, fault tolerance, and safe state handling
• Develop and execute testing strategies
  , including simulation and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing
• Profile and optimize system performance (CPU/GPU usage, memory, I/O) to meet strict real‑time requirements
• Establish best practices for mission‑critical software, including coding standards, documentation, diagnostics, and monitoring
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship
  , setting architectural direction and maintaining high engineering standards

• Expert‑level C++ proficiency (C++14/17/20) with experience writing high‑performance, low‑level code for real‑time systems
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing complex robotics or real‑time software systems
• Strong understanding of real‑time computing principles
  , concurrency, and deterministic execution
• Experience working with or deploying on real‑time operating systems (e.g. RT Linux, QNX, or similar)
• Hands‑on experience integrating sensors and hardware devices
  , including driver‑level or low‑level interfaces
• Familiarity with common robotics sensors and protocols (e.g. cameras, radar/LiDAR, IMUs, SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)
• Solid understanding of control systems
  , including feedback loops, stability, and real‑world tuning
• Proficiency with ROS or ROS 2, including custom nodes, messages, and tooling
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
  , or equivalent practical experience

• Experience with real‑time safe programming techniques
  , including memory management and lock‑free designs
• Familiarity with embedded and edge compute platforms (e.g. NVIDIA Jetson, accelerators, or constrained systems)
• Background in multi‑sensor fusion, perception, or tracking in real‑time environments
• Experience with defense, aerospace, or safety‑critical…