Senior Product Development Engineer

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.

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.