Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer (m/f/d)
Center for the Transformation of Chemistry CTC
80539 München
Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-07-19
Description
- The Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC) is a national research hub in Germany focused on transforming chemistry through automation, robotics, and standardized workflows. For the office and future laboratory site in Leipzig, the organization seeks a Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer (m/f/d) with an initial period of two years and an extension option.
Your key responsibilities
- Robotics & hardware development
- Integration and programming of robotic manipulators (e.g. UR, Franka, or similar collaborative arms) and motion systems (e.g. gantries) in real operational environments
- Sensor integration and closed-loop feedback control, including force/torque sensing, vision systems, and real-time error detection
- Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2): motion planning, hardware abstraction, and custom driver development
- Simulation environments for robot development and workflow validation (e.g. Gazebo, Isaac Sim, MuJoCo), including sim-to-real transfer
- Mechanical design and fabrication of custom end-effectors, fixtures, and structural hardware, including CAD and prototyping
- Development of reinforcement learning algorithms for robot control, and vision-language models for object interaction and manipulation
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into reliable, reproducible automated systems
- Develop and maintain workflows
- Collaborate with scientists to translate research requirements into solutions
- Provide technical support and documentation to researchers
Collaborate with scientists to translate research requirements into solutions
- M.Eng. or PhD in Automation Engineering (Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering) or equivalent. A PhD is an asset but not required
- Three (3) to six (6) years of hands-on experience in robotics integration or mechatronics
- Demonstrated experience programming and deploying robotic manipulators in real operational environments
- Practical experience with ROS/ROS2, motion planning frameworks, and hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Experience with robot simulation platforms and sim-to-real transfer workflows
- Experience designing and fabricating custom mechanical components
- Track record of working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, ideally in a research or R&D setting
- Experience with Self-Driving Labs or work in a wet lab environment is an asset but not required
- Experience with reinforcement learning for robotic control or vision-language models is an asset but not required
- Proficiency in Python
- Strong understanding of control systems, kinematics, and mechatronic design principles
- Proficiency in Git and standard software development practices
- Strong and effective communicator in oral and written English
- Able to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced research environment
What we offer
- The opportunity to support groundbreaking research and contribute to the CTC’s growth on its path toward becoming one of the largest research centers for chemistry in Europe
- Salary: TVöD (Bund) depending on the candidate’s qualifications
- The chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment embedded in a highly motivated team
- A high degree of personal responsibility and the freedom to pursue independent ideas
- Individual support services fostering professional and personal growth
- Access to strong scientific and economic networks at regional, national, and international levels
- Conditions and social benefits of public service, including 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week), annual special payments, and additional pension benefits (VBL)
- Subsidy for a public transport job ticket
Conditions and terms
- Join us at our office and future laboratory site in Leipzig (Germany)
- Fulltime contract, presence
- Start date: 1 August 2026 (planned)
- Two-year position with option for extension
- CTC strives for gender equality and diversity; inclusive hiring practices and disability considerations
Application
- Does this opportunity interest you? Please submit your detailed application, including a cover letter, through our online application portal.
- Learn more about the CTC and our mission at: https://transforming-chemistry.org/
Contact
- HR team (implicit in online portal)
Additional information
- Office site in Leipzig, Germany; self-driving chemistry laboratory context; references to TVöD salary framework and public service benefits