Head of AI & Robotics

THRYVE; München; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

THRYVE is seeking a Head of AI & Robotics to lead the development of intelligent systems that interact with the real world. Define the technical vision, build and lead a world-class team, and translate ambitious ideas into market-ready products.

You will steer engineering across perception, machine learning, autonomy and control, while collaborating with executive leadership to shape company strategy and technology roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading AI, robotics or autonomous systems teams.
• Efficient in turning concepts into deployable products.
• Able to operate at strategic and technical levels with stakeholders.
• Proven track record of building high-performing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the AI and robotics strategy across the organisation.
• Build, lead and scale multidisciplinary teams spanning AI, robotics, software and systems engineering.
• Drive the development of intelligent robotic platforms and autonomous systems.
• Oversee projects across perception, computer vision, ML, autonomy, control and automation.
• Work closely with executive leadership to translate business objectives into technical roadmaps.
• Establish engineering standards, development processes and best practices.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to create competitive advantage.
• Support the growth and development of engineering talent across the organisation.

Skills

AI leadership

Robotics systems

Software engineering

Product delivery

Strategic & technical

Team building

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in AI/Robotics/CS/Engineering

Tools

ROS

Cloud infrastructure

Edge computing

Distributed systems

Computer vision

Reinforcement learning

Job description

Artificial Intelligence is transforming software.

Robotics is transforming the physical world.

We're bringing the two together.

We're looking for a Head of AI & Robotics to lead the development of intelligent systems that operate beyond screens and interact with the real world. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of autonomous machines, intelligent automation and AI-powered robotics at a critical stage of growth.

You’ll define the technical vision, build and lead a world-class team, and help turn ambitious ideas into products that deliver real-world impact.

This is a role for someone who enjoys building from first principles, making difficult technical decisions and leading exceptional engineers through complex challenges.

What you’ll be doing

• Define and execute the AI and robotics strategy across the organisation
• Build, lead and scale multidisciplinary teams spanning AI, robotics, software and systems engineering
• Drive the development of intelligent robotic platforms and autonomous systems
• Oversee projects across perception, computer vision, machine learning, autonomy, control and automation
• Work closely with executive leadership to translate business objectives into technical roadmaps
• Establish engineering standards, development processes and technical best practices
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to create competitive advantage
• Support the growth and development of engineering talent across the organisation

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience leading AI, robotics or autonomous systems teams
• Strong technical background in robotics, machine learning, software engineering or related disciplines
• Experience delivering complex products from concept through deployment
• Ability to operate at both strategic and technical levels
• Proven track record of building high-performing engineering teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Passion for solving difficult problems and creating innovative technology

Nice to have

• Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, industrial automation or intelligent manufacturing
• Background in computer vision, reinforcement learning, robot learning or AI infrastructure
• Experience scaling engineering organisations in high-growth environments
• Familiarity with ROS, distributed systems, cloud infrastructure or edge computing
• Advanced degree in AI, Robotics, Computer Science or Engineering

We're entering a period where advances in AI are no longer confined to software. Intelligent machines are beginning to operate in factories, warehouses, hospitals, infrastructure and everyday environments.

This role offers the opportunity to help define that future.

You’ll work alongside talented engineers, influence company-wide strategy and lead the development of technologies that combine artificial intelligence with robotics to solve real-world challenges at scale.

For the right person, this is more than a leadership role.

It's a chance to build something that matters.