Senior Robotics Engineer

KION Business Services Polska; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Development

Competitive Benefits

Pay Transparency

Global Opportunities

Job summary

KION Group is seeking a Mobile Robotics Software Lead (ROS2) to drive foundational software for mobile robotic systems in the Americas. You will lead a globally distributed team, mentor engineers, and set the strategy for robotics software initiatives.

The role requires strong C++/ROS2 expertise, Linux proficiency, and experience with real-time systems. Expect a hybrid schedule in Grand Rapids, MI with in-office and optional remote work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or related field is required.
• PhD or equivalent research/innovation experience is a plus.
• 8+ years in C++ software engineering and robotics with ROS/ROS2 experience.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop core C++ software for embedded onboard software and simulation.
• Drive tools, frameworks, and platform architectures for robotic platforms.
• Shape technical direction, code structure, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with robotics, cloud, and systems teams on multi-functional efforts.
• Mentor and review work of junior and mid-level engineers.
• Define engineering best practices and contribute to the technical roadmap.

Skills

C++

ROS2

Mentoring

Linux

Python

Bash

Real-time systems

Software architecture

Multi-threaded

C++ scripting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/SE/Robotics

PhD in research/innovation (a bonus)

Tools

ROS2

DDS

ZeroMQ

gRPC

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Mobile Robotics Software Lead (ROS2 / NextGen)

KION Group is a leading supplier of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, as well as integrated automation technologies and software solutions for the optimization of supply chains. KION Group employs over 42,000 skilled professionals to service its customers globally. Our solutions ensure the smooth flow of materials and information in customers’ warehouses, production plants, and distribution centers in over 100 countries. Are you a high-impact engineer driven to define the next era of robotics? Do you excel at spearheading the development of critical software components for advanced mobile robotic systems? We're seeking a Mobile Robotics Software Lead (ROS2 / NextGen) whose expertise will directly influence our upcoming products for the Americas Region. Your deep experience across real-time control system development, robust modular software structures, simulation environments, and fleet orchestration will be pivotal. You'll not only drive innovation but also elevate our team through your direction and mentorship. This position will be part of the Robotic Systems Development (RSD) team within the Central Technology Organization (CTO). CTO plays a key role in our organizational structure by bringing together technical expertise and innovation across the KION Group and its Operating Units. RSD explores the cutting-edge robotic technologies we develop and brings innovative solutions to life. Our diverse teams go beyond technology development, providing comprehensive solutions, services, and lifecycle support. We are dedicated to turning the CTO's vision into reality and empowering our operating units to deliver revolutionary solutions to our valued customers.

This position is located in Holland / Grand Rapids, MI area. This is a hybrid position (three days in-office and two days optional to work from home).

Benefits

• Career Development
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits
• Pay Transparency
• Global Opportunities

Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $113,625 - 151,500 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

What You Will do in This Role

If you are a seasoned C++ programmer for robotics with ROS2 knowledge and ready to step into a key leadership position, here is your mission: Lead the development of foundational software for mobile robotic systems within a globally distributed team, dedicated to the Americas region. Demonstrate your skills in simulation, tooling, and platform management to ensure software scalability and use case handling through perception and configuration. Mentor and guide fellow engineers, encouraging a culture of technical innovation. Develop the strategic direction of our robotics software initiatives.

Core Responsibilities

• Architect and develop core C++ software systems for embedded onboard software, simulation, and deployment
• Drive development of robust tools and frameworks for internal teams and robotic platforms
• Drive technical direction in code structure, system design, and performance optimization
• Collaborate with robotics, cloud, and systems teams on multi-functional efforts
• Mentor and review work of junior and mid-level engineers
• Define engineering best practices and contribute to technical roadmap

What We are Looking for

Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field (required) A Ph.D. or equivalent experience in research or innovation is a plus.

Required Skills

• 8+ years of professional experience in C++ software engineering and robotics.
• Deep expertise in modern C++ (C++17/20), STL, memory management, and performance tuning
• Strong background in software architecture and large codebases
• Experience with multi-threaded, distributed, or real-time systems
• Proven track record in mentoring, team leadership, or technical ownership
• Excellent understanding of Linux, debugging, and profiling tools
• Ability to switch between C++, scripting (Python/Bash), and integration tasks.
• Hands-on experience with ROS/ROS2 or other robotics frameworks

Preferred Skills

• Prior work in autonomous systems, robotics, or embedded environments
• Familiarity with middleware (DDS, ZeroMQ, gRPC), containerization, and orchestration tools
• Experience in system integration, hardware/software interfacing, or deployment pipelines
• Experience working in fast-paced research and development environments
• Strong mathematical knowledge. i.e., optimization, polynomials.

Travel

Up to 30% (inclusive of domestic as well as international trips to Americas, EMEA, and APAC).

KION brands keep the world moving – globally, regionally, and locally. KION is the Supply Chain Solutions Company. With over 42,000 employees in more than 100 countries, we enable smart, sustainable, and reliable supply chains worldwide - wherever goods are stored, moved, or delivered. KION offers its customers the full spectrum of solutions to make their supply chains future-ready. Our international brands, Linde Material Handling, STILL, and Baoli and our regional brands, Fenwick and OM, stand for outstanding technological innovation, intelligent automation and service excellence in forklift trucks and warehouse equipment. Dematic complements this expertise with state-of-the‑year automation technology and AI-supported software solutions that optimize intralogistics across warehousing, production, and distribution. Whether locally or globally – we offer exciting career opportunities in an innovative environment shaped by our core values: Integrity, Collaboration, Courage, and Excellence. Together, we create the magic of supply chain solutions.