Head of Engineering - Robotics & Automation

About DHR Engineering

We R&D game-changing technologies in the field of robotics and automation, that impact our daily lives. As part of our growth, we have recently opened a new office in Sofia, Bulgaria, where we are building a strong, multidisciplinary engineering team.

We don’t do off-the-shelf. We don’t do easy. Because we’re writing, building, designing and simulating solutions to novel problems that nobody has solved before, we’re constantly pushing the limits of what technology and humankind can do. Join us and you’ll work across a phenomenal breadth of technology, with incredibly smart people, to create novel, reliable, resilient, scalable and optimized automation systems.

What we do: Developing and deploying manufacturing automation solutions for suppliers to the world’s best aerospace companies. In this scope we architect the process from scratch, including internal logistics, factory layout and discrete task robotization. Since novel problems require novel solutions, we bring many technologies, that are existing only in the researcher labs, to the real world.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team across mechanical, electrical/automation, and software domains.

• Own engineering execution end-to-end — from concept and simulation through prototyping, testing, and on-site deployment.

• Take responsibility for technical direction, architecture decisions, and system-level trade-offs across projects.

• Be fully accountable for delivery: owning timelines, managing risk, and ensuring deadlines set by the CEO for the Sofia office are met.

• Report directly to the CEO, with clear ownership of execution, delivery status, and technical decision-making.

• Ensure tight integration between mechanical design, electrical systems, and software/control architecture.

• Act as a hands-on technical authority and mentor — reviewing designs, challenging assumptions, and stepping in when execution requires it.

• Build and enforce engineering discipline and prioritization without slowing down execution.

• Collaborate closely with customers, partners, and leadership on complex, high-stakes automation projects.

• Hire, onboard, and develop engineers while maintaining a strong ownership and accountability culture.

What You’ll Need:

• Strong passion for engineering, robotics, and automation systems.

• Proven experience leading engineering teams with real delivery responsibility, not just technical oversight.

• Solid technical background in at least one domain (mechanical, electrical/automation, or software), with the ability to reason across all three.

• Track record of delivering complex engineering systems under time and resource constraints.

• Execution-first mindset - comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and standing behind them.

• Strong problem-solving skills, prioritization ability, and bias toward action.

• Clear, direct communication style and comfort working closely with executive leadership.

• Engineering degree (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Software, or related field).

What’s a Plus:

• Hands-on experience in robotics, industrial automation, or manufacturing systems.

• Experience with industrial robots, PLC-based control systems, or robotic software architectures.

• Experience scaling engineering teams in startup or fast-growth environments.

• Basic knowledge of German language.

  
  

What We Offer:

• Startup spirit with real ownership and real consequences.

• Full access to prototyping equipment - 3D printers, CNC machines, industrial robots.

• A highly motivated, self-driven team of talented engineers.

• Direct impact on company success and product delivery.

• Fast career growth - promotion and compensation growth of up to 50% annually for outstanding performance.

We’re looking forward to meeting you at the interview!