Research Design Engineer

Research & Design Engineer - Parcel Pioneer your career Koerber is the home for passionate people who innovate, collaborate, and love what they do. Entrepreneurial spirit is our joint DNA. We develop future technologies and support talents to deploy their skills and reach their full potential. Together, we aim to be the first to do the right thing at the right time. Join the home for entrepreneurs About the Role: We are seeking a dynamic and technically competent Project Manager – Product Development to lead the end-to-end development of advanced warehouse automation and robotic solutions . The role involves managing new product development (NPD) and VAVE projects, based on frugal approach, projects from concept to industrialization, ensuring cross-functional alignment, and delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and scalable automation products for material handling applications. This position requires close coordination with mechanical, electrical, software, and controls teams along with supply chain, quality, production, and product management functions. Key Responsibilities Project Leadership & Execution Lead end-to-end lifecycle of warehouse automation product development projects (concept to commercialization). Define project scope, timelines, budgets, resource plans, and risk registers. Track deliverables across cross-functional teams (design, prototyping, testing, controls, supply chain). Cross-Functional Collaboration Act as the central interface between engineering, procurement, manufacturing, quality, sales, and customer support teams. Facilitate technical reviews, design validations, and stage-gate approvals. Collaborate with external vendors, partners, or universities as needed. Technology & Product Delivery Translate product concepts and market needs into functional requirements and engineering briefs. Drive development of electromechanical systems, robotic subsystems, and integrated automation components. Ensure robust design (DfM - Design for Manufacturability, DfT - Design for Testability, DfR - Design for Reliability) and integration of software-hardware elements (WMS/WCS/PLC). Quality, Compliance & Cost Management Monitor adherence to ISO, CE, EMC, safety, and environmental standards. Drive cost optimization through design iterations and supplier engagement. Ensure project budgets and timelines are met with minimal deviations. Documentation & Governance Maintain up-to-date project documents: Gantt charts, risk registers, BOMs, FMEAs, test protocols, validation reports. Ensure regular project reviews with leadership and steerco for status tracking and course correction. Technical Requirements: Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Mechatronics / Electrical / Robotics Engineering or related fields. Experience: 6–12 years in R&D project management or product development for industrial automation or robotics systems. Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering projects with cross-functional teams. Preferred Skills & Knowledge Knowledge of AS/RS, conveyors, robotic arms, AMRs, shuttle systems, or vertical lifts. Familiarity with Agile or Stage-Gate development methodologies. Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, Confluence). Exposure to system integration (mechanical + control + software). Strong communication, stakeholder alignment, and problem-solving skills Success milestones within 12–18 months One or more new automation products successfully released to market. Project delivered within budget, timeline, and quality expectations. Scalable engineering frameworks and documentation templates institutionalized. High satisfaction from cross-functional team and executive sponsors.