(Senior) People & Culture Manager

About the Role at RobCo

At RobCo, we develop AI-powered robotic systems that make industrial processes more autonomous, efficient, and scalable. Our Autonomous Manufacturing Platform combines modular industrial hardware with physical AI, enabling rapid deployment and continuous optimization in real production environments.

With locations in Munich, San Francisco, and Austin, and backed by leading investors such as Lightspeed, Lingotto Innovation, and Sequoia, we are working to redefine industrial automation.

To achieve this, we are looking for an ambitious (Senior) People & Culture Manager to help us establish RobCo as leading provider of automation solutions.

As our first dedicated HR hire in the US, based in Austin - TX, you’ll build the foundation of our People function and play a key role in shaping how RobCo grows on the ground. You’ll support our US teams, partner closely with leadership, and help create a workplace where people can thrive as we scale.

Your Responsibilities

• Own the full US hiring process, from defining roles to signing contracts.

• Identify and engage great talent through active sourcing supported by data-driven targeting and market insights.

• Be a trusted partner for employees and managers on day-to-day People topics.

• Support the full employee lifecycle: onboarding, development, feedback, and offboarding.

• Provide practical HR guidance and ensure smooth, compliant operations in the US.

• Set up and improve HR processes, tools, and documentation from the ground up.

• Collaborate with our global People team to stay aligned while tailoring solutions to local needs.

• Oversee core People Operations, including payroll, benefits administration, HRIS management, and maintaining accurate employee data.

• Own HR compliance and risk management across federal, state, and local laws, handling employee relations, audits, investigations, and coordination with Finance, Legal, and external partners.

• Build and maintain the US HR infrastructure - policies, handbooks, onboarding, multi-state standards - while tracking key People KPIs to support scalable growth.

• Help create an environment where people feel connected, supported, and excited to contribute.

• Support learning and development efforts to help our teams grow.

• Contribute to our employer brand and represent RobCo in the local talent market.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience across both recruiting and generalist HR topics

• Comfortable working independently and building processes from scratch

• Strong communicator who builds trust quickly

• Solid understanding of HR best practices; familiarity with US employment basics is helpful

• Hands-on, practical, and proactive in how you approach people and problems

• Experience with payroll processes, employment law fundamentals, and HR compliance in the US

• Strong verbal and written English skills

• Proven ability to operate as the sole HR owner in a scaling environment, driving both strategic and operational HR work and ensuring strong alignment and collaboration with the team in Germany.

Why join RobCo?

• Develop modular, software-defined robotics solutions with us that set new standards in automation.

• Help us build robots equipped with state-of-the-art AI that perceive their environment, analyze data, and make intelligent decisions in real time.

• As part of a very dynamic and fast-growing scale-up, you will take on responsibility from day one, drive your own projects, and see the direct impact of your work.

• Flat hierarchies, open communication, and regular 360° feedback enable fast decisions and support your professional and personal development.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus a 401(k) plan.

• Unlimited paid time off incl. major holidays.

• Company-sponsored onboarding and team offsites in Germany.

About RobCo

RobCo was founded in late 2020 in Munich and develops AI-powered robotic systems that bring learning and autonomy to industrial processes. The Autonomous Manufacturing Platform combines modular industrial hardware with a software architecture for physical AI, enabling rapid implementation, continuous optimization, and application-specific performance.

Through a Robotics-as-a-Service model, RobCo helps industrial companies automate manual tasks while reducing operational complexity and risk. The company covers a wide range of industrial applications, including machine tending, palletizing, dispensing, and welding.

RobCo operates in Europe and the USA, with locations in Munich, San Francisco, and Austin. The company is backed by leading global investors, including Lightspeed, Lingotto Innovation, and Sequoia.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

At RobCo, applicants are selected regardless of ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. All decisions throughout the recruitment process are based solely on applicants’ qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience, as well as relevant business requirements.