The English-language job board for Spain

Senior R&D Researcher in Applied Robotics and AI

Hybrid in San Sebastián·Added 4 months ago

This job was published 4 months ago

Tecnalia

21 open roles

Overview

Job details

  • Hybrid

    Office and home days — the ad has the split.

Requirements

  • Have the right to work in Spain

    Tecnalia doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.

  • Speak fluent Spanish

    Listed as a requirement in the ad.

  • Work in English

    English is required, per the ad.

  • Be near San Sebastián for hybrid days

    No relocation package mentioned.

  • Have 3+ years of experience

    Senior-level role.

  • University degree

    “Titulación: Ingeniería (Informática, Robótica, Telecomunicaciones, Industrial) o campo técnico afín.” — per the ad.

Skills

This job was automatically translated to English.

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • Education:
    • Engineering (Computer Science, Robotics, Telecommunications, Industrial) or a related technical field.
    • A Master's or PhD in AI, Robotics, or related areas will be highly valued.
  • Languages: Fluent level of English and Spanish, both oral and written.
  • Experience and Technical Knowledge:
    • Demonstrable experience in software development for robotics.
    • High proficiency in Python and C++.
    • Solid practical experience in robotic manipulation.
    • Deep knowledge and experience applying Imitation Learning and Reinforcement Learning.
    • Experience or great interest in the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) to robotics problems.
    • Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System).
  • Experience and Skills in Management and Communication:
    • Experience contributing to the preparation or management of R&D projects, whether with public funding (Horizon Europe, H2020) or under industrial contract.
    • Ability to balance deep technical development with project planning and communication tasks.
    • Excellent communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams.
    • Proactive, resourceful person with great organizational capacity.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

  • The opportunity to work on high-impact projects at the forefront of European industrial robotics.
  • A key technical role with autonomy to propose and implement innovative solutions, influencing the team's technology roadmap.
  • Collaboration with a network of excellence that includes the best universities, research centers, and leading companies in Europe.
  • A solid professional career with development and growth opportunities in a leading European technological center.
  • Measures for work-life balance between your personal and professional life.

The role

Within our Robotics for Industrial Flexibility team, we are looking for a senior R&D Specialist with a technical-practical profile.

This role is ideal for a person with a strong developer vocation and a passion for building cutting-edge robotic solutions. You will be a key technical contributor to our projects, but you will also play a crucial role providing support in the preparation of offers and technically leading projects or work packages.

We are looking for someone who can move nimbly between advanced algorithm development and project management, bridging the gap between elite research and real-world industrial application.

If you are a proactive, autonomous, responsible, and resourceful person with the ability to adapt to new projects and you enjoy teamwork.

If you feel an interest in applied research and in transferring developed technology to companies, keep reading!

What you'll do

What you will do

  • Develop and implement robust algorithms and code (mainly in Python and C++) for robotic systems.
  • Apply advanced AI techniques, including robotic manipulation, Imitation Learning, Reinforcement Learning and the integration of LLMs in robotics.
  • Lead or co-lead the technical execution of R&D projects or specific work packages, ensuring the fulfillment of objectives and deadlines.
  • Actively support the team in the preparation of R&D offers and proposals, contributing your technical expertise to the drafting of proposals for competitive calls (especially Horizon Europe) and industrial clients.
  • Collaborate closely with research teams to identify risks, manage dependencies, and facilitate technical decision-making.
  • Contribute to the complete project lifecycle, from conception and development to technology transfer to our industrial clients.

About Tecnalia

Tecnalia is Spain's largest applied research and technological development center, operating as a private foundation. It focuses on generating measurable business value through innovation across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, health, digital transformation, and urban development. With a team of over 1,400 researchers and experts, Tecnalia collaborates with companies and public institutions to drive competitiveness and sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in the European research landscape.

Tecnalia is headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, and has a strong presence throughout Spain, with offices in Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Madrid. The organization offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where international researchers can engage in cutting-edge projects, from quantum sensing with diamond NV centers to robotics and smart automation. For international professionals, Tecnalia provides an opportunity to work in a globally connected research network, with a strong emphasis on talent development and cross-border collaboration, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to advance their careers in applied research and technology.

Industry
Research and Technology
Founded
2011
Employees
1,000–5,000
Headquarters
Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
In Spain
Donostia-San Sebastian, Bilbao, Madrid and 1 more

Good to know if you are moving

  • Tecnalia is Spain's largest research and technology center, offering a wide range of research opportunities across multiple disciplines.
  • The organization is headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastian, a vibrant city in the Basque Country known for its high quality of life and strong international community.
  • Tecnalia actively participates in European research projects, providing opportunities for international collaboration and career growth.
  • The company values diversity and often seeks international talent for specialized research roles, with many positions requiring English proficiency.
  • Spain's research sector is growing, and Tecnalia offers a stable, well-funded environment for researchers, with access to advanced laboratories and facilities.

In their own words

About the company & team

Come on and join TECNALIA!! At TECNALIA, we drive sustainable growth and tackle humanity's greatest technological challenges by transforming them into opportunities. We help society and companies grow through technological innovations. We are committed to equality and diversity, and we promote the reconciliation of personal and professional life. You will work in a highly qualified team of technological excellence, in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Additional information

We positively value applications from people with a disability certificate equal to or greater than 33%, in compliance with current legislation, the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their social inclusion (LGD).

All open roles at Tecnalia
WhatsApp
Vitoria-GasteizNo Spanish needed
Vitoria-GasteizNo Spanish needed
Hybrid in ZamudioNo Spanish needed
Hybrid in DerioNo Spanish needed
DerioFluent Spanish
IrúnNo Spanish needed
Hybrid in DerioNo Spanish needed
DerioNo Spanish needed
See all 21 jobs