Field Engineer (European Launch Team)

RIVR is a Swiss robotics company pioneering Physical AI and robotic solutions to revolutionize last-mile delivery, giving 1 human the power of 1000. Through the combination of artificial neural networks and innovative robot designs with wheels and legs, RIVR aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in last-mile delivery. Founded as Swiss-Mile, the company rebranded to RIVR in 2025 to better reflect its mission of driving the future of intelligent robotics. Join our innovative team, renowned for pioneering robotic design and neural network applications in robotics that improve environmental understanding and decision-making. With a robust research foundation and notable contributions from ETH Zurich, we are leaders in translating artificial intelligence and robotics into practical, real-world applications.

RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you’re passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.

Job Description

As a Field Engineer on RIVR’s European Launch Team, you’ll play a key role in the early deployment and scaling of our robotic fleets across Europe. This role is based out of our Zurich site, but requires significant and continuous travel (approximately 50% of the time) to new launch locations to lead the setup of local operations.

Working closely with our engineers and local field teams, you’ll ensure smooth installation, testing, and maintenance of robots and infrastructure during new site launches.

This is a hands-on, travel-heavy role for someone who enjoys solving real problems in the field, bridging hardware and software, and seeing the direct impact of their work on live operations. You’ll be part of a small, fast-moving team responsible for transforming prototypes into robust, daily operations.

What you’ll be doing:
• Prepare and deploy robotic systems to new launch sites, including infrastructure setup, calibration, and readiness checks.
• Support live operations during launch phases by performing hands-on troubleshooting of both hardware and software systems.
• Work closely with engineering teams to identify, document, and relay technical issues observed in the field.
• Test new software updates and hardware modifications in real-world conditions, ensuring reliability and safety before release.
• Train and support local teams on basic robot maintenance and first-line troubleshooting procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
• Document field findings, providing structured reports and recommendations for design or process improvements.
• Contribute to operational readiness by preparing spare parts, tools, and documentation for each deployment.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational protocols during all field activities.

What you must have:
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Robotics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Solid understanding of robotics hardware, sensors, and control systems.
• Practical troubleshooting ability, you’re comfortable opening up a robot, testing circuits, and debugging software.
• Familiarity with ROS2, Linux, Python, or C++ for diagnostics or configuration tasks.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, operators, and partners.
• Flexibility to travel frequently across Europe for on-site deployments and support (up to 50%).
• A hands-on mindset, comfort with tools, and a drive to make things work under time pressure.
• Fluent English (German or other common European languages is a plus).
• Valid EU or Swiss work authorization.

Get some bonus points :
• Prior experience working in field robotics, autonomous vehicles, or mechatronics testing.
• Experience in startups or small technical teams where flexibility and ownership were key.
• Familiarity with logistics, mobility, or warehouse automation environments.
• Experience with data collection or feedback loops for operational performance.

RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you’re passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.