DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an experienced Technical Program Lead – Automotive Industry with a strong background in the automotive industry to ensure the successful launch, technical performance, and long-term profitability of assigned automotive programs throughout the entire product lifecycle.
This position serves as a key technical interface between customers, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Logistics, and Industrialization, requiring strong technical expertise, customer orientation, and cross-functional leadership.
- Lead the successful launch of new automotive programs, from pre-series through serial production.
- Ensure production readiness, process maturity, tooling development, and capacity planning for assigned programs.
- Serve as the primary technical customer interface for product-related topics during serial production.
- Manage Engineering Changes (ECN/ECR) and coordinate their implementation across all relevant functional areas.
- Coordinate cross-functional activities with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Logistics, and Industrialization teams.
- Lead technical problem-solving activities related to product performance and manufacturing processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and profitability.
- Monitor product contribution margins and develop action plans to improve program profitability.
- Coordinate supplier development activities related to material and technical changes.
- Participate in Steering Committee meetings, reporting project status, risks, action plans, and escalation topics.
- Support budgeting activities, CAPEX proposals, and financial forecasting for assigned programs.
- Maintain accurate SAP BOMs, routings, and technical documentation.
- Lead production transfer activities and support the implementation of best practices across global manufacturing locations.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements, automotive quality standards, and corporate procedures.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field.- Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role within the automotive industry.
- Experience managing customer relationships within OEM and/or Tier 1 environments.
- Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and product development.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Core Tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA.
- IATF 16949.
- VDA 6.3 / VDA 6.8.
- GD&T interpretation.
- Lean Manufacturing and Problem-Solving methodologies.
- SAP – BOMs & Routings.
- Availability for occasional international travel.
- Advanced English.
- GERMAN LANGUAGE – MINIMUM B2 LEVEL (MANDATORY).
