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.
• 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).