Tasks:

• Managing the mechanical design development of battery cells and components, from concept to series production.
• Defining product and sub-component requirements based on customer specs, functional safety, quality, and state-of-the-art trends.
• Controlling and monitoring the development process, initiating corrective actions for missed targets, and providing release recommendations.
• Managing mechanical design change requests, considering customer requirements for safety, lifetime, performance, and cost.
• Assessing invention disclosures, patent applications, and conducting IP clearance in mechanical design.
• Maintaining and expanding global cooperation with development partners, suppliers, universities, and research institutes.
• Ensuring future-oriented qualification and development of global suppliers for mechanical components.
• Conducting cell performance data analysis to identify issues, formulate recovery plans, and escalate when needed.
• Performing root cause analysis using simulation and design to ensure cell KPIs, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Leading technical discussions with suppliers and cross-functional teams to align specifications and resolve conflicts.

Decision-making) authorities:

• Deciding on mechanical design and component selection for series projects across all applicable dimensions.
• Determining, standardizing, and approving product specifications, drawings, 3D-models, and requirement specifications.
• Identifying and evaluating risks related to product development, and deciding on the implementation of technical legal interpretations and internal requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with VW ECM System and ORL 507, Chapter 5.1, and maintaining internal controls while initiating corrective actions for process deficiencies.
• Leading, aligning, and approving cell specifications and simulation/data analysis for requirements and validation management.
• Defining valid test catalogs for implementing inspection scopes in series and development projects.

Responsibilities:

• Leading mechanical design development and optimization for cells and sub-components, including simulating mechanical/thermal behavior to ensure performance, safety, and durability.
• Managing the mechanical design and component release process (e.g., PEP releases, BMG), incorporating FMEA insights to ensure robust design and continuous improvement.
• Defining performance specifications based on customer requirements; analyzing data and simulations to identify root causes, define performance profiles, and initiate corrective measures.
• Ensuring competitiveness and compliance by driving innovation (competition/patent analyses) and guaranteeing adherence to global regulations and standards.
• Establishing strategic frameworks and managing resources (capacity, budget, personnel) for the team; defining and implementing quantifiable environmental/technical goals.

Qualification and skills required for the position:

• University degree in Science or Engineering and/or business management, PhD is preferred
• > 8 years in battery development, and >4 years in management or leading function in a complex multi-stake holder situation
• Battery cell development experience in the field of lithium-ion batteries. Solid knowledge about cell design including design of electrodes, separators, electrolyte and housing. Solid knowledge about materials for lithium-ion batteries. Knowledge about series manufacturing processes of lithium-ion battery cells.
  Knowledge about automotive development processes, including PEP and the application of the V-model.
  Experience in project management of series development projects in automotive industry, inlcuding requirements management, change and release processes.
  Leadership experience in a demanding environment including regular reporting to top management and board.
  Highly self-organized, high-degree of analytical thinking, strong problem solving abilities in complex environment, inter-cultural affinity and ability to empower people.
  Business fluency in written and spoken English.

Personnel management tasks:

The personnel management tasks include, in particular:1.Selecting personnel for the area of responsibility.2.Briefing personnel on job-specific and organizational matters.3.Delegating tasks and authorities to suitable personnel.4.Setting priorities.5.Motivating personnel.6.Informing, advising, and supporting personnel.7.Evaluating personnel work performance and working behavior.8.Guiding personnel relating to working behavior and performance.9.Developing personnel.10.Addressing complaints.11.Monitoring compliance with regulations and policies, such as work regulations, occupational health and safety regulations, instructions issued by management.12.Initiating recruitments, dismissals, internal transfers, and relocations with due regard to the applicable laws and regulations as well as company regulations and policies.13.Requesting increases or reductions in position amount, or transfer of positions.14.Managing personnel placement in terms of job-specific matters and organizational procedures.15.Contributing to workplace organization.16.Creating draft references and interim references.17.Authorizing appointments and allocating powers.18.Defining, approving, and implementing suitable personnel placement strategies in exceptional situations.19.Defining variable working hours (e.g., overtime, vacation time).20.Cooperating with HR Department and Company Trade Union when dealing with personnel concerns.21.Checking and updating the role/job description (TARplus) once a year in the run-up to the audits for ISO 9001 certification.