Job Description
About The Role
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and a heightened focus on sustainability. Vehicle OEMs and consumers alike are prioritizing sustainable solutions, and stringent regulations tied to climate change are accelerating the need for decarbonization strategies.
To support this transformation, the Connectivity Stratregic Business Unit (SBU) is seeking an innovative and driven Automotive Sustainability Product Engineer to advise the business on sustainability initiatives and establish a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable product development.
The Sustainability Product Engineer will lead sustainability initiatives in SBU Connectivity to help achieve the Harman sustainability objectives (focused on CO2e) aligned with our value engineering, and growth goals defined by the leadership strategy. Meeting these objectives requires cross-functional collaborative mindset working with Procurement, Engineering, Customer Account Management, Manufacturing and Suppliers.
Your Role/Team
This position will report in the Portfolio Innovation team and will be an individual contributor role working with a cross-functional team aimed on sustainabaility initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainability in the automotive industry. By advising on the sustainability efforts for the Connectivity Business Unit, you will play a critical role in driving positive environmental impact while shaping the future of connected automotive technology.
What You Will Do
Sustainability Leadership
- Champion sustainability initiatives within the Connectivity Business Unit, aligning with corporate Science-Based Targets (SBT) for decarbonization.
- Act as the sustainability advocate for the Connectivity products (such as pace 8 - Ready Connect TCU product), setting a precedent for future customer TCU programs
Framework and Process Development
- Working with the Automotive division’s sustainability team, co-develop frameworks, processes, and adopt tools for identifying, quantifying, assessing, and implementing sustainability levers for TCU products and projects
- Monitor industry trends, best practices, and emerging sustainability standards, integrating them into product design while maintaining adherence to and compliance with global regulations and standards
Decarbonization Strategy
- Lead efforts to evaluate the environmental impact of connectivity products, focusing on carbon footprint reduction across the value chain
- Monitor and report on decarbonization progress, ensuring alignment with organizational targets and commitments
Connectivity Sustainability Blueprint
- Develop a sustainability roadmap for connectivity products (such as Space 8 - Ready Connect TCU), creating a scalable blueprint for future TCU projects within the Connectivity Business Unit
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building across the organization to ensure consistent adoption of sustainability principles
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with engineering, product development, procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain logistics teams to embed sustainability into product design and delivery
- Foster internal engagement, promoting sustainability awareness and understanding across the organization through training, workshops and communication channels.
What You Need To Be Successful
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 3+ years of experience in product management, sustainability, or a related role within the automotive or technology sectors such as Sustainability/Cost engineering of Electronic / Mechanical components and systems, VA/VE of Electronic / Mechanical components and systems, Engineering automotive Electronic / Mechanical components.
- Working knowledge and understanding of automotive connectivity technologies and the associated value chain
- Experience in lifecycle assessments or product carbon footprint methodologies
- Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, climate change regulations, science-based targets, sustainability frameworks, industry best practices, and decarbonization strategies
- Proficiency in data analysis, sustainability reporting, and the use of sustainability software and tools
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
Bonus Points if You Have
- PMP certification
- Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA with 8 years overall experience
- Experience with Automotive Telematics/Connectivity products/projects
What Makes You Eligible
Be willing to travel up to 20% domestic and international travel and occasionally travel to customer location and Harman facilities.
What We Offer:
HARMAN offers a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters and encourages career development opportunities, professional training and competitive market base compensation
You will also receive top-notch employee discounts on Harman’s Consumer Audio (JBL, AKG, HARMAN Kardon) and Samsung products
Flexible work schedule with a culture encouraging work life integration and collaboration in a global friendly working atmosphere and good work-life-balance
Attractive salary package based on the Metall & Elektro Tarif Baden Wurttemberg and an Employer contribution towards a company pension plan
Professional development opportunities through HARMAN University’s business and leadership academies which also includes extensive technical trainings
Internal talent management leadership acceleration programs
“Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program