Lead Engineer Complexity Management (m/f/d)

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end transparency and management of product and variant complexity in R&D.
• Lead cross-functional complexity and value engineering initiatives (e.g., Design-to-Value, cost optimization, consolidation, standardization, reuse).
• Own and evolve methods, standards, templates, and governance for complexity management across the organization.
• Provide functional coaching and foster a Community of Practice; enable teams with tools, methods, and best practices.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations/Manufacturing, Purchasing, Finance, and Quality.
• Build and apply BI-driven dashboards and analytics to support decision-making and management reporting.
• Prepare and moderate decision-making in relevant technical and cross-functional committees (e.g., change boards, variant councils).

Profile

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a comparable technical qualification.

Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in the automotive or automotive supplier industry.
• Background in complexity management, value analysis/value engineering, cost-reduction engineering, or technical project management.
• Proven experience leading virtual, multifunctional, and multicultural project teams.
• Willingness to travel to manufacturing plants as required.

Expertise

• Strong technical and methodological expertise in product development, variant management, and engineering processes.
• Solid understanding of the end-to-end value chain from R&D to production, including cost drivers, cost modeling, and impact analysis.
• Experience analyzing product and variant complexity and defining effective measures for complexity and cost reduction.
• Digital and data fluency: confident with BI dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and ERP/PLM systems (e.g., SAP, Teamcenter/Windchill); advanced Excel skills; SQL/Python is a plus.
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to navigate different priorities.
• Structured and methodical approach to project and program management in complex, global environments.

Language Skills

Fluent English, written and spoken. Additional languages are an advantage.

Personality

• Analytical thinker with a systemic and impact-oriented mindset.
• Agile, iterative working approach (plan – execute – review).
• Clear and effective communicator with strong presentation skills.
• Proactive, structured, and solution-oriented working style.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and the ability to understand technical issues in a broader business context.
• Confident and assertive in handling diverse stakeholder interests.

Diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. We select solely based on the best talent. We therefore welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, origin, ethnicity, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Social Benefits

• You work with a high degree of autonomy and decision-making freedom.
• Performance-based compensation and comprehensive social benefits.
• Flexible working hours/trust-based working time, plus 30 days of vacation.
• Hybrid working option: 4 days office – 1 day home (children under 12: 3 days office – 2 days home).
• Everyone has Talent: Our talent management process supports your professional development.
• In-house company restaurant.
• Reserved places in a private daycare center nearby (for both under‑3 and over‑3 children).
• A modern company pension plan to complement your statutory pension insurance.
• Additional private health insurance (e.g., dental insurance).
• A wide range of discounts through our Corporate Benefits Portal (e.g., on vacations, fashion, insurance, etc.).
• Mobility benefits: subsidy for the Germany Ticket, JobRad leasing, and e‑charging stations in the free company parking garage with a company charging rate.