Innovation Project Leader (IPL) focus on Human Machine Interface / Mechatronic / Plastronics

Our client, on of the leading automotive interior suppliers is looking for an Innovation Project Leader with a focus on Human Machine Interface / Mechatronic / Plastronics  located at his Research & Development Centre in South Germany

Job description:

The Innovation Project Leader (IPL) is responsible to autonomously manage and co-ordinate Innovation projects for the development of new materials, products & processes in the field of automotive interiors. Candidates must understand and have the ability to define and complete Innovation project targets according to our client’s internal Innovation process in respect of time and budget targets. The Innovation Project Leader (IPL) must be capable to lead a cross functional (multi-cultural) team to achieve market readiness for their innovation project. They must master the technical details of their subject and serve as an advocate within the organization and externally to promote and deliver their innovation to programs.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Development of HMI electronics and control elements.

·       Development of instrumentation switches and control panels, interaction concepts, graphical design of HMI components.

·       Management of system validation of all E/E-components and mechatronics systems.

·       Design and implement electro-mechanical control system solutions in automotive applications.

·       Review and/or generate technical documentation (e.g., manuals, drawings, schematics, BOMs, etc.).

·       Compilation of project target/task/timing incl. resource and budget plans.

·       Control of the budgeted project costs, taking countermeasures at deviation or communication on budget adjustment for research projects in accordance with N+1 (eventually N+2).

·       Compilation and follow-up of project plans, creation of concept matrices and feasibility studies in accordance with corresponding functions: GTS (Global Technology & Standards), Testing, CAE, PPV, Industrial Design, Intellectual Assets, Manufacturing, Costing, Purchasing, Marketing, Concept Engineering, Development Quality & in line with Innovation Global Domain Manager (GDM).

·       Compilation and building of Innovation Validation Plans (based on conceptual study results, risk analysis (incl. FMEA’s), internal & external functional analysis etc.) according to our client’s innovation process in co-operation and accordance with the corresponding GTS/GDM.

·       Project reviews:  Monthly project review with key stakeholders (e.g. GDM, Marketing, IAD, design, costing, purchasing, Senior Regional Manager (SRM)...) and other participants (Product Line, CAE, etc.) depending on the project phase. PDCA / minutes to be issued (with participant list and diffusion list for actions), major points, decision and action plan needed for each review.

·       Documentation of research results in the form of research reports, presentations, drawings / sketches, models, prototypes, concept part lists and results from simulation calculations etc.

·       Preparation and presentation of the project milestone at the relevant Monthly Innovation Committees (MIC) in accordance with the Innovation Process.

·       Ensure patent protection of innovative solutions in close co-operation with the Intellectual Assets Department (IAD).

·       Supervision of master thesis, internships & VIE’s where applicable.

Qualifications/Experience:

Degree (Master/PhD) in electrical engineering or mechatronics with experience ideally in any of the following disciplines:

o   Design of Mechatronic or Human Machine Interface systems: mechanical architecture, functional architecture, electrical architecture with actuator, sensors, control electronics, interfaces and wiring harness (Microsystems / Embedded Electronics / System Integration)

o   Programming of microcontroller for demonstration samples or validation samples

o   Interior kinematics & mechanisms (Package / Electrical Systems Interface)

o   Infotainment Systems (Package / Systems Interface)

o   Virtual/Augmented Reality

o   Lighting & Optics

o   Knowledge of plastic processing would be highly advantageous (such as but not limited to), injection molding, vacuum forming, welding (vibration, sonic, heat stake), low pressure molding, compression molding & assembly techniques.

·       3 - 5+ years of automotive mechatronics or electronics design and programming experience.

·       Experience with selection, configuration, and programming of HMI’s.

·       Experience with a wide variety of automation components (e.g., motors, drives, sensors, vision systems, etc.).

·       Experience creating appropriate manufacturing documentation (e.g., theory of operation, wiring schematics, panel layouts, user manuals, etc.)

·       Naturally curious with an ability to lead ideation & creativity sessions.

·       Structured & systematic with scientific, engineering mindset.

·       Excellent technical report writing skills for design guidelines, trials reports & power point presentations.

·       Experience with Design of Experiments & Advanced Problems Solving Methodology.

·       Strong team player with extended verbal & written communication skills at all levels.

·       Energetic, highly self-motivated, and detail-oriented with international mindset.

·       German / English are compulsory, French is a real plus.