About this role
Innovative Ideen, eine konsequente Weiterentwicklung unserer Produkte und die Fähigkeit, echte Neuheiten zu schaffen, haben uns zum führenden Entwickler und Hersteller von Anhängevorrichtungen gemacht. Über 140 Patente dokumentieren unsere ausgeprägte Innovationskultur. Um diese Position als Markt- und Technologieführer zu festigen, bedarf es kluger Köpfe, und zwar an all unseren Standorten in Europa, Nordamerika und Asien. Wir glauben an Ihr Talent und Ihr Potenzial. Deshalb bieten wir Ihnen vielfältige Aufstiegs- und Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten. Bei ACPS Automotive können Sie Ihren ganz persönlichen Karriereweg gehen – und wir unterstützen Sie dabei. Neues ausprobieren, in einen anderen Geschäftsbereich gehen, steil aufsteigen – alles ist möglich. Je mehr Sie sich entwickeln, desto besser entwickeln auch wir uns – eine Win-Win-Situation. Dadurch entstehen Karrieren, die so einzigartig sind, wie Sie selbst. Was Sie mitbringen sollten: Bachelor’s degree in engineering—ideally a master’s degree—with a focus on mechanical engineering, mechatronics, precision engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field. Several years of relevant professional experience as an engineer, preferably in development engineering or pre-development in the consumer goods sector—such as power tools or machinery, professional tools, high-end automotive accessories, mechatronics—or in the automotive industry Specific expertise in the development and manufacturing of complex, high-stress moving components and assemblies Very good knowledge of current and future materials (steel, aluminum, plastics, adhesives, elastomers, composites) as well as manufacturing processes (forging, steel casting, welding, joining technologies) Knowledge of innovation management and systematic variant generation (e.g., morphological approach) Knowledge of the application of both analytical and AI-based methods Good knowledge of tolerance calculation and strength of materials, as well as project management and basic CAD skills Knowledge of all aspects of patents (research, applications, deadlines, wording, claims, etc.) Ideally, knowledge of continuous improvement, Kaizen, LEAN, or similar methods Ideally, knowledge of PLM systems and their use, as well as automotive approval processes / TS16949 An affinity for new technologies, products, and the associated process of identifying new ideas A distinctly innovative, out-of-the-box thinker with strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to take on responsibility German and English: fluent Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to build rapport and lead discussions Ihre Aufgaben: Idea Generation: You will search for new ideas for potential product and process innovations and evaluate ideas for their alignment with corporate strategy and anticipated market requirements. To this end, you will use systematic tools to generate new products or solution approaches. This also includes monitoring trends and megatrends and applying them to the ACPS Automotive product portfolio. In doing so, you’ll think outside the box regarding shifts in system boundaries and monitor the competition (patents, benchmarking, etc.). You’ll summarize the approaches and, together with the team, evaluate their prioritization, importance, and the resources required for further development, etc. Idea Evaluation and Development: You systematically search for potential solutions to existing ideas, develop various concepts, evaluate them, and conduct a risk assessment. You also verify partial and overall functions, which can be done through simulation or by building and testing prototypes. Conducting Patent Research: Based on the results, you will file applications for your own ideas or, in the event of infringement of third-party patents, find a sound approach for a workaround. The goal of this activity is to determine their technical feasibility, as well as the costs of implementation and the benefits for ACPS. Project Work: You will independently carry out all necessary work to implement approved projects. This includes working in project teams, producing prototypes in the prototyping department, defining, conducting, and evaluating tests, and coordinating with suppliers and customers. You are also responsible for structured documentation and verifying the level of maturity through FMEA analyses, manufacturability assessments, requirements specification reviews, etc. Functional Responsibility: You are responsible for ensuring compliance with cost, schedule, and specification requirements, as well as adherence to legal frameworks. Test Planning: You prepare the test documentation for your projects and conduct the tests independently. Documentation: You independently maintain and document your technical customer contacts in the project database (PLM). Competitive Analysis: You conduct detailed analyses of competitive products—regarding patent infringement, design concepts, performance (load capacity, tolerances, play, swivel behavior, etc.), and costs—compile this information, and process the insights gained. Was wir Ihnen bieten können: Flexible work hours and remote work are a given for us whenever possible A friendly, open work environment and motivated teams are key factors in our success. That’s why, beyond day-to-day operations, we offer you exciting projects where you can contribute your knowledge and experience and learn from others New tools, methods, and processes? No problem. We make a point of being helpful. Of course, you’ll receive the support you need at any time—not just during your onboarding Because health is always a priority for us, too: We offer, among other things, a workplace health management program (e.g., back care classes, flu shots) and seminars on health topics. Our running group regularly participates in company runs We know how important continuing education is. Whether through external training or internally at our ACPS Academy: We’ll find a way to support your individual development We’ve got your physical well-being covered: there are free specialty coffees, water dispensers, fresh fruit, and a cafeteria