Senior Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

As Senior Manufacturing Engineer (m/w/d) you are the critical interface between R&D and production — translating engineering designs into manufacturable, documented, and scalable production-ready systems. You take ownership of New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, ensure that production teams are fully equipped and trained, and feed operational reality back into the engineering process.

You thrive in environments where precision, documentation, and cross-functional communication determine whether a product makes it from prototype to series production on time and to quality.

What You'll Build

• Act as the primary interface between R&D and Production, ensuring seamless transfer of product knowledge, design intent, and technical specifications into the manufacturing environment
• Own and maintain production documentation including assembly instructions, Manufacturing Bills of Materials (mBOM), work instructions, tooling lists, and equipment specifications
• Define and document manufacturing processes, including process flows, workstation setups, and cycle time estimates for new products and engineering changes
• Actively participate in and shape DFA/DFM (Design for Assembly / Design for Manufacturability) review meetings, providing structured feedback from a production perspective
• Assess and communicate producibility, inspectability, and assembly risks early in the design cycle, driving actionable design change recommendations
• Channel structured feedback from production back into R&D, ensuring design decisions are grounded in assembly and manufacturing reality.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute pilot runs and zero-series builds (Null-Serien) from the first prototype through to series readiness
• Own the Golden Sample approval process — defining acceptance criteria, coordinating sign-off, and ensuring traceability. Coordinate First Article Inspection (FAI) where applicable
• Support the development and qualification of tooling, fixtures, and test equipment required for new product builds
• Conduct initial training of production staff on new products, assembly processes, and engineering changes — ensuring build quality from day one
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying process bottlenecks, reducing rework rates, and improving production efficiency over time

What You Bring

• Completed vocational training (Berufsausbildung) in a relevant technical field, ideally followed by a state-certified technician qualification (Staatlich geprüfter Techniker) or a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar
• Several years of hands-on experience in a production or manufacturing environment, with direct exposure to product development and engineering collaboration
• Proven experience with New Product Introduction (NPI), including zero-series, prototype builds, and golden sample qualification processes
• Strong understanding of assembly processes, production documentation standards (mBOM, work instructions, tooling specs), and change management
• Confident participation in DFA/DFM analyses with the ability to translate engineering designs into practical, production-ready feedback
• Familiarity with quality methodologies such as Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), control plans, or First Article Inspection processes is a strong advantage
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, CAD models, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing specifications.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented personality with strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication skills — able to bridge technical and operational teams effectively; fluent in English, German is a plus

Please note: You do not need to meet every single requirement to apply. We welcome motivated candidates who are eager to grow into the role and develop their expertise further.

What We Offer

Join a mission-driven European defense tech company at a pivotal stage of growth, where you can help shape meaningful technology, take ownership early, and grow with the business!

• Competitive compensation package including a bonus opportunity
• 27 vacation days to start, increasing with tenure up to 30 days
• Employer-supported pension contribution
• Learning & development support and team events budget
• Employee discounts and flexible benefits budget via Probonio
• Hybrid working setup depending on role and team needs
• Structured salary bands, levelling framework, and bi-annual development conversations
• Referral bonus program, dog-friendly office, and relocation support where applicable