Head of Automation and Engineering Solutions (m/w/x)

Enabling smaller, more powerful and more energy-efficient microchips.

Where tomorrow is created.

Around 80% of all microchips worldwide are manufactured using ZEISS technologies. As the core component of virtually every electronically controlled system, they have become indispensable in our daily lives – whether in smartphones, smart homes or smart factories. ZEISS is a global technology leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. With highly precise lithography optics, photomask systems and process control solutions, ZEISS enables the production of ever smaller, more powerful and more energy-efficient microchips, playing a key role in shaping the era of micro- and nanoelectronics through continuous innovation.

As Head of Automation & Engineering Solutions at our Aachen site, you will lead an R&D department while taking overall responsibility for one of the development sites within ZEISS' German R&D network.

The site is part of a larger R&D organization and contributes to the development and realization of production and automation solutions, particularly in the field of special-purpose machinery. Close collaboration with other development and manufacturing sites is a key success factor for delivering complex projects.

In this role, you will combine strategic leadership with operational management responsibilities. You will drive the department's positioning within the organization, further develop its structures and capabilities, and ensure the successful execution of development projects.

Your responsibilities

• Assume overall responsibility for the R&D department with regard to performance, cost, schedule, and technical quality of deliverables
• Provide disciplinary and functional leadership while continuously developing the organization, capabilities, and team structure
• Further strengthen the department's technical profile and strategically position it within the overall organization
• Lead development activities across the entire product lifecycle through to transfer into production and operational use
• Ensure the successful delivery of complex development and automation projects
• Shape and continuously improve development processes, engineering methods, and collaboration with internal and external partners
• Take overall responsibility for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the Aachen site, including infrastructure, budget, and governance
• Represent the site towards internal stakeholders as well as external partners and committees
• Contribute to the strategic development of the site and drive the implementation of corresponding initiatives
• Collaborate closely across development sites within the German R&D organization. This role requires a high level of on-site presence both in Aachen and at the main site in Oberkochen and therefore exceeds the typical remote working framework.

Your profile

• Several years of leadership experience in a technology-driven environment
• Proven experience leading smaller organizational units or comparable structures
• Strong strategic capabilities with a demonstrated track record of developing and transforming organizations
• Experience managing complex projects or programs
• Background in mechanical engineering, automation technology, or a broader scientific or engineering discipline
• Experience collaborating across multiple sites within larger organizations
• Experience establishing and further developing internal and external partner networks
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to engage confidently across all organizational levels
• Structured, solution-oriented approach to managing complex challenges
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong focus on execution and delivering results
• Business-fluent German and English, both written and spoken

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