Head of Design & Engineering (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design & Engineering (m/f/d)

Company: Avomind

Location: Lauter, Saxony, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Engineering Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-03-30

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and own the end-to-end design and engineering processes for high-performance enameled steel solutions, including tanks, silos, and architectural surface systems.

• Drive unparalleled technical precision and reliability, ensuring zero-defect outputs and minimizing rework through rigorous quality control and detailed engineering.

• Optimize engineering solutions for cost-efficiency, material usage, and fabrication ease, balancing robust technical performance with economic viability.

• Champion Design for Manufacturing principles, aligning all designs with production capabilities to streamline fabrication and assembly, and reduce design-to-production iterations.

• Foster a culture of standardization and modularization within the design team, increasing the reuse of proven solutions and reducing engineering variability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Head of Design & Engineering," the responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a leadership role focused on product and industrial design within a manufacturing context, rather than a broad software or GTM operations role. The emphasis on "design quality is non-negotiable" and "zero-defect designs" highlights a critical need for meticulous execution and process adherence, common in high-stakes manufacturing environments. The role reports to the COO, underscoring its strategic importance in product development and operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assume full ownership of all design outputs, including drawings, calculations, and technical documentation, with final approval authority.

• Ensure all designs meet stringent requirements for accuracy, reliability, and executability, with a strict focus on eliminating engineering errors and rework.

• Engineer a diverse range of products, including tanks, storage systems, silos, structural assemblies, enamel-coated components, and architectural façade and cladding solutions.

• Implement design optimization strategies to reduce material usage, fabrication effort, and assembly time, identifying and driving cost-reduction opportunities.

• Collaborate closely with production, sales, applications, and procurement teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet market demands.

• Develop and enforce comprehensive design standards, templates, and best practices to promote modularization, reuse, and consistency across all engineering outputs.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a design engineering team of 10-20 individuals, defining clear responsibilities, setting performance expectations, and fostering accountability.

• Facilitate smooth project handovers from the design phase to execution and production, ensuring seamless integration and minimizing interdepartmental friction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily weighted towards product engineering and manufacturing execution, with a strong emphasis on process control, quality assurance, and team leadership within a technical domain. The "Success Criteria" further reinforces the focus on error reduction, cost savings, and timely delivery of accurate designs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial design and engineering.

• Proven track record of leading and managing design engineering teams (10-20 people).

• Extensive experience in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and their practical application.

Required Skills:

• Design Ownership & Accountability: Ability to take full responsibility for design integrity and project outcomes.

• Technical Precision & Quality Assurance: Expertise in ensuring zero-defect designs, managing tolerances, and enforcing rigorous quality standards.

• Engineering Expertise: Strong capabilities in designing tanks, silos, structural assemblies, and façade/cladding systems.

• Cost Optimization & Efficiency: Skill in identifying and implementing cost-saving measures through design improvements and process streamlining.

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, setting clear performance metrics and fostering a high-performance culture.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and coordination skills to effectively liaise with production, sales, procurement, and other departments.

• Manufacturing Process Understanding: Deep knowledge of fabrication, assembly, and production capabilities relevant to enameled steel solutions.

• Standardization & Modularization: Ability to develop and implement strategies for product standardization and modular design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with enameling processes and materials.

• Proficiency in specific CAD/CAE software relevant to structural and mechanical design.

• Knowledge of project management methodologies.

• Experience in the architectural façade market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep technical engineering expertise, strong leadership acumen, and a results-oriented, hands-on approach. The "Working Style" section provides crucial insights into the expected behavioral competencies, highlighting precision, accountability, and direct communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of complex engineering projects led from concept to completion, showcasing design ownership and problem-solving.

• Case studies highlighting significant improvements in design accuracy, reduction in rework, or measurable cost savings achieved through engineering optimization.

• Evidence of implementing Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, with clear articulation of how designs were adapted for production efficiency.

• Documentation or examples of design standards, templates, or modularization strategies developed and implemented to improve engineering consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to defining and enforcing design standards and workflows within an engineering team.

• Provide examples of how you have facilitated the handover of designs to production, ensuring clarity and minimizing errors.

• Illustrate your methodology for identifying and implementing cost-reduction opportunities within the design process.

• Detail your approach to ensuring "zero-defect" outputs and managing technical precision throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and technical focus, a robust portfolio is critical. It should not just present finished products but also demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, process development capabilities, and leadership in driving operational excellence within design and engineering. The emphasis is on tangible results and demonstrable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for this Head of Design & Engineering role in Lauter, Germany, is between €85,000 and €110,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering leadership positions in Germany, considering the specific technical domain (high-performance enameled steel solutions, architectural systems), the company's historical heritage and market positioning, and the direct reporting line to the COO. Factors such as the size of the team managed (10-20 people) and the critical nature of ensuring zero-defect designs and cost optimization have been factored into this projection.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Company-matched contributions to a pension scheme.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Professional Development: Budget for training, conferences, and certifications relevant to engineering and leadership.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to the Lauter region.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses tied to individual and company performance metrics.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While a structured approach is expected, there may be flexibility required during critical project phases or for urgent production support, reflecting the demanding nature of ensuring on-time release of complete and accurate designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for senior engineering leadership in Germany can vary significantly by region and industry specialization. Lauter, being in Saxony, might be at the lower end compared to major hubs like Munich or Berlin. The provided range is an informed estimate based on the role's scope, responsibilities, and the company's established heritage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing of high-performance enameled steel solutions, with a significant focus on architectural façade systems, tanks, and silos. The company leverages 187 years of heritage in engineering precision, durability, and aesthetics.

Company Size: Avomind is described as a company with a team of 10-20 people within the design and engineering department, suggesting a medium-sized overall organization or a significant division within a larger entity.

Founded: The company boasts 187 years of heritage, indicating a long-standing, established organization with deep-rooted expertise and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• Design & Engineering Department: A specialized team of 10-20 individuals responsible for all design outputs, reporting directly to the COO.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The Head of Design & Engineering reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), signifying a strategic position with direct influence on operational strategy and execution.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close alignment and interaction with Production, Sales/Applications, and Procurement teams, emphasizing a collaborative, integrated approach to product development and delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on fact-based decision making, indicating a reliance on objective data and analysis for strategic and operational choices.

• Process Optimization: A core tenet of the role is to optimize designs for efficiency, cost, and manufacturability, reflecting a continuous improvement mindset.

• Quality & Precision Focus: The "zero-defect" principle is paramount, driving a culture of meticulous attention to detail and high standards in all engineering outputs.

Company Website: [Website URL] (Assuming avomind.com based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long heritage suggests a stable, tradition-rich environment, but its current ambition to "transform the architectural façade market" indicates a forward-looking strategy with a drive for innovation and market disruption. This blend of tradition and ambition will likely shape its culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level, specifically Head of Department. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and direct impact on product development, manufacturing efficiency, and cost control. The scope includes full responsibility for design outputs and reporting directly to the COO.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design & Engineering reports directly to the COO. This signifies a high level of visibility and influence within the organization, with direct input into operational strategy and execution. The role also leads a team of 10-20 individuals.

Operations Impact: The role has a profound impact on Avomind's ability to execute its strategic goals. By ensuring "zero-defect" designs and cost-optimized engineering solutions, the Head of Design & Engineering directly influences:

• Product Quality & Reliability: Upholding the company's reputation for precision and durability.

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Driving measurable cost savings through efficient design.

• Time-to-Market: Accelerating product release cycles by ensuring error-free designs and smooth handovers.

• Production Efficiency: Streamlining manufacturing processes through Design for Manufacturing.

• Market Competitiveness: Enabling the company to offer superior alternatives in the architectural façade market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to expand influence beyond design and engineering into broader operational strategy and decision-making, given the direct COO reporting line.

• Innovation & Market Development: Opportunity to lead the design and engineering for new product lines and market entries, particularly in the architectural façade sector.

• Process Re-engineering: Lead initiatives to further refine and automate design and engineering processes for greater efficiency and scalability.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Continued development of leadership skills through growing and shaping a high-performing engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for this role is strongly oriented towards operational leadership. Success here could lead to broader COO responsibilities, a CTO role in a similar organization, or executive positions focused on product development and manufacturing strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Lauter, Saxony, Germany. This suggests a traditional manufacturing and engineering office environment, likely co-located with production facilities.

Office Location(s): Lauter, Saxony, Germany. This location offers a balance of industrial heritage and opportunities for growth within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studio: Expect a workspace equipped for collaborative design sessions, potentially featuring advanced CAD workstations and visualization tools.

• Access to Production: Proximity to manufacturing floors will be crucial for hands-on involvement, Design for Manufacturing feedback loops, and direct observation of production processes.

• Team Interaction: The environment will foster close interaction with the design team, as well as with colleagues from production, sales, and procurement, emphasizing cross-functional teamwork.

• Focus on Precision: The workspace will likely reflect the company's emphasis on meticulous detail and engineering excellence.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the demanding nature of "zero-defect" design and market transformation goals may necessitate flexibility during critical project phases. This role requires a hands-on approach, implying a significant presence and active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the design and engineering department.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a manufacturing setting typically means a more structured environment where understanding the physical realities of production is as important as theoretical design work. The emphasis on "hands-on approach" and "structured, precise, and detail-oriented" working style points to a workplace that values diligent execution and tangible results.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess alignment with technical and leadership requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on engineering principles, design methodologies, experience with specific product types (tanks, silos, façades), and knowledge of manufacturing processes. Expect to discuss your approach to achieving "zero-defect" designs.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management approach, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This will likely involve behavioral questions based on the "Working Style" and "Success Criteria" outlined.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage likely involving presenting a key project from your portfolio. This will focus on demonstrating your impact, design decision-making process, cost optimization strategies, and ability to lead complex engineering initiatives.

• Final Rounds: Meetings with senior leadership, potentially including the COO, to finalize assessment of strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Focus on projects where you demonstrably reduced costs, improved efficiency, eliminated errors, or drove successful product launches. Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., "reduced fabrication time by 15%," "eliminated 90% of design rework").

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, including how you applied DFM principles, managed tolerances, and collaborated with production.

• Leadership Evidence: Include examples of how you led and developed teams, enforced standards, and managed performance.

• Technical Depth: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the technical challenges and solutions for projects related to tanks, silos, and architectural systems.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, renderings, photos) to support your case studies.

Challenge Preparation:

• DFM Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a design challenge for a specific product (e.g., an enameled façade panel) to optimize it for manufacturing.

• Cost Reduction: Anticipate questions about how you would identify and implement cost-saving measures in the design of standard products like tanks or silos.

• Team Motivation: Prepare examples of how you have motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and driven accountability in previous roles.

• Strategic Thinking: Think about how design engineering contributes to Avomind's goal of transforming the architectural façade market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Head of Department role typically involves multiple stages designed to assess technical expertise, leadership capability, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment. The portfolio is paramount for validating experience and demonstrating impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, Inventor) for 2D drafting and 3D modeling of complex mechanical and structural components.

• CAE/FEA Software: Experience with Computer-Aided Engineering and Finite Element Analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) for structural calculations, stress analysis, and performance validation of tanks, silos, and façade systems.

• PLM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management systems for managing design data, revisions, and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret engineering data and performance metrics, potentially using tools like Excel, Python (for data manipulation), or specialized engineering analysis software.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or utilizing dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design accuracy, rework rates, cost savings, and project timelines.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Understanding of how engineering designs integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning systems for procurement, production planning, and inventory management.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project for planning, tracking, and managing design engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list tools, proficiency in CAD/CAE software is fundamental for any design and engineering role. The emphasis on DFM, cost optimization, and standardization suggests a need for tools that support these processes, potentially including ERP integration and project management platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A fundamental value driving the "zero-defect" principle in all design outputs.

• Accountability & Ownership: High personal accountability is expected, with individuals taking full responsibility for their work and its outcomes.

• Efficiency & Cost-Consciousness: A strong focus on optimizing designs for material usage, fabrication effort, and overall cost-effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on close alignment and effective communication with production, sales, and procurement to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to standardize processes, increase modularization, and reduce variability in engineering.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Fact-Based: Communication is expected to be clear, direct, and grounded in factual data, facilitating efficient decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to working with other departments, ensuring design intent is understood and production realities are incorporated early.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values well-defined processes and standards, while also being open to identifying and implementing improvements.

• Hands-On Engagement: Encouragement for leaders and team members to be actively involved in understanding and improving the practical aspects of design and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of traditional manufacturing discipline (precision, heritage, accountability) and a modern drive for efficiency and market transformation. The emphasis on direct communication and fact-based decision-making suggests a results-oriented and direct workplace.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Achieving Zero-Defect Designs: Consistently meeting the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in a complex manufacturing environment.

• Balancing Cost and Quality: Effectively optimizing designs for cost efficiency without compromising technical robustness or aesthetic quality.

• Driving Standardization: Overcoming potential resistance to change and successfully implementing standardized designs and modularization strategies across diverse product lines.

• Leading a Diverse Team: Managing and motivating a team of 10-20 engineers with varying levels of experience and expertise.

• Market Transformation: Contributing to Avomind's ambitious goal of disrupting the architectural façade market with enameled steel solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Operations Leadership: Gaining deeper insights into COO-level decision-making and contributing to broader operational strategy.

• Market Innovation: Playing a key role in developing and launching new, innovative façade systems and leveraging enameled steel technology in new applications.

• Process Automation: Exploring and implementing advanced tools and methodologies for design automation and workflow optimization.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Deepening understanding of sales, application engineering, and procurement processes to foster more integrated product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior leadership roles in manufacturing, requiring a blend of technical mastery, strategic vision, and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a path to broader executive influence and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you were responsible for a critical design error. How did you identify it, what was the impact, and what steps did you take to rectify it and prevent recurrence?" (Assesses accountability, problem-solving, and process improvement).

• "How would you approach standardizing the design of tanks or silos to reduce customization while meeting diverse customer needs?" (Tests understanding of standardization, modularization, and balance between efficiency and flexibility).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Given Avomind's 187-year heritage and its goal to transform the architectural façade market, how would you balance tradition with innovation in your design leadership?" (Evaluates strategic thinking and ability to integrate historical strengths with future ambitions).

• "Our working style emphasizes direct, fact-based communication and high personal accountability. Can you provide an example of how you've fostered this type of culture within a team?" (Assesses cultural alignment and leadership behavioral competencies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with your most significant achievement (e.g., largest cost savings, most impactful product launch, most complex project). Clearly state the challenge, your solution, and the quantifiable results.

• DFM Case Study: Dedicate a section to a strong DFM example. Visually show how a design was modified for production and the benefits (e.g., reduced welding, easier assembly).

• Leadership Narrative: Weave in your leadership approach throughout your case studies. How did you guide your team, delegate tasks, and ensure quality?

• Address "Zero-Defect": Be prepared to discuss specific metrics or processes you used to track and minimize design errors in your projects.

• Interactive Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices and strategic decisions. Be ready to defend your approach and discuss alternatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a senior role like this requires demonstrating not only technical competence but also strategic foresight, leadership maturity, and a deep understanding of how design and engineering contribute to overall business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design & Engineering position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your leadership experience, specific engineering achievements (tanks, silos, façades), and proven success in cost optimization and error reduction.

• Portfolio Preparation: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your expertise in Design for Manufacturing, team leadership, and delivering zero-defect outcomes. Prepare concise case studies with quantifiable results for each.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common leadership and technical questions, focusing on your experience in structured, fact-based environments and your approach to fostering accountability. Practice presenting your portfolio, emphasizing your strategic contributions and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Avomind's history, its current market position, and its stated ambition to transform the architectural façade market. Understand the heritage of enameled steel solutions and how your expertise aligns with these goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.