Leitung Prozesstechnik und Fast Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Leitung Prozesstechnik und Fast Prototyping (m/w/d)

Company: HBK - Hottinger Brüel & Kjær

Location: Graz, AT, Austria

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations Management / Process Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop a dynamic team focused on process engineering and fast prototyping, driving operational excellence.

• Strategically plan, prioritize, and manage tasks, resources, projects, and capacities to ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery.

• Oversee the economic management of the department, closely monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Analyze and optimize processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve quality, and shorten lead times within the manufacturing and prototyping environments.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and drive improvements in areas such as digitalization and process standardization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a leadership position within a manufacturing and R&D support function, focusing on both strategic process optimization and hands-on fast prototyping coordination. The title "Leitung Prozesstechnik und Fast Prototyping" directly translates to "Head of Process Engineering and Fast Prototyping," indicating a significant management and technical oversight responsibility. The integration with HBK, a Spectris company, suggests an environment focused on precision measurement and testing technologies, requiring robust operational processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical and organizational leadership, coordination, and continuous development for the Process Engineering & Fast Prototyping team.

• Plan, prioritize, and transparently manage tasks, resources, projects, and capacities to ensure optimal workflow and resource utilization.

• Assume responsibility for the economic management of the department, including budget planning, cost control, and monitoring of relevant KPIs.

• Analyze existing processes and implement optimizations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve overall quality, and shorten lead times for production and prototyping activities.

• Generate comprehensive analyses, reports, and decision-making foundations for senior management, providing insights into operational performance and strategic opportunities.

• Ensure effective resource allocation and meticulous budget planning to support departmental objectives and company financial goals.

• Organize and oversee maintenance, repairs, commissioning, system checks, and functional controls of equipment and systems.

• Coordinate and execute fast prototyping orders, ensuring close alignment with customers, R&D, production, and other internal stakeholders to meet specific project requirements.

• Define, optimize, and meticulously document processes, work plans, and operational standards to ensure consistency and quality.

• Guarantee high-quality execution, short lead times, and stable supply quality for components, fixtures, and special fabrications.

• Actively contribute to and lead cross-departmental improvement and digitalization projects, fostering a culture of innovation and operational enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, strategic process optimization, and operational execution. The emphasis on "Fast Prototyping" indicates a need for agility and rapid response in delivering components or designs, likely for R&D or custom product development. The mention of "components, fixtures, and special fabrications" points to a role that supports manufacturing and product realization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed degree in Industrial Engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen), Mechanical Engineering with supplementary business qualifications, or a comparable educational background is required. Experience:

• Several years of experience in a technical leadership role within an industrial manufacturing environment are essential.

• Proven track record in process analysis, optimization, and implementation, with a focus on efficiency, cost reduction, and quality improvement.

• Experience in managing teams and projects within a technical or manufacturing context. Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of technical professionals.

• Process Engineering & Optimization: Deep understanding of process analysis, workflow design, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma principles).

• Project & Capacity Planning: Proficiency in planning, prioritizing, and managing resources, projects, and capacities effectively.

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of key metrics, cost structures, capacity planning, and economic principles; experience with budget management and economic steering.

• SAP Proficiency: Excellent user-level knowledge of SAP, ideally with experience in MM (Materials Management), PP (Production Planning), or related modules.

• ERP System Experience: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for data analysis and reporting.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyze complex data sets, generate reports, and create decision-making bases for management.

• Fast Prototyping Coordination: Experience in managing and coordinating fast-prototyping projects, understanding lead times and stakeholder needs.

• Process Documentation: Skill in defining, optimizing, and documenting processes, work plans, and standards.

• Quality Management: Commitment to ensuring high-quality output and stable supply quality.

• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively bring different stakeholders together and manage relationships.

• Language Proficiency: Very good command of German and English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Skills:

• Measurement Technology & Sensorics: Knowledge in measurement technology or sensor technology, given the company's specialization.

• Production Environment Experience: Familiarity with industrial production environments and their specific operational challenges.

• Digitalization Project Involvement: Experience in participating in or leading digitalization and process improvement initiatives.

• Problem-Solving: A structured, analytical, and solution-oriented approach to tackling complex technical and operational challenges.

• Initiative & Learning Agility: High degree of self-initiative and a strong willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily focused on operational management, technical process understanding, and system proficiency, particularly SAP. The "preferred skills" indicate areas where additional expertise would be beneficial, aligning with HBK's core business in measurement and sensor technology. The explicit mention of "Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen" (Industrial Engineering) suggests a strong preference for candidates who bridge technical and business domains.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Demonstrations of successfully analyzed and optimized production or prototyping processes, highlighting quantifiable improvements in efficiency, cost, quality, or lead time.

• Project Management Examples: Evidence of planning, resource allocation, and successful execution of technical projects, particularly those involving fast prototyping or process implementation.

• System Implementation/Utilization: Examples of how SAP or other ERP systems were used for process management, data analysis, reporting, or operational decision-making.

• KPI Development & Monitoring: Showcase instances where KPIs were defined, tracked, and used to drive performance improvements within a team or department.

• Process Documentation Examples: Samples of well-structured process documentation, work plans, or standard operating procedures developed for technical or manufacturing operations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to designing and improving complex technical workflows, from initial concept to final implementation.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Examples of how processes were implemented, standardized, or automated to achieve operational goals, including any relevant digitalization efforts.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrations of how process performance is measured, analyzed, and reported to management, using data to drive continuous improvement cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a leadership role in Process Engineering and Fast Prototyping, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of process optimization principles, project management skills, and system utilization (especially SAP) is crucial. The ability to quantify improvements and present them clearly is a key expectation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated base salary for this full-time position is EUR 60,932.30 gross per year.

• This is presented as a negotiation basis, and there is a willingness to negotiate above this amount based on qualifications and professional experience.

• The salary is subject to classification according to the collective agreement for salaried employees in industry (Fachverband Fahrzeugindustrie). Benefits:

• Discounted parking facilities.

• 80% subsidy for public transport costs.

• Various discounts with retail and leisure businesses.

• Access to a company sports club.

• On-site canteen.

• Individual further training and development opportunities. Working Hours:

• Full-time employment is 38.5 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary is a starting point for negotiation, common in Austria. The collective agreement mention is important for understanding the minimum banding. The benefits package offers practical advantages for employees commuting and engaging in personal well-being. The 38.5-hour work week is standard for full-time employment in Austria.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Test and Measurement Technology, specifically Piezoelectric Sensors. HBK is part of the Spectris Group, a global leader in precision measurement.

Company Size: HBK employs 3,500 people worldwide, with production sites across multiple continents. This indicates a large, established, and internationally operating organization.

Founded: Piezocryst has been a leader in piezoelectric sensors since the 1960s. HBK was formed in January 2019 by merging Brüel & Kjær and HBM. This history suggests a company with deep technical expertise and a commitment to innovation in its field.

Team Structure:

• The role leads the "Prozesstechnik & Fast Prototyping" team, implying a group of engineers and technicians focused on manufacturing processes and rapid prototyping services.

• This team likely collaborates closely with R&D, production, sales, and customer support departments.

• As a leadership role, it reports to higher management within the operations or technical division, with direct reports being the team members. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes analyzing KPIs, costs, and processes to generate decision-making foundations, indicating a data-centric operational approach.

• Process Optimization: A core focus is on analyzing and optimizing processes for efficiency, cost, quality, and lead times, suggesting a commitment to continuous improvement methodologies.

• Collaboration & Integration: The role requires bringing together different stakeholders and actively participating in cross-functional improvement projects, highlighting a collaborative operational style.

Company Website: www.hbkworld.com

📝 Enhancement Note: HBK's focus on precision measurement and testing implies a culture that values accuracy, quality, and technical expertise. The integration of Piezocryst and the broader HBK structure suggests a global operational footprint with standardized processes and a strong emphasis on R&D support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position, specifically a "Leitung" (Head/Lead) role. It signifies responsibility for a functional team, strategic oversight of processes, and contribution to operational decision-making. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and business acumen.

Reporting Structure: The role will report to a higher-level manager within HBK's operations, engineering, or manufacturing division. Direct reports will be the members of the Process Engineering and Fast Prototyping team. This structure allows for direct influence on team performance and operational efficiency.

Operations Impact: The operations team directly impacts HBK's ability to deliver high-quality products and prototypes efficiently. By optimizing processes and managing fast prototyping, this role influences product development cycles, manufacturing costs, product quality, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and revenue generation. The focus on cost control and efficiency also directly contributes to profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to further hone leadership skills and potentially move into broader operational management roles within HBK or the Spectris Group.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in process engineering, fast prototyping technologies, and potentially measurement/sensor technology, aligning with HBK's core business.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Lead or participate in significant improvement and digitalization initiatives, gaining exposure to broader business challenges and strategic planning.

• International Exposure: Working within a global organization like HBK/Spectris offers potential for international collaboration and career mobility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within operations management. The emphasis on process optimization, team leadership, and cross-functional projects provides a solid foundation for advancement in a technically driven, global company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office and potentially a production/lab environment. This suggests a workplace where direct supervision, team collaboration, and hands-on interaction with processes and equipment are paramount.

Office Location(s): Graz, Styria, Austria. This location is a significant industrial and technological hub in Austria.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires bringing together diverse stakeholders, implying a collaborative workspace where communication and teamwork are essential. Expect regular interaction with team members, R&D, production, and potentially external suppliers or clients.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary operational tools, including SAP, ERP systems, and potentially specific software for process simulation, CAD/CAM (for prototyping), and data analysis. The physical workspace will likely include office space for planning and reporting, and proximity to or direct involvement with prototyping equipment and manufacturing processes.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the direct reports in the Process Engineering and Fast Prototyping team will be key for day-to-day management, problem-solving, and fostering team cohesion.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of 38.5 hours per week is expected, with the understanding that leadership roles may require flexibility to manage urgent tasks or projects, especially in a fast-paced prototyping environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role underscores the need for a leader who can be physically present to oversee operations, support their team, and engage directly with the technical aspects of process engineering and prototyping.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into technical expertise, leadership style, process optimization experience, and understanding of operational challenges relevant to HBK. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to team management and process improvement.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially involve interviews with key team members or peers from related departments (e.g., R&D, Production). This assesses technical depth, problem-solving skills, and collaborative aptitude.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a past project demonstrating process optimization, team leadership, or fast prototyping success. This would be a key moment to showcase their portfolio.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For all portfolio examples, focus on measurable results. Use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to demonstrate the impact of your process improvements (e.g., "reduced lead time by 15%", "cut costs by €X", "increased throughput by Y%").

• Structure Your Case Studies: For process optimization or fast prototyping projects, use a clear STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the problem, your role and actions, and the tangible outcomes.

• Showcase SAP/ERP Utilization: If possible, include examples of how you've leveraged SAP or other ERP systems for operational analysis, reporting, or process management. Screenshots (anonymized if necessary) or detailed descriptions can be effective.

• Highlight Leadership: For team management aspects, illustrate your leadership style, how you motivate teams, and how you've developed team members.

• Tailor to HBK: Research HBK's products and industry. Frame your examples to show how your skills and experience align with their specific needs in precision measurement and prototyping.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Optimization Scenarios: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical process (e.g., a manufacturing workflow, a prototyping request process) and propose improvements, considering efficiency, cost, and quality.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you handle underperforming team members, resolve conflicts, or motivate diverse technical teams.

• SAP/ERP Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would use SAP data to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in production or material flow.

• Fast Prototyping Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would prioritize competing prototyping requests, manage resources, and ensure timely delivery for critical projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially one that demonstrates quantifiable process improvements and effective team leadership. The interview process will likely assess both technical competence and management capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP: Essential for this role, specifically modules like MM (Materials Management) and PP (Production Planning). Proficiency in data analysis and reporting within SAP is a must.

• ERP Systems: General experience with other Enterprise Resource Planning systems beyond SAP is valuable for understanding broader operational integration.

• Process Simulation Software (Potentially): Tools for modeling and simulating production or workflow processes to identify optimization opportunities.

• CAD/CAM Software (Potentially): For the fast prototyping aspect, familiarity with design and manufacturing software could be beneficial, though not explicitly stated as required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Reporting Tools: Leveraging SAP's built-in reporting and analytics capabilities.

• BI Tools (Potentially): Experience with Business Intelligence tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for advanced data visualization and reporting, especially if HBK uses them.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirectly): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how production and prototyping outputs feed into CRM systems (e.g., for sales order fulfillment) is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools (Potentially): Familiarity with tools or methodologies for automating repetitive tasks within processes.

• Integration Platforms (Potentially): Understanding how different systems (SAP, PLM, etc.) integrate to ensure smooth data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: SAP proficiency is a non-negotiable requirement. The other tools listed are either directly implied by the responsibilities (e.g., analytics for KPIs) or represent valuable additions given the company's technological focus and the nature of process engineering and prototyping.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: A strong emphasis on optimizing processes to achieve maximum output with minimal waste of time and resources.

• Quality & Precision: Reflecting HBK's core business, a commitment to high standards, accuracy, and reliability in both processes and manufactured components.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using data and analytics to inform strategic choices, track performance, and drive continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where team members work together effectively, and cross-functional collaboration is encouraged and valued.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, particularly in areas like fast prototyping and digitalization, to stay competitive and drive progress.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates strong collaboration with R&D, production, sales, and potentially customer service teams to ensure seamless operations and product delivery.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging regular feedback and constructive criticism within the team and with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights are shared openly among team members and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at HBK, as suggested by its industry and the role's responsibilities, likely values technical excellence, data-informed decisions, and collaborative problem-solving. A leader who embodies these values will fit well within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Managing fast prototyping demands while ensuring the highest quality standards for components and fixtures.

• Process Standardization vs. Flexibility: Establishing robust, documented processes while maintaining the agility needed for rapid prototyping and custom orders.

• Resource and Capacity Management: Effectively allocating limited resources (personnel, equipment, budget) to meet competing demands from various stakeholders.

• Driving Digitalization: Leading and implementing digital transformation initiatives within the operations and prototyping functions, requiring change management and stakeholder buy-in.

• Integrating New Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in process engineering and prototyping technologies and evaluating their potential adoption.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Process Engineering Techniques: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and advanced simulation tools.

• Leadership and Management Training: HBK, as part of Spectris, likely offers formal training programs for its leaders in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, and people development.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with advanced measurement and sensor technologies, and potentially new prototyping methods, provides continuous learning.

• Cross-Organizational Projects: Participation in projects that span multiple departments or even global HBK operations offers broad exposure and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges in a dynamic manufacturing and R&D support environment. The growth potential is significant for individuals seeking to advance their careers in operations leadership within a global technology company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly improved a manufacturing or prototyping process. What was the challenge, what steps did you take, and what were the measurable results?" (Focus on process optimization, metrics, and impact.)

• "How do you balance the need for speed in fast prototyping with the requirement for high quality and reliability?" (Assess understanding of trade-offs and risk management.)

• "How would you structure and manage a team of process engineers and prototypers to ensure efficient resource allocation and project delivery?" (Evaluate leadership and team management approach.)

• "Imagine you need to implement a new process or technology. What are the key steps you would take to ensure successful adoption and minimize disruption?" (Test change management and implementation strategy.)

• "How do you use data and KPIs to drive operational improvements and report performance to senior management?" (Demonstrate analytical and reporting capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of HBK and its industry, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges and opportunities for this role?" (Show research and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within a technical team?" (Align with HBK's likely values.)

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you ensure alignment and effective collaboration?" (Assess stakeholder management and teamwork.)

• "What are your expectations regarding leadership style and team dynamics within HBK?" (Gauge cultural fit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your skills in process engineering, leadership, and fast prototyping.

• Quantify Everything: For each example, clearly state the initial problem, your specific actions, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., "% improvement," "$ saved," "reduced lead time by X days").

• Use Visuals: If possible, use simple charts, diagrams, or anonymized screenshots to illustrate processes, data, or results.

• Tell a Story: Frame your presentations as narratives. Explain the context, the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the successful resolution.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the technical details, the challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen, strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a data-driven approach to operations. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of process improvements will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Spectris careers portal.

• Tailor your Resume/CV: Highlight specific achievements related to process optimization, team leadership, SAP/ERP system usage, and fast prototyping coordination. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather concrete examples of your work, focusing on quantifiable results from process improvements, project management, and team leadership. Ensure you can clearly articulate the impact of your contributions.

• Research HBK: Understand HBK's products, market position, and recent developments. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to precision measurement and innovation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to operational challenges, leadership scenarios, and process optimization strategies. Practice presenting your portfolio examples concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.