Product Designer (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (m/f/d)

Company: OHB System AG

Location: Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: May 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role requires a strong focus on translating product requirements into tangible CAD designs and assembly concepts, leveraging specialized engineering knowledge.

• Key responsibilities include the meticulous creation and modification of 3D CAD models using NX, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to project specifications.

• A critical aspect of this position involves managing product structures, E-BOMs, and M-BOMs within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and SAP systems, ensuring seamless data flow and documentation.

• The Product Designer will act as a key liaison, coordinating and validating design concepts with cross-functional teams to achieve consensus and drive project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer," the detailed responsibilities heavily lean into the operational aspects of product development within an engineering context. This includes CAD modeling, BOM management, and PLM/SAP integration, which are core to engineering operations and product data management. The role is therefore categorized under Product Design / Engineering Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze product requirements, translating them into detailed design specifications for implementation in CAD.

• Develop and present initial component and assembly concepts, facilitating discussions and incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

• Create, modify, and detail 3D CAD designs using Siemens NX software, ensuring precision and adherence to engineering standards.

• Coordinate product concepts and CAD designs with relevant specialist departments (e.g., mechanical, electrical, manufacturing) to achieve cross-functional alignment and secure approval.

• Generate and manage product structures, Engineering Bills of Materials (E-BOMs), and material master data within PLM and SAP systems.

• Document CAD models meticulously within the PLM system, ensuring traceability and data integrity.

• Create Manufacturing Bills of Materials (M-BOMs) and associated documentation in accordance with production department requirements, and manage their transfer to SAP.

• Moderate and execute approval processes within the PLM system to ensure designs meet all necessary criteria.

• Provide support for various operational tasks, including measurement data collection, design-related internet research, and assisting neighboring departments as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant operational component beyond pure design, emphasizing data management (E-BOM, M-BOM), system integration (PLM, SAP), and cross-functional coordination, which are crucial for effective product lifecycle management and engineering operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Ideally, several years of practical experience in product design and development, with a proven track record of successful project contributions.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, specifically Siemens NX, for design creation, modification, and detailing.

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, such as Teamcenter, for managing product data and workflows.

• Familiarity with SAP for material master data, E-BOM, and M-BOM management.

• Understanding and application of E-BOM (Engineering Bill of Materials) and M-BOM (Manufacturing Bill of Materials) structures.

• Specialist knowledge in at least one of the following areas: kinematics, mechanics, electronics, or lightweight construction principles.

• A solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and a strong ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes and design considerations.

• Knowledge of composite materials (e.g., CFRP) and their application in aerospace structures.

• Familiarity with cryotank design principles.

• Experience with data analysis and reporting related to design performance.

• Basic understanding of German language for enhanced communication in a German workplace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (NX, Teamcenter, SAP) and technical domains (kinematics, mechanics, electronics, lightweight construction) indicates a need for practical, hands-on experience rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The "ideally several years" suggests a mid-level role where foundational operational experience is expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• CAD Design Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, specifically using Siemens NX. Include examples of complex component and assembly designs, highlighting your process from concept to final model.

• BOM Management Examples: Showcase instances where you managed E-BOMs and M-BOMs, illustrating your understanding of structure, data accuracy, and integration with systems like SAP or PLM. Detail any process improvements you implemented.

• PLM System Interaction: If possible, include examples or descriptions of your work within a PLM system, such as managing revisions, workflows, or documentation within Teamcenter or a similar platform.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Provide examples of drawing documents or other technical documentation you have created based on CAD models, demonstrating clarity, accuracy, and adherence to standards.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you have contributed to or designed workflows for product concept development, CAD creation, or approval processes.

• System Integration: Illustrate your experience in integrating design data and BOMs into enterprise systems like SAP and PLM, detailing the operational steps and outcomes.

• Data Management & Reporting: Showcase how you ensure data integrity and traceability for product structures and BOMs, and any reporting you have done on design-related metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design output but also the candidate's ability to manage product data, integrate systems, and follow structured processes. Emphasize examples where efficiency or accuracy was improved through systematic approaches.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Mobile Working: Flexibility to work remotely where the area of responsibility allows, supporting a hybrid work model.

• Flexible Working Hours: Ability to manage your workday with flexible start and end times, and a flexitime account for balancing hours.

• Attractive Payment: Compensation aligned with the IG Metall collective agreement, ensuring fair and competitive pay.

• Generous Leave: 35-hour work week with 30 days of annual leave plus additional special leave days.

• Professional Development: Access to subject-specific training courses to enhance technical skills and career growth.

• On-site Amenities: An in-house canteen for convenient meal options.

• Convenient Parking: Employee parking spaces available.

• Employee Programs: Participation in an employee recommendation system.

• Group Benefits: The advantages of a large, global group combined with a familiar, supportive working atmosphere.

Working Hours:

• The standard work week is 35 hours. The company offers flexible working hours, allowing for adaptation to personal needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Payment According To IG Metall collective agreement" is a significant indicator of compensation structure in Germany. Researching the current IG Metall collective agreement for the relevant sector and region would provide a more precise salary benchmark. The hybrid nature is inferred from "Mobile working (according to the area of responsibility)".

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace and Defense, with expanding interests in additive manufacturing, CFRP, and hydrogen mobility. OHB System AG is a key player in developing components for major launcher programs like Ariane and the U.S. Space Launch System, as well as commercial launch systems, aircraft, and satellites.

Company Size: Approximately 600 employees at the headquarters in Augsburg and operations in Kourou, French Guiana. This size suggests a balance between the resources of a large group and a more focused, agile operational environment.

Founded: MT Aerospace is part of the OHB Space and Technology Group. While the founding date of MT Aerospace isn't specified, OHB SE was founded in 1959, indicating a long-standing heritage and stability in the aerospace sector.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a larger Engineering or Product Development department.

• The team structure involves close collaboration with various specialist departments, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and potentially project management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on identifying and analyzing product requirements, suggesting a data-informed approach to design.

• Collaborative Development: Strong focus on coordination and reaching consensus with specialist departments, indicating a collaborative and iterative design process.

• Systematic Documentation: Detailed processes for CAD modeling, BOM creation, and documentation within PLM and SAP highlight a commitment to structured engineering practices and data integrity.

Company Website: https://www.ohb-system.de/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep roots in aerospace and its expansion into new technologies like additive manufacturing and hydrogen mobility suggest an innovative yet stable operational environment. The team structure implies a highly collaborative approach, essential for complex engineering projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves core operational tasks related to product data management and system integration, offering a solid foundation for further specialization within engineering operations or product development.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Lead Designer or Engineering Manager within the product development department. They will work closely with engineers and specialists from various departments, fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the efficiency and accuracy of the product development lifecycle. By ensuring correct CAD models, accurate BOMs, and seamless integration with PLM/SAP, they contribute to streamlined manufacturing processes, reduced errors, and timely project delivery for critical aerospace components.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced NX functionalities, composite materials, additive manufacturing design, or specific aerospace system components.

• System Proficiency: Become a subject matter expert in PLM (Teamcenter) and SAP systems, potentially moving into roles focused on Product Data Management (PDM) or Master Data Management.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design aspects of specific projects or mentoring junior designers, taking on more responsibility in concept development and coordination.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles within manufacturing engineering, process optimization, or program management where a strong understanding of product design and data operations is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within engineering operations, leveraging the technical skills gained in CAD and PLM/SAP into more specialized or leadership positions within the aerospace industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, indicating a mix of on-site work at the Augsburg headquarters and potential remote work days, depending on the specific responsibilities and team agreements.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Franz-Josef-Strauß-Straße 5, 86153 Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. This location is equipped with modern facilities to support engineering and design work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with various specialist departments, suggesting an open and collaborative workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering software such as Siemens NX, PLM systems (Teamcenter), and SAP is provided, along with necessary hardware.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions are integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 35 hours with flexible working hours. This allows for a degree of autonomy in managing the workday, balancing personal needs with project deadlines and collaborative requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with flexible hours, suggests a modern work environment that values work-life balance while ensuring operational continuity and collaborative efficiency within the engineering department.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience with Siemens NX, PLM systems (Teamcenter), SAP, and your knowledge of kinematics, mechanics, electronics, or lightweight construction. Expect technical questions and potentially a review of specific design examples.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a practical exercise or present a case study from your portfolio demonstrating your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to handle specific design or BOM management tasks.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and managers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with OHB System AG's company culture.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion to finalize details and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase NX Proficiency: Include detailed examples of complex 3D models and assemblies created in Siemens NX. Highlight your methodology for part design, surfacing, assembly, and detailing.

• Demonstrate BOM Management: Present examples of E-BOM and M-BOM structures you've managed. Clearly explain the process, the tools used (PLM/SAP), and any improvements made to accuracy or efficiency.

• Highlight PLM/SAP Integration: If possible, describe your experience integrating design data and BOMs into PLM and SAP. Focus on the operational steps, data consistency, and outcomes.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you coordinated designs with other departments, managed feedback, and reached consensus.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., reduction in design errors, time saved in BOM creation, improved component performance).

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice NX Tasks: If a practical test is expected, practice common NX operations like part modeling, assembly creation, and drawing generation.

• BOM Structure Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would structure an E-BOM or M-BOM for a given product, considering manufacturing and assembly needs.

• PLM/SAP Workflow Questions: Prepare to explain your understanding of PLM workflows for design approvals and how BOM data is transferred to ERP systems like SAP.

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of kinematics, mechanics, electronics, or lightweight construction principles relevant to aerospace applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical skills in CAD/PLM/SAP and foundational engineering knowledge, alongside collaboration and problem-solving abilities. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical operational experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Siemens NX: The core 3D CAD software for design creation, modification, and detailing. Proficiency is essential.

• Teamcenter (PLM): A key system for managing product data, revisions, workflows, and documentation throughout the product lifecycle. Experience with its functionalities is highly valued.

• SAP: Used for managing material master data, Engineering Bills of Materials (E-BOMs), and Manufacturing Bills of Materials (M-BOMs), and integrating this data into enterprise resource planning.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• CRM is not directly mentioned as a primary tool for this role. Automation may be indirectly involved through PLM workflows or SAP functionalities for data transfer and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on core engineering product development and data management tools. Mastery of NX, coupled with practical experience in PLM and SAP for BOM and data management, is critical for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on detailed and accurate CAD designs and BOM data, crucial for safety-critical aerospace components.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role demands close cooperation with various specialist departments, highlighting the value of open communication and shared problem-solving.

• Process Adherence: Following established procedures for design, documentation, and system integration (PLM/SAP) is vital for maintaining quality and compliance.

• Innovation: As part of a leading aerospace company expanding into new technologies, a willingness to explore new design approaches and materials is likely valued.

• Reliability: Ensuring that designs and data are robust and meet stringent aerospace standards is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Product Designer must actively engage with engineers, manufacturing specialists, and potentially project managers to ensure designs are feasible, manufacturable, and meet all requirements.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share technical knowledge and best practices within the design team and with collaborating departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry with a collaborative and innovative spirit, valuing both individual technical expertise and the ability to work effectively within a complex team structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Aerospace Designs: Working with intricate designs for high-performance aerospace components requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of engineering principles.

• System Integration Nuances: Effectively managing and transferring data between NX, PLM (Teamcenter), and SAP can present technical challenges requiring careful process adherence.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Achieving consensus and seamless collaboration across multiple specialist departments, each with potentially differing priorities, requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in materials (e.g., composites, additive manufacturing) and design tools within the rapidly evolving aerospace sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NX Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in advanced NX modules and functionalities relevant to complex aerospace design.

• PLM/SAP Specialization: Develop advanced skills in Product Data Management (PDM) and Master Data Management (MDM) through hands-on experience and potential formal training.

• Aerospace Systems Knowledge: Expand understanding of specific aerospace systems, launcher technologies, and component requirements through project involvement.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge design methodologies and manufacturing technologies prevalent in the aerospace industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex engineering challenges, master sophisticated software systems, and grow within a specialized, high-demand industry, with clear pathways for technical and operational specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical process for taking a product requirement from initial concept to a finalized CAD model and BOM." (Focus on stages, tools, collaboration, and documentation.)

• System Integration: "How have you managed the transfer of E-BOM data from CAD/PLM to SAP? What challenges did you face, and how did you resolve them?" (Highlight your understanding of data integrity and operational workflows.)

• Technical Expertise: "Can you walk me through a complex mechanical design you created using NX? What were the key engineering principles you applied, and how did you ensure its feasibility for manufacturing?" (Prepare a specific example from your portfolio.)

• Collaboration Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to coordinate a design with multiple specialist departments. How did you ensure everyone was aligned, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, conflict resolution, and consensus building.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the aerospace industry and specifically at MT Aerospace/OHB System AG?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent achievements.)

• "How do you approach learning new design software or complex engineering concepts?" (Demonstrate a proactive learning mindset and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., NX modeling, BOM management, PLM integration).

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the problem, your solution (design/process), the tools used, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Focus on Operations: Clearly articulate your role in managing product data, ensuring accuracy, and integrating systems. Highlight any process improvements you implemented.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and system interactions.

• Highlight NX & PLM/SAP: Ensure your examples explicitly showcase your proficiency with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and SAP in a practical, operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of skills in NX, PLM, and SAP, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative approach within an aerospace engineering context. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these operational capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the OHB System AG careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your specific experience with Siemens NX, PLM systems (Teamcenter), SAP (for BOM management), and your expertise in kinematics, mechanics, electronics, or lightweight construction. Include concrete examples of your design work and any process improvements you’ve implemented.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, key technical skills, and quantifiable achievements relevant to product design and engineering operations. Use keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, system integration experience (PLM/SAP), and collaborative approach. Be ready to present specific projects from your portfolio and discuss technical challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with OHB System AG's current projects, especially in launcher development, additive manufacturing, and their overall mission. Understand their commitment to quality and innovation in the aerospace sector.

⚠️ 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.

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