Head of R&D MAHLE SmartBike Systems

BU1 Powertrain and Charging

Together, we move the world—we’ve been doing it for over 100 years. At MAHLE, as a leading international development partner and systems supplier to the automotive industry, we pursue the objective of making mobility more efficient, more environmentally friendly, more convenient, and more economical. As part of our dual strategy, we are working both on the intelligent combustion engine for the use of hydrogen and other nonfossil fuels and on technologies for fuel cells and e-mobility.

MAHLE generated sales of €11.7 billion in 2024. Employing just under 68,000 people at 135 production locations and 11 technology centers, the company is represented in 28 countries. (as at: 12/31/2024). Join our MAHLE team! #StrongerTogether

The Head of R&D will Coordinate the global R&D teams (China, Germany, Slovenia, Spain) with clear decision rights, fast escalation paths and a transparent operating cadence; will set R&D targets with Product Management and ensure successful development and target achievement across Full System, Drive Units, Batteries, HMI/Accessories and Digital (Apps/Cloud) and will lead functional team leaders (Mechanics, Electronics, Systems, Testing/Validation, Prototyping, NVH) and product team leaders (Drive Unit, Batteries, HMI/Accessories, Digital); clarify interfaces with Product Management and Manufacturing.

Your Role & Responsibilities

Analyze and challenge the current R&D organization, processes and toolchain; build a benchmark R&D department for eBike Drive Systems and the connected digital ecosystem.
Ensure sustainable product quality via preventive quality, robust validation and requirements traceability; support 0‑km and field claims with rapid RCCA and problem solving.
Drive process excellence.
Ensure eBike regulatory compliance.
Act as senior technical counterpart for OEM customers and strategic partners; govern co‑development, IP and quality gates.
Own the R&D budget; optimize internal/external mix; provide resource vs. workload transparency; support production ramp‑up with robust industrialization.
Own R&D strategy, portfolio and gated roadmaps for all product lines and the digital platform; run quarterly portfolio reviews and monthly program health checks.
Oversee end‑to‑end development from concept to SOP, ensuring Systems Engineering rigor (requirements) and cross‑domain integration (mechanical, electronics, embedded SW, mobile, cloud).
Implement APQP including sourcing, change management and risk metrics; deliver PPAP on time with first‑time‑right quality.
Ensure compliance with regulations, EMC and safety requirements.
Lead Testing/Validation and NVH to robust DVP&R; ensure issue containment, root cause analysis and effective corrective actions for 0‑km and field claims.
Build an achiever culture of ownership and accountability; set clear goals, give feedback, recognize performance and address underperformance.
Steer supplier quality and co‑development (mainly in Asia); align with MAHLE production facilities (China, Slovenia, Spain) for smooth industrialization and ramp‑up.
Promote IP generation and manage FTO risks; integrate IP checkpoints into development gates.
Additional task:
Development and validation team working from different locations all over Europe:
Spain: MSBS (Palencia) > R&D HQ; ME (Valencia) > Motor controller development.
Germany: MAHLE ZG (Brautlach/Dresden) > DU Mechanics; MAHLE Powertrain (Aschheim/Ingolstadt) > DU Mechanics; MAHLE Filtersysteme (Stuttgart/Kornwestheim) > Project Management.
Slovenia: MAHLE Electric Drives Slovenija / Letrika (Šempeter) > e‑Machine development.
Within MAHLE: Coordination with MAHLE production facilities (China, Slovenia, Spain) and coordination of development locations as described above.
Outside MAHLE: Global coordination of Suppliers and Development Partners mainly in Asia.

Your Skills & Strenghts

Mix of Bicycle and Automotive industry experience; international multi‑site leadership.
Electronics & Mechatronics for e‑drives: e‑machine design/integration, power electronics/inverter, embedded control, sensors, battery systems/BMS, thermal management, NVH.
Strategy & Innovation.
Design, Engineering and development.
>10 years’ experience.
Fluent in English (Spanish optional).

Our Offer

We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities.
We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!
After receiving your online application, the interview process will typically be, a screening call followed by Personal Interview(s).

#DiversityMatters with our inclusive culture, we welcome applications from all social, religious & ethnical backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, identities (gender) and neurodivergent people.

Do you have any questions?

ES

Facts about the job
Entry level: Management
Part- / Full-time: Full Time
Functional area: R&D - Electronics incl. software development
Department: BU1 Powertrain and Charging
Location: Palencia, ES, Palencia
Company: MAHLE Smartbike Sys. (ES)

Closing date for applications
Don't waste any time, apply while the position is online.

Your future at MAHLE

As a team player and someone who thinks ahead, you can deploy all your skills with us. In cooperation with colleagues from different countries and areas, you contribute in designing the mobility of the future. When selecting MAHLE, you choose trend-setting technologies and strategies. Are you interested in working with us and developing efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions, optimising existing products, and turning innovative ideas into reality? Then MAHLE is the right address for you.

Shape the future with us.