Master Craftsman - SMEFA Manufacturing (m/f/d)

Everyone's talking about sustainable energy - we're getting it on track.

We are a company with probably the most experienced employees in our technology field in the world. As a joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group AB, we are responsible for all activities along the entire value chain for fuel cell systems: from research and development to production and marketing for use in trucks and other applications outside vehicles. The goal is to establish cellcentric as a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells, contributing to climate-neutral and sustainable transportation.

For the complete SMEFA manufacturing process, from ink and slurry preparation through coating and drying to the finished SMEFA product (catalyst-coated membrane with integrated gasket/seal), we are looking for an experienced Production Supervisor / Master Craftsman.

Location: Esslingen-Pliensauvorstadt

Key Responsibilities

• Technical and disciplinary leadership of the production team responsible for SMEFA manufacturing.
• Ensuring a stable, safe, and quality-compliant production process across the entire value chain, including ink/slurry preparation, dispersion, coating, drying, transfer, cutting, CCM production, and gasket application.
• Maintaining and contributing to the development of formulations, process parameters, and testing specifications in collaboration with Engineering and Quality departments.
• Ensuring in-process controls, product quality, and complete traceability throughout the manufacturing process.
• Proper handling of sensitive materials and compliance with hazardous substance regulations, environmental requirements, and cleanliness standards.
• Workforce planning, onboarding, training, and qualification of employees.
• Coordination of materials and consumables, machine setup activities, and build sequencing.
• Supporting industrialization activities, including process stabilization, trial builds, and production ramp-up during the development phase.
• Managing deviations and escalation processes, conducting root cause analyses, and driving continuous improvement (CIP/Kaizen).
• Coordinating maintenance and servicing activities for production equipment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Completed advanced qualification as an Industrial Master Craftsman (Industriemeister) or State-Certified Technician, ideally specializing in Chemistry, Plastics Technology, or Process Engineering, or a comparable qualification.
• Several years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in chemical production, coating technologies, or process engineering.
• Proven experience in leading and managing employees within a production environment.
• Strong understanding of process parameters and in-process quality assurance.
• Experience in handling hazardous materials and working within cleanliness-controlled environments is advantageous.
• Proficiency in MES/ERP systems and manufacturing documentation.
• Structured and quality-oriented working style, hands-on mentality, and enthusiasm for building and developing new operations.
• Willingness to work occasional shifts.
• Excellent German language skills; English proficiency is an advantage.

Benefits:

• We offer you interesting, autonomous and varied activities with corresponding development prospects in a traditional company with a start-up mentality in one of the top future industries.
• You will receive a very attractive compensation package.
• With us, you can arrange your working hours flexibly, work remotely and work up to 20 days a year from other EU countries.
• We offer you at least 30 days of vacation per year.
• You will benefit from an attractive compensation and benefits package, including a company pension scheme, private and occupational accident insurance, and capital-forming benefits.
• We support the compatibility of work and family life through flexible working models, including parental leave and part-time opportunities.
• Our comprehensive health management supports your fitness and well-being – from bike leasing offer to voluntary health check-ups by our company doctor directly at our locations.
• Our restaurant provides you with soul food at a discounted price.
• You will be challenged - but also supported by a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• On top, we offer you exclusive leasing and purchase conditions for Mercedes-Benz cars.

Additional information:

If your heart beats for fuel cells and you are looking for exciting challenges in the field of sustainable and climate-neutral mobility, we look forward to receiving your informative application documents.

Please apply online only and enclose your CV, a cover letter and certificates. 

We are particularly pleased to receive applications from severely disabled persons and persons with disabilities of equal status.

Please assign your application to a job requisition. Otherwise the recruiter won't get your application.