Master Technician - Assembly & Testing

At our Esslingen site, we are currently establishing a production facility and are in the development phase prior to Start of Production (SOP). We are looking for an experienced Supervisor/Foreman for pre-assembly, stack assembly, system assembly, end-of-line testing, and rework – covering the entire process from individual components to the fully tested fuel cell system.

Location: Esslingen-Pliensauvorstadt

Key Responsibilities

• Provide functional and disciplinary leadership to the production team in assembly and testing.
• Ensure stable, safe, and quality-compliant operations across pre-assembly, stack assembly, system/subassembly assembly, end-of-line testing, and rework activities.
• Ensure assembly and joining quality, including bolting/torque control, sealing, pressing operations, electrical interconnections, and sensor integration.
• Perform and oversee end-of-line testing (including leak tightness/leak testing and functional testing) and ensure proper documentation.
• Manage serial numbers, product history records, and full traceability.
• Coordinate rework activities, including fault analysis, implementation of corrective actions, and requalification.
• Plan workforce deployment and support employee onboarding and qualification.
• Coordinate materials and components, including line setup/changeovers and build sequencing.
• Contribute to industrialization activities, including process stabilization, trial builds, and production ramp-up during the development phase.
• Manage deviations and escalations, perform root-cause analyses, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements, particularly electrical safety and the handling of pressurized systems and test media.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Completed advanced qualification as an Industrial Master Craftsman (Industriemeister) or State-Certified Technician (Techniker), preferably in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
• Several years of experience in assembly and/or functional and end-of-line testing of complex assemblies or systems.
• Proven experience leading and developing employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of assembly, joining, testing, and rework processes.
• Good understanding of mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems.
• Proficiency in MES and ERP systems as well as manufacturing documentation practices.
• Structured and quality-oriented working style, hands-on mentality, and enthusiasm for building up new production operations.