Product Manager

AEW Automotive Systems GmbH is an innovative and fast-growing Tier-1 supplier to the automotive industry. We develop and deliver high-quality solutions for leading OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and the Volkswagen Group. With our focus on quality, reliability, and innovation, we actively shape the mobility of tomorrow.

Product Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Product Manager to join our international team in Germany, focusing on the automotive seating components industry. This role is critical for bridging the technical communication between European customers (OEMs or Tier 1s) and our domestic engineering teams in China. The successful candidate will take ownership of key development milestones and ensure smooth project execution from concept to SOP. This includes feasibility studies, technical reviews, and full APQP documentation to support high-quality and on-time product launches.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer Interface & Technical Communication

• Act as the primary technical contact for customers in Europe within the field of automotive seat components (e.g. seat cushions, covers, structures, comfort and safety modules);
• Understand, clarify, and communicate customer specifications, technical feedback, and design changes;
• Represent the company in customer meetings, design reviews, and project update discussions.

2. Project Development Oversight

• Manage the development process of seating-related components, ensuring alignment with APQP milestones and customer expectations;
• Coordinate feasibility assessments (design, material, process) with internal teams;Support and lead key project phases including concept validation, design freeze, prototype builds, and design for manufacturing (DFM/DFA) reviews.

• Prepare and maintain APQP-related documentation including DFMEA, DVP&R, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, etc.;
• Support PPAP submissions and customer audits, ensuring compliance with industry and OEM-specific standards;
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs to ensure consistency and manufacturability.

4. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Facilitate effective communication and coordination between the German-based customer and China-based R&D teams;
• Identify technical risks or quality concerns early in the project and initiate resolution actions;
• Provide on-site support for customer validation tests, sample reviews, and pre-SOP activities when needed.

5. Knowledge Sharing & Process Improvement

• Document lessons learned and support continuous improvement within the development process;
• Provide guidance or technical onboarding to junior engineers and cross-functional members when applicable.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related fields;
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in automotive seat component development, or 2 years of relevant experience in the automotive industry, with familiarity in OEM or Tier 1 supplier development processes.
• Skills:
  • In-depth understanding of product development lifecycle and standards (APQP, VDA, PPAP, etc.);
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting 2D/3D CAD drawings;
  • Hands-on experience with quality tools like DFMEA, Control Plan, and DVP&R;

• Languages: Fluent in English (both written and spoken); proficiency in German and Chinese.
• Other Attributes:
• Strong cross-cultural communication and coordination skills;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects;
• Willingness to travel within Europe or to China when required.