Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Trailer Dynamics GmbH (m/w/d)

Location: Eschweiler, Germany

Employment Type: Full-time, Executive Level

Main Responsibilities:

• Definition, leadership, and implementation of the technology strategy in alignment with the company's vision and goals.
• Monitoring the comprehensive powertrain design and powertrain integration in electrified trailers (eTrailer).
• Leading the development process for aerodynamics and efficiency to significantly optimize vehicle range.
• Leading simulation and modeling work using Matlab/Simulink for vehicle dynamics, control engineering, and powertrain systems.
• Managing the design and integration of advanced electrical components, sensors, and electronic control units (ECUs).
• Providing expertise in sensor technologies, measurement techniques, and advanced vehicle diagnostics.
• Ensuring compliance and leadership in functional safety according to ISO 26262 standards.
• Interpreting, implementing, and strategically responding to international regulations and laws regarding vehicle safety, electrification, emissions, and homologation in the EMEA region.
• Maintaining and managing partnerships with global suppliers, OEMs, and regulatory authorities.
• Building and supporting a high-performing technical team that fosters a culture of innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the automotive or commercial vehicle industry, particularly in the area of powertrain electrification.
• Proven track record in the design, development, and integration of power and drive systems.
• Exceptional knowledge in Matlab/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and control engineering at the system level.
• Strong understanding of vehicle aerodynamics, ideally with experience in optimizing commercial vehicles.
• Solid experience with electrical components, sensor technologies, and advanced vehicle control systems.
• Strong experience in the series development of complex mechatronic systems, ideally in the automotive or commercial vehicle industry.
• Proficient application and management of common development processes, particularly V-Model, ASPICE, or comparable models for structured product development.
• Building and managing a scalable development organization, including agile and traditional development teams (e.g., systems engineering, embedded software, hardware, testing).
• Proficient handling of complex development toolchains, including modeling, simulation, software development, configuration management, PLM/PDM systems.
• Responsibility for validation, verification, and testing in all phases of the product lifecycle – from prototypes to pre-series vehicles to series production.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DfM), Design for Assembly (DfA), and series production optimization.
• Technical leadership in selecting and managing development partners and suppliers, including specification creation, interface definition, and quality assurance.
• Knowledge in product liability, quality management (ISO 9001, IATF 16949), and legal requirements for series production products.
• Deep understanding of homologation processes and approval requirements in the EMEA region – especially for electric drive systems, trucks, and trailers.
• Expert knowledge in functional safety (ISO 26262) and preferably in cybersecurity according to ISO/SAE 21434.
• Experience in the industrialization of new technologies, including ramp-up planning, SOP (Start of Production), and scaling.
• Close collaboration with manufacturing, quality control, and after-sales to ensure a robust and durable series product.
• Proven leadership experience in managing technical teams across multiple locations within the EMEA region.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English (German skills are highly desirable).
• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and a practical approach to solving complex technical challenges.

If you are committed to technological excellence and passionate about designing sustainable solutions in commercial transport, we look forward to receiving your application.

Apply now to join Trailer Dynamics as CTO and drive the development towards electrified, sustainable logistics!

www.trailerdynamics.de