Who we are
Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards.
As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.
We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists and customer-facing programme managers. We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams – and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications.
The role
The Lead / Team Leader Manufacturing Engineer is a seasoned professional providing technical leadership and strategic direction to a team of manufacturing engineers, with a specialised focus on the production of complex mechatronic systems. This pivotal role is responsible for orchestrating the definition, planning, and realisation of manufacturing processes for integrated mechanical, electrical, and software components. The Team Leader guides the team in ensuring robust Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Testability (DFT) from the earliest product development stages for products like robotics, automated machinery, or smart devices. This includes meticulously planning and optimising assembly, integration, and testing processes, defining optimal cycle times, proactively identifying and mitigating potential bottlenecks, and overseeing the successful implementation and ramp-up of new production lines and technologies. This leadership position is crucial in transforming innovative mechatronic designs into high-quality, cost-effective, and scalable products, all while fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within the team.
The day-to-day
Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide expert technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to a team of Manufacturing Engineers, fostering their continuous learning, technical growth, and professional development in the context of mechatronic system production.
• Strategic Process Planning & Oversight for Mechatronics: Lead the strategic planning, definition, and realization of complex new manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing processes specifically for mechatronic systems for New Product Introductions (NPI) or significant design changes. Oversee the entire lifecycle from concept to full-scale production.
• DFM/DFA/DFT Authority & Collaboration: Act as the ultimate technical authority and primary interface for Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and critically, Design for Testability (DFT) for integrated mechatronic products. Lead the collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software design engineering teams to proactively influence product designs for optimal production efficiency, ease of integration, comprehensive test coverage, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
• Capacity & Throughput Optimization: Guide the team in conducting detailed analysis and planning for manufacturing capacities, defining optimal cycle times (Taktzeiten) for complex mechatronic assembly and test sequences, performing line balancing, and leading efforts to achieve target throughput and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Bottleneck Management & Risk Mitigation for Integrated Systems: Proactively identify potential bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and risks in planned manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes specific to mechatronic systems. Direct the team in developing and implementing alternative solutions, process improvements, or equipment strategies to prevent and resolve production constraints, particularly those arising from component integration.
• Tooling, Equipment & Automation Strategy: Develop and oversee the strategy for the specification, design, procurement, and qualification of new manufacturing tools, assembly fixtures, specialized test equipment, and advanced automation solutions tailored for mechatronic product lines.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) Leadership: Own the manufacturing plan for NPIs involving mechatronic systems, overseeing the setup and validation of new assembly and test lines, managing pilot runs, and supporting the successful ramp-up to full-scale production, ensuring process stability, yield targets, and budget adherence for complex integrated products.
• Process Validation & Control Excellence: Ensure the establishment and rigorous implementation of robust process control plans and lead thorough validation activities (e.g., IQ/OQ/PQ) and statistical process capability studies (CpK, PpK) for all new and modified processes, especially concerning the integration and performance of mechatronic modules.
• Continuous Improvement & Lean/Six Sigma Champion: Champion the application of Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, SMED, Poka-Yoke) and Six Sigma methodologies across all team activities, driving significant continuous improvement initiatives, waste reduction, and efficiency gains in the assembly and test of mechatronic products.
• Project & Resource Management: Manage project scope, budgets, resources, milestones, and timelines for complex manufacturing engineering projects related to mechatronic systems, ensuring successful delivery against agreed objectives and key performance indicators.
• Team Development & Recruiting: Participate in recruiting activities, candidate evaluation, and drive team development and growth initiatives, including performance reviews and goal setting.
You should apply if you
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with a strong mechatronics focus, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution. A Master's degree or specific certifications (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP) are often advantageous.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to the assembly, integration, and testing of complex mechatronic systems (e.g., robotics, industrial automation, medical devices, consumer electronics with integrated functions). At least 1-3 years in a leadership, senior, or mentorship capacity.
• Proven experience leading, guiding, and mentoring a team of engineers and support personnel, with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and the ability to lead by influence.
• Expert-level understanding and practical experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Testability (DFT) principles for integrated mechanical, electrical, and software components, with a demonstrated ability to strategically influence product design for optimal production.
• Profound expertise in strategic process planning, capacity modeling, cycle time analysis (Taktzeitplanung), line balancing, and advanced bottleneck identification and resolution within complex mechatronic assembly and test environments.
• In-depth knowledge of various manufacturing processes, including but not limited to precision assembly, complex wiring/cabling, sensor integration, motor/actuator assembly, automated testing, and software flashing/configuration.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) for mechanical design, and familiarity with ECAD tools (e.g., Altium, Eagle) for electrical schematics. Experience with process simulation tools is a plus.
• Strong understanding of materials science relevant to mechanical and electrical components in mechatronic systems.
• Proven expertise in applying Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification highly desirable).
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical data, influence stakeholders at all levels, and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners (R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, Software Engineering).
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and product lifecycle management for mechatronic systems at a strategic level.
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and advanced factory automation technologies (e.g., robotics programming, PLC knowledge).
Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.
Join Helsing and work with world-leading experts in their fields
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Helsing’s work is important. You’ll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns
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The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world
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Our work frequently takes us right up to the state of the art in technical innovation, be it reinforcement learning, distributed systems, generative AI, or deployment infrastructure. The defence industry is entering the most exciting phase of the technological development curve. Advances in our field of world are not incremental: Helsing is part of, and often leading, historic leaps forward
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In our domain, success is a matter of order-of-magnitude improvements and novel capabilities. This means we take bets, aim high, and focus on big opportunities. Despite being a relatively young company, Helsing has already been selected for multiple significant government contracts
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We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we do and how we choose to do it. Teams and individual engineers are trusted (and encouraged) to practise responsible autonomy and critical thinking, and to focus on outcomes, not conformity. At Helsing you will have a say in how we (and you!) work, the opportunity to engage on what does and doesn’t work, and to take ownership of aspects of our culture that you care deeply about
What we offer
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A focus on outcomes, not time-tracking
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Competitive compensation and stock options
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Relocation support
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Social and education allowances
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Regular company events and all-hands to bring together employees as one team across Europe
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A hands-on onboarding program (affectionately labelled “Infraduction”), in which you will be building tooling and applications to be used across the company. This is your opportunity to learn our tech stack, explore the company, and learn how we get things done - all whilst working with other engineering teams from day one
Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.
Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found
here.
