Advanced Development Technical Leader - Plastic Injection

We are an automotive supplier, partner to all automakers worldwide. As a technology company, Valeo proposes innovative products and systems that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and to the development of intuitive driving. The Valeo Power Division aims to be a world leader & partner of all mobility players in electrification solutions including software, thermal management & electric propulsion, and contribute to a carbon-free and sustainable mobility. Valeo is a leading supplier of components and systems for the world's automakers.

We are looking for an Advanced Development Technical Leader in Žebrák. The Advanced Development Technical Leader is a subject matter expert in plastic injection and materials, responsible for driving technical solutions and innovation for battery cooling system protection components. This role ensures the translation of functional requirements into material and process solutions.

YOUR CHALLENGES?

Delivers innovative solutions in an Open innovation context:

• Provides technical guidance to the R&I Project Team in his/her expertise field(s)
• Solves and overcomes blocking issues in innovation by proposing new ideas providing the relevant analysis & justification, etc… in the frame of his/her work-package
• Develops and explains solution(s) selection based on multi-criteria decision matrix
• Identifies and proposes optimization potential on existing products
• Participates to ensure smooth and effective transfer of R&I projects to business when decided
• Capitalizes the know-how (write state of the art synthesis, technical guidance, procedures, …)
• Cross-fertilizes knowledge, developed during R&I project, across Division/PG’s/PLs

Manages the internal and external contributors in his/her field:

• Deals with external partners (Technology providers, labs, start-ups): assesses partners’ know-how/technologies and potential for Valeo in his/her field(s) of expertise. Develops proximity links with existing and potential new partners to investigate and analyze their technological roadmaps
• Manages the R&D internal contributors with the Metier Department (calculation, testing facilities, etc.), checks alignment between needs and availabilities and resources.

Protects Innovation:

• Write IDMs to formalize innovative ideas and proposes mining strategy when relevant
• Performs Freedom to Operate analysis (FTO)
• Contributes to IP committees by providing advices in the limit of his/her expertise field(s).

Watches Technologies & Benchmarks:

• Analyzes competitors ‘products and patents to assess and select innovative solutions to nourish R&I Projects according to their potential
• Anticipates possible technological turns by identifying and analyzing relevant information sources
• Explores alternative technological solutions used in adjacent industries and assess their potential for automotive application
• Contributes to the construction of the roadmap included in TDP for the next generation of product
• Participates to the most relevant events (ie. Experts symposium, conferences, round table…)

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU...

• University degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or similar)
• Solid background in plastic injection technology (must-have)
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar
• Experience in automotive R&D / product development
• Proven project management experience (leading projects or sub-projects)
• Ability to manage planning, milestones, budget, and risks
• Strong technical understanding (able to read and challenge technical solutions)
• Experience with cross-functional and international teams
• Knowledge of development processes (APQP, V-cycle, etc.) is a plus
• Fluent English
• Agile mindset with strong coordination and leadership skills