Senior Project Lead - Manufacturing

As a Senior Project Lead at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will be responsible for the manufacturing execution of customer-specific XRF and OES automation systems. You will manage projects from order release through assembly, FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), shipment coordination, and installation support (as required).

This role focuses on the daily coordination of production activities to ensure that each system is built, tested, and delivered on time, in line with technical specifications and customer requirements. You will proactively resolve shop floor issues (technical, material, capacity) and collaborate closely with engineering, logistics, sourcing, and service teams to ensure timely delivery, effective risk mitigation, and strong stakeholder alignment.

You will act as the bridge between engineering and production, focusing on clarifying drawings, BOMs, and assembly instructions, and validating key components before integration (fit and function).

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with safety standards (e.g., CE, robotic safety)
• Collaborate with engineering to create, manage, and maintain up-to-date technical documentation
• Ensure that customer-driven or technical changes are implemented during project execution
• Coordinate and participate in FAT, ensuring all required documentation (test protocols, manuals, CE-related documents) is complete
• Work with logistics to ensure timely delivery of key components
• Support resolution of part shortages and quality issues
• Drive lean manufacturing practices, focusing on assembly flow, layout, build time, and process optimization

Your expertise will be instrumental in implementing process improvements, new technologies, and transformational changes that enhance operational efficiency and customer success.

Requirements:

• Excellent organizational skills, with a proven ability to coordinate cross-functional activities and deliver complex projects
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading cross-functional industrial or automation projects
• Strong technical background (Engineering degree or equivalent experience)
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing or assembly of complex systems (e.g., automation, robotics, capital equipment), with a track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and meeting customer expectations
• Experience in project-based production (low volume, high mix), preferably in a global, matrix organization
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment while maintaining focus on objectives
• Basic understanding of PLC-controlled systems and industrial system integration (mechanical, electrical, software)
• Demonstrated experience with Lean manufacturing principles
• Fluency in English required; additional languages are an advantage
• Willingness to travel up to 25%