Functional Engineering Leader - NPI, Sustaining Engineering & Innovation (m/f/d)
TE ConnectivityJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
TE Connectivity is seeking a Functional Engineering Leader to own the global NPI, sustaining engineering, qualification labs, VAVE and the innovation portfolio from concept to launch. You will define the technology and product roadmap, align with business strategy and automotive needs, and lead a matrix engineering team to deliver differentiated material and product solutions. The role demands strong program governance, robust risk management, and cross‑functional collaboration with operations, quality, supply chain and commercial teams, plus external partnerships with suppliers and universities. Ideal candidates hold a materials science or engineering degree, have global leadership in automotive development, and are fluent in digital engineering and AI adoption. Apply via TE’s official careers site and highlight roadmaps, ROI and multi‑region impact; beware recruitment fraud.
At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN:
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of innovation, product engineering, and materials technology within a global business. As a key member of the leadership team, you will influence technology strategy, drive meaningful innovation, and lead diverse, high-performing teams delivering solutions that create value for customers worldwide. You will join an inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages different perspectives, continuous learning, and the adoption of emerging technologies to accelerate growth and engineering excellence.
YOUR MAIN TASKS:
- Lead the global NPI, sustaining engineering, qualification labs, VAVE, and innovation portfolio from concept through industrialization, launch, and lifecycle support.
- Define and execute the technology and product engineering roadmap, aligning business strategy, customer needs, automotive requirements, and technology trends.
- Drive the development of differentiated material and product solutions that strengthen market position and support business growth.
- Oversee program execution, including prioritization, resource planning, risk management, technical reviews, qualification activities, and launch readiness.
- Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives in partnership with operations, quality, supply chain, product management, and commercial teams.
- Develop internal and external innovation networks by collaborating with suppliers, universities, technology partners, and industry experts.
- Build, coach, and develop a global engineering organization while championing digital engineering, AI adoption, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
YOUR IDEAL BACKGROUND:
- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline; an advanced degree is an advantage.
- Significant leadership experience in materials science, product development, innovation, NPI, sustaining engineering, qualification labs, or VAVE environments.
- Strong understanding of automotive applications, customer requirements, qualification processes, and relevant material systems.
- Proven experience leading global or multi-regional teams within complex matrix organizations and delivering against strategic roadmaps.
- Strong commercial and technical acumen, with the ability to align engineering investment and innovation priorities with business objectives.
- Experience collaborating with external technology partners, suppliers, universities, and industry stakeholders to accelerate innovation and capability development.
- Knowledge of digital engineering and AI-enabled tools, with a track record of driving adoption and working effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, and supply chain functions.
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ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.
Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
WHAT TE CONNECTIVITY OFFERS:
We are pleased to offer you an exciting total package that can also be flexibly adapted to changing life situations - the well-being of our employees is our top priority!
• Competitive Salary Package
• Performance-Based Bonus Plans
• Health and Wellness Incentives
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Community Outreach Programs / Charity Events
• Employee Resource Group
Across our global sites and business units, we put together packages of benefits that are either supported by TE itself or provided by external service providers. In principle, the benefits offered can vary from site to site.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD
TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.