Team Leader, R&D engineering

Location: Qingdao

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping.

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

Who you are:

Are you a people-focused leader with a passion for mechanical engineering and product optimization? We are looking for a Team Leader to head our R&D Mechanical Engineering team at the Qingdao Marine site, part of our Business Unit Marine Solutions (BU MAS).

This role is key to drive product development tasks and especially product improvements through Engineering Changes, ensuring high-quality mechanical design, and maintaining close collaboration with our Aalborg-based Product Development team.

Your Mission

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of mechanical engineers working with mechanical & CAD design. Your responsibility is also lead electrical engineers working with control panel design.
• Drive product optimization through structured Engineering Changes.
• Contribute to product development and maintenance tasks(hands-on)
• Ensure efficient, high-quality output in designs and documentation.
• Foster strong collaboration with manufacturing, contributing to ensure we apply Design for Manufacturing principles.
  • Bridge between R&D and manufacturing/operations
  • Arrange cause- and impact analysis for manufacturing issues related to existing and new products.
• Act as the extended arm of the Product Development Manager in Aalborg, Denmark ensuring alignment and transparency across sites.

The role is a combination of managerial role and hands-on. It is important for the success of the team to have hands-on experience and understand the challenges and opportunities they face. Also to contribute to improvements and optimizations.

What you know:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc. or B.Sc.) or similar.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in people management.
• Solid background in mechanical design and manufacturing collaboration.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (preferably Autodesk Inventor and Vault); Team Center knowledge is a plus.
• Experience with FEM analysis (Ansys Mechanical or similar)
• Good English skills, both written and spoken.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach.
• Ambitious, proactive, and passionate about team development.

About the job:

• Lead and support your team in daily operations and development.
• Ensure quality and efficiency in mechanical and electrical design and CAD deliverables.
• Manage Engineering Changes to improve product performance and manufacturability.
• Set and monitor KPIs; set goals for your team and conduct performance dialogues.
• Translate strategic goals into operational actions.
• Build trust and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Motivate the team to optimize workflows and deliver results.
• Collaborate closely with Aalborg-based Product Development and Engineering Change teams.

We Value

• Experience in boiler and pressure vessel manufacturing.
• Knowledge of marine or shipbuilding industry.
• Familiarity with PLM systems like Team Center.

What We Offer

A dynamic and challenging role in an international environment. You’ll be based in Qingdao, China, working closely with local colleagues and international teams, primarily in Aalborg, Denmark.