Wendlingen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
I am a strategic Engineering Leader with over 19 years of experience in software and systems development for safety-critical products — particularly within the automotive and industrial sectors. My professional focus lies in building and leading high-performing departments, aligning cross-functional teams with business strategy, and driving innovation in complex engineering environments. Currently, I serve as Head of Software Component Development at Festool, where I lead a multidisciplinary department responsible for embedded software systems in intelligent power tools. I’m accountable for organizational structure, technology roadmaps, team development, and the implementation of efficient, scalable processes across multiple projects. My leadership style is people-centric and outcome-driven: I value autonomy, continuous improvement, and transparent communication. With deep technical roots in functional safety (ISO 26262, IEC 61508), software architecture, and ASPICE-compliant processes, I bridge the gap between engineering detail and executive decision-making. 🔧 Core Competencies: Department & Team Leadership (15+ FTE) Organizational Development & Change Management Embedded Software & Functional Safety (ISO 26262, ASPICE) Strategic Planning & Roadmapping Agile Transformation & Hybrid Development Models Talent Management, Coaching & Recruiting
Leading the embedded software component development department for high-performance power tools. Responsible for technical direction, team growth, and cross-departmental alignment with product and platform strategy. Key achievements: - Established a scalable software architecture strategy to support modular platform development - Built and structured a multidisciplinary team across embedded software, testing, and systems engineering - Implemented agile workflows in a hybrid setup, improving development speed and collaboration - Actively contributed to roadmap planning and coordination with hardware and product management
Built up and led the software qualification unit, ensuring reliability and compliance in embedded software systems across Festool’s product range. Drove process maturity and quality standards. Key achievements: - Defined and implemented Festool’s software quality framework for embedded systems - Introduced automated testing strategies to increase verification coverage and reduce release risk - Built cross-functional quality alignment between software, hardware, and system testing - Supported talent acquisition and mentoring for growing the software quality team
Managed the functional safety consulting unit for OEM and Tier-1 projects. Provided expert guidance on ISO 26262 compliance and supported product development lifecycles from concept to SOP. Key achievements: - Led a team of consultants across multiple international client projects - Conducted safety assessments and audits for automotive software and systems - Provided training programs and internal safety coaching across Elektrobit teams - Represented Elektrobit in cross-industry safety working groups
Held global responsibility for functional safety strategy and execution within the Business Unit “Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket.” Acted as central contact for TÜV and major OEMs. Key achievements: - Defined and rolled out functional safety policies and templates across global sites - Supported internal and external development teams in achieving ISO 26262 certification - Designed and led comprehensive training programs for safety engineers and project managers - Successfully coordinated safety topics with certification bodies, including TÜV
Owned the definition, rollout, and continuous improvement of the system development process across multiple engineering teams, based on Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) standards. Acted as key interface between process governance and operational project teams. Key achievements: - Designed and implemented ASPICE-compliant system engineering processes (ENG.3, ENG.9) tailored to business needs - Conducted organization-wide training sessions and workshops to ensure process understanding and practical application - Facilitated successful ASPICE assessments and internal audits in collaboration with QA and external assessors - Aligned system process models with business unit strategy and engineering workflows across global locations - Supported project teams in applying the process practically, bridging the gap between theory and implementation
Served as Functional Safety Manager within a customer project, ensuring ISO 26262 compliance from concept to validation. Worked closely with system, hardware, and software teams to embed safety practices in daily development. Key achievements: - Led the creation of project-specific safety plans, safety concepts, and confirmation measures - Facilitated hazard and risk analysis (HARA), FMEA, and safety validation activities - Acted as primary contact for internal stakeholders and customer safety representatives - Bridged engineering and safety processes, aligning daily project execution with functional safety goals - Supported assessment preparation and documentation according to ISO 26262 Part 2 and Part 3
- Software Development for airbag control units with integrated sensors for driving dynamics - Configuration of AUTOSAR DEM Module (using EBTresos) - Implementation of Diagnostic Services with respect to ISO14229 - Execution of Internal Trainings - Guidance of a small team which was responsible for Flexray and Diagnostic requirements
Software- / Functional-Developer for dual clutch transmissions. Hydraulic shiftet systems with wet clutch as well as electrical shiftet gearboxes with dry clutch. Participation at prototype vehicle tests in foreign countries. Fields of responsibility: - OBD (Implementation & Test) - Functional Safety (Implementation & Test) - Thermomanagement (Clutch & Gearbox) - Shifting Logic - Implementation of valve protection functionalities - Date arrangement & specification together with the customer - development of functional overlapping interfaces and functions