Head of Department (m/f/d) for the Process Automation and Robotics department

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

With its focus on future-relevant key technologies and the utilization of results in economy and industry, the Fraunhofer Society plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and source of inspiration for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it contributes to shaping our society and our future.

For over 35 years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology in Berlin has stood for excellence in production science. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between science and practice in the field of industrial production and offer application-oriented system solutions for the entire spectrum of industrial tasks – from product development to the production process, maintenance of capital goods, and recycling of products to the design and management of factory operations.

Based on many years of expertise in robotics, operational optimization and control systems, the Automation Technology division is opening up new fields of application for industry. To this end, the latest findings from the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud-based methods are combined with proven expert knowledge to answer current questions in robot-supported production.

What you will do

You will be responsible for the results of the Process Automation and Robotics department. Your main tasks will include

Strategic development and structuring of the department topics
Responsibility for financing
Coordination, scientific support and evaluation of the assigned topics
Targeted personnel development for scientific qualification
Initiation of R&D projects in the field of automation technology, support of existing customer groups and expansion of our network
External representation of the Process Automation and Robotics department
Reporting to the business unit management

What you bring to the table

a completed or shortly to be completed doctorate in the field of robotics, automation technology or comparable
a university degree in engineering, for example in electrical engineering, automation technology, mechanical engineering or comparable (usually a diploma or master's degree) Diploma or Master's degree)
Technical excellence in the field of automation technology, control engineering and human-robot collaboration
Project experience in the field of industrial robotics
Several years of experience in applying for public research projects, both in international and national funding procedures
Experience as a project manager of both direct industrial collaborations and publicly funded research projects
Scientific reputation, documented by relevant publications
Strong national and international network in the field of factory automation and robotics
Previous experience in management roles
Ability to work in a team, openness and motivation to work independently and in a goal-oriented manner
Excellent written and spoken German and English

What you can expect

A modern and international working environment
Independent work and creative participation
Personal development opportunities through further training measures
Opportunity to participate in university teaching at TU Berlin
Support in reconciling family and career
Performance-related remuneration components
Subsidy for a company public transport ticket
Company pension scheme (VBL)
Barrier-free building with car parking
Equal opportunities and a good work-life balance

The level of remuneration depends on qualifications.
Employment, remuneration and social benefits are based on the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD). In addition, Fraunhofer may grant performance- and success-based variable remuneration components.
The position is initially limited to two years. A longer-term cooperation is desired by the Fraunhofer IPK.
The weekly working time is 39 hours (full-time). The position can also be filled on a part-time basis.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft attaches great importance to the professional equality of women and men.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled people are given preference if they are equally suitable. We welcome applications from women in STEM professions.

Fraunhofer is the largest organization for application-oriented research in Europe. Our fields of research are geared towards people's needs: Health, safety, communication, mobility, energy and the environment. We are creative, we shape technology, we design products, we improve processes, we open up new paths.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mr.

Dr.-Ing. Gregor Thiele

E-mail: gregor.thiele@ipk.fraunhofer.de

Please apply exclusively via the recruiting portal (button “Apply now” at the bottom right).

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK

www.ipk.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 81007 Application Deadline: 08/31/2025

Job Segment: Controls Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Product Development, Research, Engineering

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