Chief Engineer | Germany AD Energy is supporting a leading international industrial manufacturer in the search for a Chief Engineer to join one of its key operations in Germany. This is a highly technical, hybrid site-based leadership position, suited to an experienced Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in metals, heavy industry, manufacturing, or complex industrial production environments. The role is significantly more operational than strategic. Rather than defining long-term product roadmaps or corporate strategy, the Chief Engineer will act as the senior technical authority for the site, ensuring engineering excellence across manufacturing operations, production processes, plant equipment, reliability, maintenance, quality, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will spend significant time on site, working closely with production, maintenance and quality teams, troubleshooting technical challenges, supporting operational performance, and driving engineering solutions that improve productivity, efficiency and product quality. Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will play a critical role in ensuring the facility operates safely, effectively and to the highest technical standards. Key Responsibilities Serve as the senior engineering authority for the manufacturing operation. Provide technical leadership across production, manufacturing, maintenance, reliability and process engineering. Drive improvements in plant performance, operational efficiency, quality and equipment uptime. Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex engineering and production challenges. Support capital investment projects, equipment upgrades and process optimisation initiatives. Work closely with production leadership to ensure engineering resources support operational objectives. Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices and technical governance across the site. Act as a key interface between engineering, operations, maintenance and quality functions. Develop and mentor engineering teams whilst maintaining a strong hands-on involvement in technical decision-making. Ensure compliance with all relevant engineering, safety and regulatory requirements. Qualifications Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. Fluent German and English language skills. Extensive engineering experience within metals, steel, aluminium, foundry, processing, manufacturing or other heavy industrial environments. Proven experience operating as a Chief Engineer, Plant Engineer, Head of Engineering or senior technical authority within a manufacturing operation. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial equipment, maintenance, reliability and process improvement. Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical and operational issues in production environments. Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to be regularly present on the shop floor and close to operations. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence both technical and operational teams. The Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to become the technical leader of a major industrial operation. The position will appeal to an individual who enjoys being close to manufacturing, solving complex engineering challenges and driving operational excellence through practical, hands-on leadership. A highly competitive salary - circa 125,000 EUR and benefits package is available for the successful candidate.
Chief Engineer
