
Senior Specialist Manufacturing Engineering – Rubber Processing & Equipment
Job Description
- Develop, optimize, and industrialize manufacturing processes and equipment for rubber‑based products, with a dedicated focus on automation‑driven hose and belt manufacturing.
- Drive process and equipment development for core rubber technologies including mixing, extrusion, calendaring, assembly, confection, curing, and finishing.
- Lead or support equipment development for fluid handling systems (hoses) or conveying solutions (belts), depending on individual area of specialization.
- Translate product, process, quality, and regulatory requirements into robust machine, tooling, and automation concepts.
- Define and review equipment specifications and support supplier selection, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), ramp‑up, and handover to operations.
- Contribute to the design and integration of automation and/or electrical automation systems, including PLCs, drives, sensors, HMI, and safety functions, according to technical focus.
- Act as a technical problem solver for complex process, equipment, and ramp‑up issues across mechanical, process, and automation disciplines.
- Evaluate and justify capital investments (CAPEX) by preparing ROI analyses, savings calculations, and business‑case justifications for equipment and process solutions.
- Improve manufacturing cost performance through structured technical initiatives addressing machine‑related costs, labor‑related costs, and operational efficiency.
- Support global plant launches, technology transfer, standardization, and drive innovation in manufacturing technologies and processes to enhance competitiveness
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a comparable discipline
- Long-term experience in manufacturing engineering, process, and/or equipment development, preferably within rubber or elastomer processing
- Proven expertise in one or more rubber manufacturing domains, such as: Mixing and compounding, Fluid handling systems (hoses), Conveying solutions (belts)
- Solid understanding of industrial machinery, tooling, and production equipment used in rubber processing
- Experience in developing, reviewing, and approving machine and line specifications for equipment procurement
- Proven capability in CAPEX evaluation, including ROI calculations, savings assessments, and economic justification of machine investments
- Experience with automation and electrical automation systems, with depth depending on individual specialization
- Ability to work across disciplines, effectively combining mechanical, process, and automation perspectives
- Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving skills in complex manufacturing and industrialization environments
- High level of ownership, technical leadership, and ability to operate independently at senior level
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
- Willingness to travel to production facilities worldwide (40-50%)
The well-being of our employees is important to us. That's why we offer exciting career prospects and support you in achieving a good work-life balance with additional benefits such as:
- Training opportunities
- Mobile and flexible working models
- Sabbaticals
and much more...
Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.
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Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.