Product Technical Leader - HVAC

Valeo is a tech global company, designing breakthrough solutions to reinvent the mobility. We are an automotive supplier partner to automakers and new mobility actors worldwide. Our vision? Invent a greener and more secured mobility, thanks to solutions focusing on intuitive driving and reducing CO2 emissions. We are leader on our businesses, and recognized as one of the largest global innovative companies.

We are looking for a Product Technical Leader in our team focused on the development of the automotive HVAC and thermal systems in our R&D Center in Prague. The Product Technical Leader (PTL) is responsible for the technical leadership of an automotive HVAC product throughout one specific project phase — from RFQ and nomination through development, testing, optimization, and industrialization. The PTL ensures robust technical solutions, cost control, and smooth cooperation between internal teams and the customer. The role is focused on customer projects and requires strong technical orientation, customer communication, and coordination skills. The PTL works on one project at a time, while being part of a team managing multiple HVAC projects.

YOUR CHALLENGES?

Technical & Project Responsibility Lead the technical scope of an HVAC project from RFQ or nomination phase through development and industrialization

Apply the Product Development Process (PDP) in line with CPM (CLEAN Project Management)

Ensure robust product design aligned with technical, quality, timing, and cost targets

Apply standardization rules and request de-standardization only when technically and economically justified

Define, plan, and conduct all required design and technical reviews

Ensure timely design reviews with cross-functional networks (Purchasing, Industrial, Manufacturing, Testing)

Ensure compliance with automotive standards and customer-specific requirements

Testing, Validation & Optimization Oversee testing strategies, validation plans, and optimization activities

Understand testing methods and validation approaches for HVAC components and systems

Support root cause analysis and technical problem-solving

Customer Interface Represent the R&D organization toward the customer

Act as the main technical contact for customer-related R&D topics

Break down customer requirements and cascade them internally to relevant teams

Build and maintain a strong, trust-based relationship with customers (German and English-speaking customers primarily)

Coordination & Team Collaboration Coordinate and technically guide Design Leaders, Product Engineers, and other R&D contributors

Assign work packages and ensure clarity of responsibilities

Ensure effective collaboration within the project team to keep the project moving forward

Regularly align with the R&D Manager, Product Manager, and Discipline Managers regarding resources and priorities

Planning, Budget & Reporting Responsible for detailed technical planning, scheduling, and budgeting within own scope Monitor activities and spending to stay within the approved budget

Contribute to identifying needs for resources, equipment, and investments

Report project status, risks, and escalations to the Project Manager or R&D Manager when needed

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU... University degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or similar)

Experience in automotive product development (automotive HVAC experience is an advantage)

Knowledge of mechatronic systems and materials (plastics, aluminum); basic electronics knowledge is a plus

Understanding of thermodynamics is an advantage

Ability to read and understand technical drawings

Familiarity with testing and validation of automotive components or systems

Strong technical orientation with interest in a technical expert role

Good communication skills and ability to work with customers and cross-functional teams

Willingness to continuously learn and develop

WE OFFER Work in a stable international company in a multinational team

Work with cutting-edge technologies in Automotive

Possibility to see the whole development process in one place - from an idea (customer requirement) to a product (e.g. automated parking ECU)

6 weeks of vacation per year

Flexible working hours and home office possibility

Variable remuneration - monthly and semester bonuses depending on team and company result

Contribution to the pension insurance after the probation period, 5% from the gross salary

Meal contribution and free time vouchers on Flexi Pass card

Possibility of Multisport card

Fitness room and external sports ground (football, basketball, volleyball) on site

Mobility support for commuting, accommodation and moving services if you live over 20km away

Company canteen offering a selection of international cuisine

Easy access to work by Prague metro line A, car parking for all employees

Personal development program through technical trainings and language courses

Regular company team building events

Outdoor relax zone with a barbecue space for team building

Job: Customer Applications Organization: Product Technical Schedule: Full time Employee Status: Regular Job Type: Main Employment (standard value) Job Posting Date: 2026-06-18 Join Us ! Being part of our team, you will join:

• one of the largest global innovative companies, with more than 20,000 engineers working in Research & Development
• a multi-cultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration
• more than 100,000 colleagues in 31 countries... which make a lot of opportunity for career growth
• a business highly committed to limiting the environmental impact if its activities and ranked by Corporate Knights as the number one company in the automotive sector in terms of sustainable development

More information on Valeo: https://www.valeo.com