• Role Split: 60% Leadership / 40% Technical
• Team Size (Direct Reports): 6

We are looking for a Team Lead who wants to build, lead, and scale the engineering team behind the production technology ecosystem that powers millions of tonies products worldwide. You will be responsible for the overall architecture, reliability, and continuous improvement of the production systems and data pipelines that are used for our global Tonie and Toniebox manufacturing operations on all production lines at our contract manufacturers.

This role blends strong people leadership with architectural ownership and hands-on technical depth. Your work enables real-time production visibility, system scalability, and reliable global manufacturing operations.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a cross-functional engineering team (software engineers, SRE, System engineers).
• Drive sprint planning, resourcing, prioritization, and delivery.
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and development support.

• Lead architectural decisions across all our production and product data processing.
• Ensure reliability, security, observability, and scalability of production systems.
• Define engineering standards, documentation practices, and quality guidelines.
• Oversee deployments, testing, and validation at global manufacturing partners.

• Own system rollouts and upgrades at suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Ensure stable integrations, production readiness, and smooth handovers.
• Support production scaling for new product launches and peak cycles.

• Partner closely with other stakeholders at tonies who handle product engineering, production management, and the cloud systems that enable our products to work.
• Translate operational and business requirements into scalable technical solutions.
• Align roadmap priorities with product launches, factory needs, and global operations.

• Own uptime targets, data quality, and continuous improvement of global production systems.
• Drive root-cause analysis and long-term fixes (not firefighting).
• Support rollout milestones and ensure smooth global operations.

• 5+ years of engineering experience (backend or systems).
• 2+ years leading engineering or cross-functional technical teams.
• Strong backend engineering experience 
• Experience with system-level data flows, distributed systems, or manufacturing/IoT environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.

• Experience with MES/MOM, IoT, or manufacturing systems.
• Infrastructure, DevOps, or SRE experience.
• Strong Linux systems knowledge.
• Knowledge of factory automation, hardware–software interfaces, or industrial protocols.
• Experience working with remote engineering teams.

• Python, Django REST
• PostgreSQL
• Linux (Debian)
• Virtualization (Proxmox, Docker)
• MQTT or message brokers
• GitHub, CI/CD
• ETL pipelines, observability tooling
• I/O devices like cameras, printers, and RFID readers

• Learning & Growth: In this role you will learn how to scale a globally deployed production execution ecosystem end-to-end, build digital physical production systems used across multiple factories and regions, lead engineering transformation in a fast-growing consumer hardware company.
• Global Teamwork: We collaborate across departmental and country borders on our vision to bring the Toniebox into every child's room in the world.
• Come as you are: This applies not only to the dress code but also to everything else. Because only where you truly feel comfortable can you give your best.
• Mobility: Choose the option that suits you best - a Deutschlandticket (public transport ticket) for unlimited mobility, a monthly contribution for an office parking space, a leasing bicycle, or a remote work subsidy.
• Enhanced Security: Benefit from subsidies for company pension plans, occupational pension schemes, and occupational disability insurance.
• Rest & Time Off: Enjoy 30 days of paid annual leave as well as three additional days off such as Rosenmontag, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. After one year of employment, you can also use up to 10 "toniecation days" (unpaid leave days).
• Continuous Learning: Benefit from our internal and external training opportunities as well as an individual learning budget to continuously expand your knowledge.
• Language Learning & Relaxation: Improve your communication skills with the language learning app Babbel and find relaxation through our access to the meditation app Calm.
• Discounts: Benefit from attractive discounts on our entire range of tonies products.
  

1. Recruiter Screen (30min)
2. Hiring Manager Video Interview (60 min) 
3. Technical & Collaboration Interview (60 min)

For transparency, please note the following:

• The recruitment process for this role may be conducted in English. We kindly ask that application documents and written responses be submitted in English.
• Only candidates with demonstrated relevant technical expertise and team leadership experience will be shortlisted, as both are essential for success in this role.