Functional Lead - Gearbox bearings

The Functional Lead Gearbox Bearings serves as the technical authority and anchor for all bearing-related disciplines within the Gearbox Sub Module, covering both journal bearings and rolling bearings. The role is responsible for driving the bearing technology roadmap, leading root cause analysis (RCA) activities, and ensuring strong cross‑functional alignment across the organization.

As a key technical reference in new gearbox developments, the Functional Lead ensures that bearing solutions meet future requirements for performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability. In addition, the role may act as Technical Lead in Technology Development projects and New Product Introductions (NPIs), securing the successful deployment of advanced bearing technologies into the product portfolio.

Vestas Technology & Operations > Research & Development (R&D) > Gearbox

Vestas Technology & Operations (VTO) is the integrated CTO and COO organization within Vestas, encompassing the full industrial value chain — from Research & Development, Procurement and Manufacturing to Supply Chain and Quality. VTO’s mission is to transform the way Vestas engineers, sources, contracts, manufactures and delivers its products to consistently meet the highest standards for quality, cost efficiency and time-to-market.

The Sub Module Gearbox is an integral part of Vestas’ Powertrain Module, a global organization of approximately 160 employees with end‑to‑end responsibility for the powertrain lifecycle. The Powertrain Module covers Main Bearing Assembly (MBA), Gearbox, and Generator systems, supporting activities from early concept development through serial production and long‑term fleet performance.

Within this organization, the Sub Module Gearbox holds full technical accountability for all gearbox-related disciplines, spanning:

• Concept and technology development
• Design and validation
• Release and industrialization
• Serial production support
• Fleet and lifecycle performance optimization

The Sub Module Gearbox team consists of 23 highly skilled engineers and technical specialists distributed across three global locations:

• Dortmund, Germany
• Porto, Portugal
• Chennai, India

The team combines deep expertise across multiple domains, including mechanical design, bearing and gear technologies, structural and system analysis, system integration, and validation engineering, enabling robust and reliable gearbox solutions for current and future products.

Responsibilities

• Drive the technology roadmap for gearbox bearings, including both journal bearings and rolling-element bearings
• Identify and mature emerging bearing technologies, such as advanced materials, surface treatments and coatings, lubrication concepts, condition monitoring, and sensing solutions for future platforms
• Ensure strong technical alignment between bearing technologies and adjacent disciplines, including gearbox design, lubrication and tribology, structural and FEM analysis, Gearbox OEMs and bearing suppliers, and test and validation teams
• Lead bearing-related concept development and design activities for new gearbox projects and product upgrades. Provide expert guidance on bearing selection, load assumptions, lubrication strategies, and system integration within the gearbox design
• Support DVPR/DVRE planning and execution, including validation tests and monitoring concepts
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for bearing-related failures, test deviations, and supplier quality issues. Translate analytical findings into design improvements, updated guidelines, and preventive measures
• Collaborate with external research partners (e.g. universities, institutes, and industry working groups) to advance and industrialize bearing technologies. Represent the Powertrain organization in bearing-related technical discussions with certification bodies, suppliers, and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tribology, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• 3–5+ years of relevant experience in drivetrain engineering, bearing technology, or comparable mechanical system development
• Solid technical foundation in journal bearing (EHD) and rolling‑element bearing theory, lubrication, and design integration
• Experience working with simulation environments such as FEM or MBS; familiarity with bearing‑specific analysis tools is an advantage
• Hands-on experience with DFMEA, test planning, DVPR creation, instrumentation, and analysis of bearing validation and test results
• Background in supplier collaboration, with an understanding of bearing manufacturing methods, quality processes, and industrialization requirements

Competencies

• Ability to communicate complex bearing topics clearly and concisely to both engineering and non‑engineering stakeholders
• Solid analytical mindset with a structured approach to root cause analysis, hypothesis testing, and data‑driven decision‑making
• Proven ability to develop clear design guidelines, best‑practice documentation, and simplified engineering tools
• Demonstrated cross‑functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence technical direction across teams
• Proactive and self‑driven, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.  Ability to drive long‑term technology development while balancing innovation, performance, and cost
• Established or emerging professional network within bearing research, suppliers, and drivetrain engineering communities

What we offer

We offer a challenging and rewarding role with excellent opportunities for both professional and personal growth, set within an international and inspiring work environment at the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturer.

Additional information

Primary work location: Dortmund (Germany) or Porto (Portugal)

We do amend or withdraw our jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. Please be advised to apply on or before 20th May 2026.

Our commitment to a fair hiring.

 At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

 
At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

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About Vestas

 
Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. 
Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 185 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field. 
With 30,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. 
Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity. 
To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.