The Platform & Vehicle Architecture Design Expert defines the overall vehicle and platform architecture, ensuring the optimal geometric integration of all systems, modules, and components into a consistent, scalable vehicle concept. The objective is to achieve the best overall balance of function, design, ergonomics, weight, cost, and brand differentiation, while fully meeting requirements for manufacturing, assembly, crash safety, homologation, and service.

Acting as the central architectural authority and moderation hub in the development process, the role sets the foundation for a continuously updated Digital Mock-Up (DMU). From strategy through series development, the expert translates market and business requirements—particularly for the Chinese market—into competitive dimensional and architectural concepts, validates them through digital and physical mock-ups, and ensures robust, milestone-compliant implementation according to Mercedes-Benz Development System (MDS) across all development phases.

•    Master’s degree or PhD in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
•    More than 10 years of experience in Overall Vehicle Design, vehicle packaging, or vehicle/platform architecture, with demonstrated responsibility beyond a single vehicle project.
•    Proven experience in platform and multi-derivative architectures, including definition of dimensional concepts, hardpoints, interfaces, and modular strategies.
•    Demonstrated track record as a technical authority in complex, cross-functional decision-making, balancing performance, cost, weight, quality, timing, and industrial feasibility.
•    Deep, system-level understanding of vehicle domains (body, chassis, powertrain, E/E, interior, exterior, safety) and their architectural interactions.
•    Strong experience with Digital Mock-Up (DMU) driven development, virtual validation, and concept feasibility assessment from early strategy to series release.
•    Solid knowledge of automotive development processes, milestones (e.g. MDS), and requirements related to crash, homologation, manufacturing, assembly, and service.
•    Ability to translate market, customer, and regional (China) requirements into competitive vehicle and platform architectures.
•    Excellent moderation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align global counterparts and influence management-level decisions.