MAX WILFINGER

Max Wilfinger

graduate industrial engineer

Studies

Production Science and Management (English study), MSc
Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, BSc

Networks

TOP-Skills

Program Management, Product Development, Strategy

Contact

mail@maxwilfinger.com

Interests

fast cars, UI & industrial design, R&D, new technologies, creative and innovative products, future mobility, big data

Graduate engineer with know-how in cross-functional and agile project management plus engineering, especially in the automotive industry. Experienced in strategic planning, organization and coordination of projects. Familiar with the phases of new product development, from concept prototyping to mass production readiness and market introduction. Creative team player and analytical problem-solver with an exceptionally quick grasp. Following my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, I’ve graduated in the English Master’s program Production Science and Management. In addition to various practical experience, I also run a start-up which has been profitable since its foundation. Through certified training courses I continuously improve and broaden my skills. As an early adopter I am passionate about functional product design and new technologies.

Companies

I have worked for

Curriculum Vitae

My Resume

Education


MSc in Production Science and Management

Graz University of Technology — Graz, Austria

  • International Engineering and Management Master’s Degree in English (Curriculum)
  • Focus: production sciences, strategic planning, internet of things (IoT), product development, business informatics, lean and innovation management
  • Master’s thesis with Magna in the field of software engineering: Process Optimization of Mechatronic Systems in Automotive Applications (excellent)
  • Graduated with distinction; FSI- and TU merit-based scholarship holder

+ read more

BSc in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration

Graz University of Technology — Graz, Austria

  • Focus: machine elements, technical mechanics, mathematics, CAx, technology management, basics of computer science and electrical engineering (Curriculum)
  • Bachelor’s thesis: Interaction of Mechatronic Components in the Drivetrain (excellent)

Abitur (German secondary school leaving examination)

Friedrich-Schiller-Gymnasium — Marbach am Neckar, Germany

  • Advanced courses: mathematics, German, English, economics and biology

Professional Experience


Vehicle Engineering, Prototype Management

BMW Group — Munich, Germany

  • Responsible for hardware realization of conversion projects across product lines
  • Responsible for the hardware offer product line MINI, compact class BMW and BMW i
  • Planning and management of retrofitting projects of test vehicles (complete vehicle)
  • Decision-making authority on the building phase type and evaluation of hardware needs
  • Interface management between product line, engineering and production
  • Product configuration of non-series-like production phases (prototypes)
  • Process engineering and optimization within the hardware process chain
  • Development of concepts in the area of overall demand determination

+ read more

Founder and CEO

4ward concepts — Ludwigsburg, Germany

  • Founder and Managing Director with a focus on technology and innovation
  • Development and conception of innovative products, services and business models in the field of sports and their distribution as well as investments in this field
  • Hardware product development from concept and prototyping to series production
  • Performing cost accounting, controlling and resource planning
  • Handling supplier selection, purchasing, quality management, logistics and distribution
  • Overall responsibility for marketing, design and branding of all company brands
  • Management of the entire IT structure, software tools, servers, accounts and systems

+ read more

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Integration

Magna Steyr Engineering — Graz, Austria

  • Working student in the technical area of chassis and powertrain engineering
  • Support the vehicle integration of future Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Adaptation of development processes based on future strategies and business models
  • Concepts for the integration and validation of future fully autonomous driving systems
  • Support in the area of functional safety (ISO 26262) in concept development
  • Assist the team leader for ADAS integration and chassis/powertrain in various projects

+ read more

Program Management

Magna Powertrain — Lannach, Austria

  • Working student in the program management of global product programs
  • Coordination of interfaces between engineering, sales, production and procurement
  • Assistant of the Program Managers and the Director Program Management Europe
  • Participation in customer meetings with change, schedule and offer negotiations
  • Integration in SE teams with resource planning and tracking of different topics
  • Support in the management of various product programs over the product life cycle from concept and acquisition to the end of production (regarding quality, timing and costs)

+ read more

Vehicle Engineering, Testing and Quality BEV (Taycan)

Porsche — Weissach, Germany

  • Support the team leader prototype management and testing BEV and sports car series
  • Analysis and optimization of global vehicle testing strategies and endurance test plans
  • Preparation of documents for presentation to the executive management of Porsche
  • Participation in budget planning and controlling of the BEV project (engineering)
  • Assistance in the Department of overall vehicle engineering, testing and quality
  • Involvement in SE teams, E-Department control cycles and series committees
  • Evaluation of market analysis, charging infrastructure and customer field data
  • Planning of the endurance and complete vehicle tests of the first BEV derivative

+ read more

Engineering Project Management

Magna Powertrain — Lannach, Austria

  • Working student in the technical overall engineering project management
  • Supporting the Project Managers (technical & integration) and Department Manager
  • Resource planning and controlling of projects (budget, work packages and time)
  • Technical guidance in a variety of custom powertrain projects (axles and transfer cases)
  • Cost and forecast analyzes as well as scheduling of projects (also with OEM)
  • Support the daily operations with the system integration in project management

+ read more

Powertrain Engineering, Transmission Mechanics and Testing

Mercedes-AMG — Affalterbach, Germany

  • Planning, organization, implementation and evaluation of powertrain tests
  • Dimensioning and designing hydraulic components in the clutch and transmission
  • Documentation and evaluation of diagnostic findings and benchmark tests
  • Organization and assistance in test setups (development vehicle & test bench)
  • Coordination of parts / development parts logistics and test stand commissioning
  • Support daily business operations and continuous contact with other departments: workshop, construction, application and suppliers (and across internal plants)

+ read more

Test Driver

AVL — Graz, Austria

  • Testing of functional endurance runners, prototype and pre-series vehicles within the framework of data record management of engine development and calibration
  • Measurement and recording of parameters of the control units and other sensors in the engine and exhaust system using ETAS INCA during test drives

+ read more

Lead Yacht Designer

K2 Vision — Lenzerheide, Switzerland

  • Responsible for the overall design and construction of a 35m long ship
  • Deck planning of the four decks, complete exterior and interior design
  • Planning of supply lines and installations (electricity, water, IT)
  • Creation of photorealistic renderings for product and advertising images
  • Project work in the home office and on site at the shipyard in the Maldives

+ read more

Research and Development

Reutter — Nellmersbach, Germany

  • Prototype development and optimization of tank and SCR systems
  • Test report, sampling (PSW) in accordance with PPAP
  • Creation of multi-language presentations and work instructions
  • Participation in meetings with the OEM: Decision and implementation of actions
  • Creation of standardized DVP&Rs for all product groups, based on diverse customer requirements, specifications and international standards.

+ read more

Project and Process Management Support

Ingenieurbüro Kurt Wilfinger — Affalterbach, Germany

  • Project planning and simulations of photovoltaic systems and LED light technology
  • Building automation: Creation of visualizations, graphical user interfaces and logics for the GIRA HomeServer. KNX-Bus and interface programming.
  • Graphic design and web development

+ read more

Prototype Manufacturing and Test Laboratory

Reutter — Nellmersbach, Germany

  • Research, prototyping and development of filler caps and SCR systems
  • Creation of a test and time plan for a complete product release (DVP&R)
  • Measurements in the test laboratory, validations, development and series tests
  • Analysis, result interpretations, documentation and preparing presentations

+ read more

Quality Management and Quality Assurance

Reutter — Myjava, Slovakia

  • Quality assurance and optimization of radiator caps and valves
  • Machine and process capability investigations (cpk)
  • Production scrap analysis and documentation with tolerance studies
  • Production scrap reduction of 15% by process optimization in the manufactory on locations in Germany, Austria and Slovakia

+ read more

Production, Assembly and Quality Assurance

GETRAG FORD Transmissions — Ludwigsburg, Germany

  • Cooperation in production, hardening shop, final assembly and quality control
  • Testing of engine control and transmission gears on measuring machines

Communication Designer

design hoch drei — Stuttgart, Germany

  • Design of print, digital and online products for Mercedes-Benz
  • Creation of the trade fair appearance for Herrenknecht

Work Experience Internship

Mercedes-AMG — Affalterbach, Germany

  • Work in the Performance Studio on vehicle customization
  • Assistance with assembly for the Mercedes-AMG G-Class

Personal Skills

Qualification and Engagement

Languages


German  —   native

English  —   fluent

French  —   basic

Software / IT


Professional knowledge

Fundamental knowledge

Programming Languages and Operating Systems

  • Python, R, VBA, DAX, C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, LaTeX
  • Microsoft Windows, Debian GNU/Linux, Apple macOS

Voluntary Work


Member of VDI

Verein Deutscher Ingenieure - The Association of German Engineers

  • Committed member of the Association of German Engineers
  • Participation in various networking and further education events

Member of IAESTE Graz

International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience

  • Vice President and Member of the Board for Marketing — FY 17/18: Representation of the President and taking minutes of meetings. Responsible for marketing-related issues.
  • Auditor — FY 15/16: Responsible for the ongoing business control and audit of the financial management of the Management Board. Supervision of the proper accounting.
  • Member of the Board for Marketing — FY 14/15: Development and implementation of marketing strategies for our projects and the voluntary participation at IAESTE Graz. Design of marketing material, advertising, social media administration and branding.
  • Deputy Career Fair Manager TECONOMY Graz — FY 13/14: Organizing the greatest career fair for students in Austria with around 100 companies and over 4000 visitors.
  • Exchange Incoming Team — FY 12/13: Checking the incoming nominations for internship offers. Interviewing the international candidates on the telephone in English.

Expertise

Competence and Proficiency

Experience

Through projects but also internships in the automotive industry, I have gained a lot of experience in the overall vehicle and component development and had intensive insights into the various departments and business processes.

Reliability

I work reliable and organized. I always bring in new ideas, therefore my research and engineering has already contributed to several patents and major improvements in the development of products, existing components and processes.

Commitment

In addition to studying and working, I am involved in voluntary student organizations for the organization of great career fairs, excursions to various companies and the international exchange of students for technical experience / internships.

Interest

Besides my interest in digitalization and "Internet of Things", I have a very high affinity for the automotive industry. I am open for radical things and interested in new technologies, forward-looking ideas and eager to develop things further.

Team Work

I like working with people and it is essential for me to work in a team together and rely on each other, regardless of whether it is in my daily work or the engagement in voluntary student organizations besides my studies.

Creativity

I have already demonstrated creative and pragmatic ways of thinking, such as finding solutions, in various companies. I am also very passionate about creativity in the sense of great design, excellent functionality and inspiring content.

Further Education

Courses, Certificates and Awards

Python for Data Science

Udemy

3-month course

DAX (Excel and Power BI Desktop)

LinkedIn

2-month course

Python and R for Data Science

Udemy

3-month course

Machine Learning Data Science

Udemy

2-month course

Ethical Hacking

Udemy

3-month course

Python Bootcamp

Udemy

2-month course — received: Oktober 2019

Online Marketing

Google

Digital Garage — received: April 2018

Merit-based Scholarship

Graz University of Technology

for excellent exam results — received: December 2017

FSI Scholarship

FSI / Magna

for the Master's thesis — received: October 2017

Data Analysis with R

by Facebook

2-month course — received: May 2017

The Analytics Edge

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3-month course — received: June 2016

Analyzing and Visualizing Data

Microsoft

2-month course — received: May 2016

Technology Entrepreneurship

Stanford University

2-month course — received: May 2016

Shaping the Future of Work

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2-month course — received: May 2016

Computer Science 101

Stanford University

6-week course — received: March 2016

Contact

No matter what.

Max Wilfinger

Mobile: +43 160-158-1993
mail@maxwilfinger.com

80797 Munich
Germany